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<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Elemental brawler<br><br>Chapter 2: first hunt<br><br>part 1<br><br>JB came out of the capsule and went to prepare his meals. Once swallowed, he did his housework then go in the shower. He practiced some physical exercises and stretching and then returned to the capsule. He entered it, closed the access, then launched the connection.<br>Cilerius reappeared near one of the gates of the city. He thought for a moment to verify if he forgot anything, then walked with a firm step towards the outside. This city of the West continent was for the most part, the playground of a multitude of small Western guilds. Therefore, there was no big Guild ruling on the region and therefore no tolls charged. It was a big advantage for beginners, but ultimately it was to be feared that this lack of organization would be fatal in the event of invasion. But in the immediate future, Cilerius had to appreciate the situation. He would not have to reserve, for guild taxes, part of his booty.<br>Once the door passed, he was able to discover the prairie which stretched between the wooded hills outside the walls. He could see the numerous groups of 3 to 6 per-sons in general who hunted. He noticed an area where there seemed to be no one in particular and walked to it. There, he thought:<br>'Well, now, it is necessary for me to try and train my new magical talents.'<br>In this mindset, he targeted a rabbit at a short distance and recited:<br>“ethers cripple my prey: magical Restriction!”<br>The rabbit was locked. Then Cilerius, toward the area where his prey was blocked, continued:<br>"From the Earth to mud, sand to stone and vice versa: alteration of soil!”<br>A small area, 50 cm in diameter, of prairie liquefied and rabbit sank a little in the mud. Satisfied with his essays, he continued:<br>"my feet are as light as the feather in the wind: wind walk."<br>This spell had no real use for this fight, but Cilerius wanted to both test and exercise it. Get to know oneself, there began the road to success. Then, he waited while walking in circles to time the duration of action of the various spells. Two steep in suspension were just what the wind walk allowed him for the first test. He immediately renewed the spell again and again, each time that the effect was waning. After 30 seconds, the rabbit began to move and attempted to emerge from the mud where he was entangled. Memorizing this result, Cilerius repeated the spell and the rabbit ceased to struggle. Whenever the restriction mustered, he renewed it. At the same time, he found no change on the altered ground and thus confirmed that the effect lasted for a very long time or until the cast of the same spell on the same area, thing he did and immediately, the mud froze, trapping the legs of the rabbit in the now dry land. Cilerius continued this repetition of three spells on the same rabbit, taking care, when finally he used nearly all of his mana, to block the rabbit in the earth before meditation. After an hour of this routine, he reached level 2 of each used spells, as well as in magic mastery, air and land elemental mastery, preservation of mana and meditation. This done, he decided to finish his Guinea pig:<br>“ether arrows pierce my enemy: Magic Missile!”<br>The tip of his index flashed and a little ball of light focused there, then it launched, in the form of a short ray of light, in the direction of the rabbit. Stuck, it could not but be struck without hope of escape. Normally, a wizard at this level ought to repeat 2 or 3 times this spell to kill a rabbit. However, the stats of Cilerius provided a surplus of damage which ended by a 1-shoot. Cilerius had a satisfied smile then targeted an-other rabbit who ran at short distance and repeated the same process as for the first. And even then. And again after, until he reached the beginner level 5 for the 7 used skills. He earned little experience and loot, but for now, his concern was to improve the mastery of basic spells. He took the time to cook the obtained rabbit meat, then, the night coming, braced for a much faster hunt. It was time to bump up mastery for other more offensive spells.<br>He threw a stone in the direction of a rabbit to get its attention, that com quickly, and he cast:<br>"the earth awakens and demands its due: mineral needles!” aimed at the area where should be the rabbit at the time assumed the spell activation. Obviously, the first test was not that conclusive, missing the target by more than one meter, the rabbit having been faster than expected and making leaps in his race. Cilerius had time to cast:<br>"may winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of restriction!”<br>A gust of wind got up and turned into a whirlwind enveloping the rabbit, totally disorienting it and wounding it slightly through particles, sand twigs and other herbs, borne on the wind. Cilerius took then distance between him and the rabbit and prepared to launch again the spell of Earth. The operation was repeated several times, until the estimates and reality meet and that needles touch the rabbit in his race. Only taken by the edge of the zone of action of the spell, it was not killed on the spot and Cilerius decided to finish it using his offensive spell of ice:<br>"cold grabs my prey: glacial Palm!” In his palm gathered a hand-like form of icy energy that went in a straight line toward the target. The rabbit, a paw impaled by mineral needles, was hit by the attack, appeared stunned a moment and then collapsed, stiff.<br>Cilerius continued the same pattern a long time, seeking to adapt his estimates to the behaviour of his prey while improving his mastery of the 3 spells. So that, in addition to his growing mastery, a new competence was created:<br>* Ding! your understanding of animal behavior allows you to better anticipate the actions of your prey. Acquisition of competence hunting, beginner 1. Lines of movement will appear in your sight. From expertise, the number of line will decrease and the accuracy of the trace will increase, including the ones responding to external events.<br>To use, this competence drew 6 more or less brilliant golden ribbons from the rabbit that he observed. These ribbons, 5 departing front and one towards the rear, were as brighter that the possibility of the movement of the prey in this path was great. The visible length of the ribbon seemed to indicate the distance which would be covered in a period of time.<br>' a skill that could be very interesting, but it will need training, otherwise, this assis-tance could be more a handicap, neutralizing my instinct. If I am to systematically rely on the highest probability, I would be tricked by the irrational behaviour and this could be very dangerous.'<br>Then he resumed his hunt, multiplying the trials and combinations. Thus, he realized that at low level, ice and fire spells married badly with the zephyr's restriction, because its powerful swirling dispersed their effect. Cilerius imagined, however, that at higher level, the combined effect could however be multiplied. Reluctance towards magic of Earth or air at the Academy of magic, had to come from a lack of diligence in the practice of combined spells. He continued his hunt, using all the spells in his book, even drawing nocturnal inflamed arabesques on the prairie with fire steeps. The performance in experience and loot remained low throughout a week while he only made raise his expertise in various skills. During the day, this resulted in a comical scene. Several groups of players, noticing his behavior and especially the speed to finish the prey once had decided it, were to recruit him:<br>"C'mon, go invite him, we will hunt much faster.”<br>“Hurry, I see others who look at him ".<br>"If we make him join, we can expand our hunting area and progress faster than oth-ers.”<br>Meanwhile, Cilerius stopped a rabbit and then ran toward to kick it like the clearance from soccer goalkeeper and send the rabbit in the air then targeted it with a spell of fire, burning it in the air. A charred body fell on the ground, while Cilerius burst in a great laugh, which in these circumstances, seemed very cruel.<br>"come back, he must be crazy."<br>"let's move away, we know not if it is contagious.”<br>“This is a psycho, if we associates with him, everyone will avoid us”<br>And all those who had seemed interested by him turned away and even wandered to avoid him seeks to join. For Cilerius who did not realize this behavior, this resulted in an expanded hunting area and bias looks when he left his hunting ground or re-turned.<br>"they must wonder how I became so strong" thought Cilerius, without realizing that he was building a bizarre reputation.<br>At evening, he posted himself at the gates of the city and then began to cook the meat that he had received from his hunting day. He obtained the desired effects: while cooking for himself, he attracted the olfactory attention of groups returning from their day of hunting. When a fair number of players had been thus baited, he began to shout:<br>"for a honest compensation, I cook your meat. Don't just eat rye bread. Sell no more your meat to then buy expensive bland rations. Benefit the fruit of your work and enjoy the product of your hunt! “<br>The assembled players looked at each other, wondering who would be the first to talk, then one of them decided:<br>"what is an honest compensation? ''<br>"the cost of seasoning, meaning two copper coins for the preparation that I propose, as well as one copper coins for the labor provided."<br>"it seems indeed honest, but what tells me that you're not going to just take my meat?''<br>"this could be a risk, but what use for such low income, to ruin my reputation? ''<br>"it's not wrong... here, cook me that, please" he said giving him a piece of rabbit and 3 copper coins.<br>Cilerius took it and put it in a pot, added a little bit of seasoning, then put all to heat. Finished, he gave the result to his first customer:<br>“bon appetit”.<br>“thank you”, and the player tasted the received stew. After a first cautious and curi-ous bite, he continued engulfing the rest as if he had not eaten anything for days. Having finished his stew, under the eyes of assistance, he opened his bag and asked:<br>"can you prepare me these pieces of meat?''<br>"of course, there is for 5 servings, this will do so 15 copper coins.<br>“here”, hastened to answer the client by drawing into his purse.<br>Assistance observed the scene with interest and then someone asked:<br>"was it so good? ''<br>"I would not say it was a 4 stars meal, but frankly, there is no photo with rye bread!”<br>And the rest of the players began to ready meat and copper coins, awaiting their turn.<br>Thus, Cilerius gathered a customer pool for his trade that, while failing to be very profitable, allowed him to slowly but surely increase competence of cooking. This first evening, it took him 3 hours to satisfy all present customers. Tidying up his material, he cried:<br>“my shop will open every evening from 7 till 9, see you tomorrow”<br>He didn't intend to do only that and in addition, it ensured so to have during this limited time slice, a maximum of work and thus to improve his competence fast. And indeed, every evening at the opening of his shop, a host of players was present to have their meat prepared. The increase in the number of clients and the compression in time to perform the work allowed him to increase his competence throughout the days. So after 2 weeks, it reached level 3 in cooking and 5 in handicraft. As a bonus, he acquired the ability to distill liquors, something that he immediately put into practice.<br>All these activities, did little to gain experience, so that after 4 weeks of all these activities combined Cilerius was still only lvl5. It was frankly very low if you only thought in terms of level, but it was ignoring the tedious work provided to increase his skills. Indeed, since long ago, Cilerius had found that one of the big problems of the moo's was that progression on low level was so fast that it was usually not possible to raise quickly enough the skills and that one reached high lvl, with skills of limited effectiveness compared to the then confronted opponents. Having spells that fizzled at high lvl, it was like to invite Death to have a drink. In fact, often, it was far more complicated to raise skills at higher level than if it had been gradually made so. The reverse was also true. Skills more proefficient than normal, gave at any level, advantages far from negligible. The few people who bothered to prepare so, were often confused with cheaters, because their powers were far more destructive in comparison with the other players of the same level.<br>Knowing this basic principle, it was not so amazing that JB, lover of effectiveness that he was, made Cilerius a perfectionist in all areas where he could.<br>That said, at lvl5, rabbits and other rodents did not result in effective skills raises anymore. He therefore sought prey from a higher level, the foxes. He observed a moment their behaviour, both when calm or in combat with players, and then, when he thought to have sufficiently learned their habits, he targeted one and began his usual assault, hold then targeting with his various offensive spells. All this while using the “utilities” spells and meditating. Foxes, or rabbits before them, never posed a serious problem to Cilerius. His mastery in the spells increasing, the destructive power of those increased and fights shortened, this even while he was taking his time. He also continued his habit of targeting in their race his future victims. In doing so, he further increased his hunting competence. So that upon reaching level 4 thereof, he received in addition a secondary skill: track.<br><br>Track: your knowledge of the prey now allows you to recognize and follow in, the footsteps of potential prey. Increased competence will let you track traces older and on less suitable grounds.<br><br>One more utilitarian skill, which properly used, could prove to be very interesting.<br>Hunting day and night, cooking at evening and sleeping in the morning, Cilerius quietly reached the lvl10 in 2 more weeks. Above all, he managed to reach level 10 in each of his magical mastery, transforming them into intermediate level 1, winning numerous small improvements in each of the competences. The more obvious was a marked improvement in the destructive power of the spells and their differentiation. For exemple, the arrow of ether could now be multiple, up to one by finger and be guided more precisely, until an equivalent at a right angle trajectory correction. His finger of fire him became a fireball that exploded on impact, adding further damage.<br>Late at night, when nobody was hunting nearby anymore, he tried yet variants, at-tracting his target by groups, circling them in the flames with his fire steep, then fin-ished them according to his inspiration, with one or other of his spells.<br>He subsequently attacked the wolves who learned quickly that it wasn't because he was alone that Cilerius was a prey for them. It was the opposite, they were prey hunted without any mercy by a man who left nothing to chance.<br>The level of these monsters in the direct vicinity of the city, not presenting a real challenge anymore, Cilerius approached the edge of the forest and began to attract some of its monsters. When he reached lvl15, he decided it was time to get looking for the golden key. His prey observation in general, of foxes in particular, proved so an asset because he could discern the behaviour of these when they succeeded in stealing an object. Indeed, instead of returning to the area in which they patrolled before, they fled into the forest. Cilerius then used track competence, following the trace of foxes to the forest then inside it. All tracks joined in one and headed off to the heart of the forest. Cautiously, Cilerius continued to follow the trail, attentive to his environment. He did not doubt that searching for the key would necessarily lead to face dangers probably otherwise more important than those encountered previously. He wasn't complaining, assuming that the quality of the reward depended on the difficulty of a quest.<br>The trail led him to a small clearing in the center of which it ended. At this point, other tracks converged and signs of battle remained. Cilerius stationed at the edge of the clearing, near which did not pass any track and he put himself on the lookout, hidden in a bush. It was finally after a wait of 3 hours that a fox exited the runway and came to stand in the center of the clearing. At this time, a noise came from the opposite side to where it was posted. The fox stood on his feet, a worried look on his face, but had no time to react when a gnoll arise. Gnolls are ferocious humanoids hyenas knowing how to fight with weapons. They are sometimes equipped with pieces of armor. The one running at this moment to the fox, wielding a club and was labeled: *young gnoll *.<br>The fox could only oppose symbolic resistance to the onslaught of the gnoll. At the fight ends, the *young gnoll* picked up its loots, including the object previously sto-len and carried by the fox, then turned heel and ran back from where it had come.<br>Cilerius spend a few minutes waiting as a precaution, then exited his bush.<br>‘This *young gnoll * must be approximately lvl20, seeing how he massacred the Fox. One would pose no problem, I think, but if I stumble on a pack or a more mature gnoll, this could be risky. For now, I will follow the trail and see where it leads me.’ This monologue completed, Cilerius began to stalk the young gnoll.<br>Carefully, he followed the trail left by the gnoll and after one hour of careful stalking, arrived near a burrow. Cilerius could spot the entrance at a distance of 100 m. Post-ed on both side of the entrance, 2 *gnolls guard*, apparently wearing a chainmail and armed with war-spears. It wasn’t possible to assess accurately their level, the only clue being that the level required to wear these chainmail, was 25. Carefully observing the surroundings, Cilerius eventually spotted several *gnoll scout*, dressed in leather tunics and armed with hunting-spears. These were posted between 50 and 150 m from the burrow entrance, more or less hidden, on the lookout. Cilerius counted 13 of them visible in the vicinity, but it was likely that they were on the entire area surrounding the burrow and near side entrances. So he set out to find additional sentries. It took him 2 hours to locate all of them as well as 2 secondary access, each of them guarded by a single *gnoll guard*. Having pointed the exact locations of every gnoll, be it static or on patrol, Cilerius could plan his assault. Not knowing the exact capabilities of his opponents, he had to make sure to fight only one at a time.<br>The fact that no information was available on these creatures was both a problem and a happy surprise. A problem because obviously, he would have to tackle mon-sters which he knew none capabilities. A happy surprise, because this meant that almost nobody had fought them and that certain benefits linked to their discovery could provide additional reward. Not to mention the value of this information if he unveiled it. He knew about the dark gamers system because of his preparatory re-search, therefore, he knew that information was a popular currency among them.<br>Cilerius selected for first prey, the *scout gnoll* both farthest from the other and nearest of the path by which he arrived. In the case of emergency, it was better to prepare an “exit door”. He waited then that patrollers themselves were all sufficiently distant and launched his attack.<br>First of all, attract prey away from others, to avoid the proxy agro during the fight. From the maximum distance, Cilerius casted:<br>“ether arrows pierce my enemy: Magic Missile!”<br>From each hand, 3 magic missiles left and went to pierce the *scout gnoll* who lost about a quarter of his life on this attack. It began to run towards its attacker but he was waiting for him.“the Earth awakens and demands its due: mineral needles!” The legs impaled by mineral needles, the *scout gnoll* let out a roar, was stopped and lost a further third of its life.<br>This first target was to serve as a guinea pig to test the possible elemental resistanc-es. Cilerius used so his 2 other offensive spells in attempt to finish it:<br>"Cold grabs my prey: Glacial Palm!”<br>But then, the *scout gnoll* life decreased only imperceptibly.<br>‘strong resistance to ice magic, good to know. May be due to its hard leather and fur’.<br>In addition to not having done significant damages, the spell of ice had released the *scout gnoll*, which now pressed forward on Cilerius, the lance in front.<br>With a stroke of his staff, Cilerius deflected the spear and then struck his assailant to the throat, half knocking him out, interrupting its breathing and stopping it completely in its assault. At point-blank range, he recited:<br>“the purifying fire burns my enemy: fire finger, double.” Two flames appeared at the end of his first and middle fingers and then, Cilerius reached out violently in the face of the gnoll shouting:<br>"fire fork fingers in the eyes!" and indeed, the *scout gnoll* was struck in the eyes by 2 burning fingers and was totally blind, losing even a quarter of his life, either that gnolls are particularly susceptible to fire or that the blow to the eyes was considered very harmful.<br>!Ding! you performed a special move. Do you want to register it as a new skill?<br>“Not yet” rapidly answered Cilerius, busy with his opponent and unsure of the benefit of a new skill for a special move. <br>His prey blinded, Cilerius finished it with his fists. When the *scout gnoll* collapsed an informative window popped:<br>!Ding! you killed a gnoll of the Pride Blood pack. Number of Pride Blood gnoll killed: 1<br>It was therefore a first, at least for this particular pack of monsters.<br>His prey had dropped a patched leather tunic and a hunting-spear. He picked up his loots, put them aside and then observed his environment to verify if the fight had attracted attention. On the negative, he approached and waited for a patrol to arrive to lure and kill it.<br>“Ether arrows pierce my enemy: Magic Missile!”<br>Again, the target lost about a quarter of his life and rushed at his assailant time, Cilerius waited it without launching another long range attack. This did not mean, however, that he was staying idle.<br>"May the mermaids protect me: Ice Shield" and a silver glow wrapped him.<br>When the *gnoll scout* was at no more than 3 meters, he cast:<br>“The purifying fire burns my enemy: Fireball.” He caught with his left hand, the spear that was going to impale him, deflected it while pulling backward, attracting nearer his target, and then violently threw his full palm of fire to its throat. The * scout gnoll * was hit fatally, his throat exploding and losing all what it had left of life.<br>End bearing and well-targeted, his action had been devastating. However, he had to take the precaution to protect himself to both prepare the prospective of the gnoll shots and especially damage induced by the close explosion of the fireball.<br>For a first, the experience was conclusive. The combination of a point-blank spell, preventing any form of dodge, and the aiming of a specific vulnerable part of the body, had produced phenomenal damage.<br>Cilerius picked up his loots and continued to kill in this same way the *gnoll scout*’s remaining. Time to massacre all of them, he won 3 level. Now only the *gnoll guard*'s were left, before he could access the burrow. He walked to one of the secondary entrances where only a gnoll was on guard and attacked cautiously. Good thinking, because actually, the * gnoll guard * seemed about lvl30. It took him 5 fireballs to eventually finish it, not to mention damage caused by mineral needles he used once in the guise of immobilization. This single kill earned him 25% of his level xp. The level difference was sufficient for four of these monsters kills to raise a level. He approached the position of 2nd solo guard and attacked it in the same way as the first, killing him and collecting also a quarter of level. Now came the pair of *gnoll guard*’s posted on both side of the main entrance.<br>After making sure that there were no other gnolls in close proximity, including in the burrow, Cilerius targeted gnoll on the right side and whispered:<br>"Earth awakens and demands its due: Mineral Needles!”<br>And then targeting the one on the left who was pressing forward towards him:<br>"May winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of Restriction!” He continued on the same target with a ball of fire. But rather than the vortex of wind dissipating the spell of fire as was the case previously, it turned into a tornado of flames, inflicting enormous damage to the prisoner gnoll at its center. When he pulled away, it had lost the 2 thirds of his life. A burst of magic missiles and a point-blank fireball finished the gnoll. Remained one, who still impaled by the soil, was quickly shot down. Thus, Cilerius reached the lvl19. He took his loots and then slipped into the burrow.<br>!Ding! you are the first to enter the Lair of the Pride Blood gnolls. Twice the xp and the loots for a week. Each first kill of a monster will give one of the rarer loot it carry.<br>It was confirmation that Cilerius was the first to enter this dungeon.<br>Until then, Cilerius had been able to fight one opponent at a time and his expertise in certain competence as well as substantially higher than normal stats had allowed him to compete favorably with monsters up to 10 level higher than him. In a dungeon, it was common that monsters cam in groups and that in addition, trigger agro if fighting were not well carried out. It is therefore with great circumscription that he went forth in the burrow, controlling his steeps to do the least possible noise, sliding a look in the corners before committing further.<br>He eventually lead to a widening of the corridor in which 4 gnolls were posted. There were a *gnoll guard*, a *gnoll shaman*, a *gnoll evoker* and a *young gnoll*. The combination was dangerous and required to shoot targets with speed and in a specific order. Cilerius thoroughly established the sequence of his actions. An accurate preparation could often prevent a chaotic situation. Fortunately, the 4 gnolls were quite close to each other and could all be targeted simultaneously by mineral needles given his actual mastery for this spell. In addition to restrict the move of the target, the zephyr's restriction also strongly inhibited its motion, a small non-trivial benefit compared to the magical restriction, because this could greatly impede casts of spells for one who was stuck inside. Cilerius still threw a quick glance to make sure the position of every gnoll, took a deep breath then overstepping the corner of the corridor began to chant, targeting the center of the area where were the 4 gnolls:<br>"Earth awakens and demands its due: Mineral Needles!”<br>His 4 targets had been impaled, but the *gnoll guard* had only a single leg pierced by a needle and already began to break free. Time was pressing.<br>"May winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of Restriction!” The *gnoll evoker* was the first targeted, because his spells may be really devastating if it was not partly neutralized.<br>"May winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of Restriction!” In turn, the *gnoll shaman* was targeted. Cilerius continued on the same gnoll:<br>“The purifying fire burns my enemy: Fireball.” Then advising that the *gnoll guard* finally broke free:<br>"From Earth to mud, sand to stone and vice versa: Alteration of Soil!” On the area between the prey and him. The *gnoll guard*, free at last, began to move in his direction but sank into quicksand that came to form and could no longer move but only very slowly. Cilerius returned his attention to the *gnoll shaman* and casted a second time his fire spell. From the first swirl, he saw coming in his direction, an ice spell. Despite an attempt to dodge, he was hit on the left arm, losing 5% of his life and feeling numbness invade the affected limb.<br>"May the mermaids protect me: Ice Shield" It was to prevent the risks associated with other spells that the *gnoll evoker* may happen to cast in its situation.<br>A golden glow shone inside the other whirl. The *gnoll shaman* was clearly trying to heal itself. Cilerius casted a 3rd ball of fire on him then renewed his zephyr, which rekindled the tornado of fire. The *gnoll shaman* finally collapsed, defeated.<br>Other spells emerged from the first tourbillon, coming sometimes bounce on his spell of reflection, sometimes damages being only reduced. He casted a ball of fire on the *gnoll evoker* then renewed the zephyr, amplifying there also, the effects of the fire tornado. Meanwhile, the *young gnoll* had also broke free from the needles and was bypassing the sandy area. The *gnoll guard* was at no more than 5 m of our wizard explorer.<br>Cilerius, not letting himself distracted by the 2 melee gnolls that were closing to him, focused to finish the *gnoll evoker*, something he secured with 2 additional fire balls, just at the moment when the *gnoll guard*, arrived within reach, attempted to strike with its war-spear. Busy to finish the previous monster, Cilerius could only imperfectly prevent the strike and suffered a slash on the left flank. Cumulative damage caused him to lose 25% of his life up to now, but he now had to deal with 2 gnolls. It was now hand-to-hand combat, he would be able to judge the effectiveness of his preparation at the training hall.<br>Taking advantage of his physical strength, Cilerius tackled the *gnoll guard* manag-ing to topple it to the ground. He put himself in mounted position to immobilize it and struck it with all his strength. The gnoll, on the ground could no longer use his weapon or strength, but scratched, hit and tried to bite. Cilerius decided to finish his opponent and casting his protection spell then the fireball, thump it on the *gnoll guard*, powerless to avoid it in the position where it was. Its head exploded. Cilerius had still lost 45% of life into this fray, a lesser evil given his blatant disadvantage in this figure case, if one only look to his profession.<br>Remained to manage the *young gnoll* who in the meantime had arrived, wielding his club. Standing in one movement, Cilerius escape without problems the vertical movement of his enemy and used his unfair fighting technique, "fire fingers fork", blinding the gnoll. He had then only to hit as if it were a scarecrow, the gnoll could only try to hit randomly. It was so molested that it was reduced to the status of a mass of sores and bumps.<br>Cumulated xp made him gain another level and a half, passing to level 21 and 15% in this one. He picked up his loots and then sat down, pulling his bandages from his bag, undertook to treat his wounds. While he was grooming himself, he reflected on his previous fight. It was perilous, very acute... as long as one of his spells had missed, it would have been probably compelled him to 24 hours of pause, not to mention the loss of lvl and expertise in skills. Obviously, it would not be possible to continue this way. He should wait to be higher level, which would be wasting time and therefore the opportunity to take advantage of the bonus of discovering the dun-geon, or recruiting assistance, which would require him to share the fruits of his dis-covery and to lose the exclusivity on the information he had collected.<br>As often with JB, it was facing that kind of dilemma that he showed the most creative. Reflecting on the behavior of monsters, to his environment, he sought a solution when he noticed the area that he had transformed rock in sand previously. A plan began to sprout in his mind, pushing him to form a Machiavellian smile. Sadistic, that one word could describe what was Cilerius thoughts at this time. From the plan to the execution, there were a lot of preparations. Having recovered all his life, he headed for the exit, checked that the gnolls were not yet reappeared, then left quickly in the direction of the city. There, he quickly sold his minor loots and then went and bought some supplies. He purchased additional bottles, oil, rope, a shovel and a pickaxe. He also made a tour to the tailor stall, where, thanks to his high handicraft competence, he could learn basic tailoring skill. This done, he bought needles and thread in quantity. His purchases completed and evening arriving, he walked to the forest where he spotted many conifers. He practiced in diagonal notches on their trunks, which joined all at a point where he fixed bottles with drain that ranged from the trees cuts to the bottles neck. This DIY finished on around 20 trees, he returned to the gates of the city where, as every evening, he was expected. He installed his skewer, since he could now decently roast meats, prepared his fire and put in place a collecting dish for the fat that would discharge its contents in a bottle. The crowd surrounding did not lent attention to this last detail, rejoicing already for the grilled meat that they were going to enjoy. His installation done, he cried:<br>"tonight, roasted and grilled meat, seasoning 3 copper coin and preparation 2 copper coins, take advantage of new flavors!”<br>This slight inflation did not interfere with the regulars who thought first and foremost with their stomach. And during 2 hours, he prepared the meat from hundreds of players. So that when the closing of his improvised rotisserie cam, clients were satisfied and him the same, having made a little more important profit than previous days and as a bonus, he filled out 25 bottles of melted animal fat. He ended up packing his material and then left, as each evening, to his hunting area. However, after checking several times if he was followed, he veered off towards the forest. He recovered the bottles that he had set up on the trunks of conifers, now full of resin and replaced them. He then began to cut branches of conifers and other hardwood. Each had its own usefulness in his plan. Then he tanned the skins that he had collected during his first hunts and stitched several together to make a large surface. This work made him only marginally gain expertise in tailoring skill, but that wasn't the goal for now. These preparations completed, he walked to the entrance of the gnolls burrow. Stopping at reasonable distance, he was able to find that all gnolls, scouts and guards, were returned. He thought about he would he have to establish the time of re-spawn in the future, in order to not be taken aback. He did again a thorough cleaning of the surroundings of the burrow, both to break a passage and for the experience and loots these monsters meant. So upon entering the burrow for the 2nd time, he had won 2 more level, reaching the lvl23 and 52%.<br>Cilerius penetrated in the burrow, without hesitation toward the position of the first group of gnolls. However, he stopped at a certain distance and began to apply what he had planned. In a narrowing of the corridor, he targeted the central area of the ground and chanted:<br>"From earth to mud, sand to stone and vice versa: Alteration of Soil!” The floor of the tar-geted area had become sand. He took his shovel and started to dig, removing sand from the area and pile it on the sides, where the ground had not been transmuted. After emptying from its sand the bowl 30cm deep thus formed, he got out and, target-ing the same area, then repeated the same spell and began to shovel again. Be-tween 2 operations of digging, he targeted the pile of sand on the sides and using his spell, the re-turned into rocks. Thus, it reduced the width of the corridor space in which he dug his pit. Because it was a trench he was digging. At the 4th time he repeated his operation, the pit reached 1 m 50 deep. Before continuing, he made, using rope and branches of hardwood trees, a ladder in order to get out the next time. It would have been silly to remain stuck to the bottom of the pit. This was 2 hours that he was shoveling when 3 events occured almost simultaneously. The first 2 were not surprising:<br><br>! ding! You earn 1 point of strength. The constant physical work you did trained your strength.<br><br>! ding! You earn 1 point of endurance. Constant efforts improves your endurance to the effort.<br><br>The 3rd was more surprising:<br><br>! ding! New skill, mining: digging soil allows you access to the minerals it contain. The expertise increasing, you can discover rare ores and dig more effectively.<br><br>It was still an unexpected benefit. Certainly, Royal Road well incorporated the princi-ple of: it is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith. In other words, practice make the skill. Anyone who started in a manual activity, as long as some prerequisites are fulfilled, could develop a competence which he did not necessarily had access ac-cording to his profession.<br>At the end of 4 hour work, he managed to create a pit 3 m 50 deep. He coated the bottom with branches of conifers and then went up. On the sides of the pit, at ground height and on the exterior side of the burrow , he practiced 2 small holes. Then, he took a long hardwood branch and wedged it across the pit in the 2 holes made previously. He set then, perpendicular, other branches that he cut to make just the width of the pit. He consolidated this structure with some transversal and diagonal branches, then got the great skin that he had made earlier and the set it on this structure. On the unstuck side, he set a rope on each side in order to move this structure. He did go back on the interior side of the burrow, and prepared several points of support which should be able to withstand a little bit more than the weight of the structure, which indeed proved to be a hatch. With the ropes, he did tip the hatch to him and laid it in place. Then, he spread a thin layer of sand, that he had taken care to keep in anticipation, on the hatch to hide it. When he had finished his work, an event window is opened:<br><br>! ding! New skill, trap manufacturing: by your careful preparation, you learned to cre-ate traps. The expertise increasing, you can prepare more complicated and more efficient traps and faster. Prerequisites: skills hunting and stalking.<br><br>Cilerius hesitated between smile and wince. Indeed, he rejoiced to learn new and with interesting potential skills, but he also imagined the efforts that he would have to bear in order to raise them at a level that would make them effective. Many skills to advance, he would have to plan for everything.<br>His trap completed, he found himself on the wrong side. He just had to test the meth-od that he intended to use later:<br>"My feet are as light as the feather in the wind: Wind Walk." and he walked on the hatch whitch didn’t yield under his steps as light as a feather as long as the spell was ac-tive. Without additional charge, he could now do a thousand steps in this manner before the spell fades. Being ensured that it would work as expected, he walked away on tiptoe to the first group of gnolls. Its composition was identical to the first time and would therefore put as much problem as before if he had attacked conventionally. Taking advantage that they all turned their backs, he stepped a little beyond the corner to see what there was further. He saw another group of 6 gnolls approximately 100 m further than the first. In addition to the 50 m that separated him from the first group, they were just in range with his current expertise. He reflected a moment on how to attract them all, but especially in group. Then he decided to try a method.<br>"May the mermaids protect me: Ice Shield", he took the precaution to protect himselve before attacking this time. </div>

Elemental brawler Chapter 2: first hunt part 1 JB came out of the capsule and went to prepare his meals. Once swallowed, he did his housework then go in the shower. He practiced some physical exercises and stretching and then returned to the capsule. He entered it, closed the access, then launched the connection. Cilerius reappeared near one of the gates of the city. He thought for a moment to verify if he forgot anything, then walked with a firm step towards the outside. This city of the West continent was for the most part, the playground of a multitude of small Western guilds. Therefore, there was no big Guild ruling on the region and therefore no tolls charged. It was a big advantage for beginners, but ultimately it was to be feared that this lack of organization would be fatal in the event of invasion. But in the immediate future, Cilerius had to appreciate the situation. He would not have to reserve, for guild taxes, part of his booty. Once the door passed, he was able to discover the prairie which stretched between the wooded hills outside the walls. He could see the numerous groups of 3 to 6 per-sons in general who hunted. He noticed an area where there seemed to be no one in particular and walked to it. There, he thought: 'Well, now, it is necessary for me to try and train my new magical talents.' In this mindset, he targeted a rabbit at a short distance and recited: “ethers cripple my prey: magical Restriction!” The rabbit was locked. Then Cilerius, toward the area where his prey was blocked, continued: "From the Earth to mud, sand to stone and vice versa: alteration of soil!” A small area, 50 cm in diameter, of prairie liquefied and rabbit sank a little in the mud. Satisfied with his essays, he continued: "my feet are as light as the feather in the wind: wind walk." This spell had no real use for this fight, but Cilerius wanted to both test and exercise it. Get to know oneself, there began the road to success. Then, he waited while walking in circles to time the duration of action of the various spells. Two steep in suspension were just what the wind walk allowed him for the first test. He immediately renewed the spell again and again, each time that the effect was waning. After 30 seconds, the rabbit began to move and attempted to emerge from the mud where he was entangled. Memorizing this result, Cilerius repeated the spell and the rabbit ceased to struggle. Whenever the restriction mustered, he renewed it. At the same time, he found no change on the altered ground and thus confirmed that the effect lasted for a very long time or until the cast of the same spell on the same area, thing he did and immediately, the mud froze, trapping the legs of the rabbit in the now dry land. Cilerius continued this repetition of three spells on the same rabbit, taking care, when finally he used nearly all of his mana, to block the rabbit in the earth before meditation. After an hour of this routine, he reached level 2 of each used spells, as well as in magic mastery, air and land elemental mastery, preservation of mana and meditation. This done, he decided to finish his Guinea pig: “ether arrows pierce my enemy: Magic Missile!” The tip of his index flashed and a little ball of light focused there, then it launched, in the form of a short ray of light, in the direction of the rabbit. Stuck, it could not but be struck without hope of escape. Normally, a wizard at this level ought to repeat 2 or 3 times this spell to kill a rabbit. However, the stats of Cilerius provided a surplus of damage which ended by a 1-shoot. Cilerius had a satisfied smile then targeted an-other rabbit who ran at short distance and repeated the same process as for the first. And even then. And again after, until he reached the beginner level 5 for the 7 used skills. He earned little experience and loot, but for now, his concern was to improve the mastery of basic spells. He took the time to cook the obtained rabbit meat, then, the night coming, braced for a much faster hunt. It was time to bump up mastery for other more offensive spells. He threw a stone in the direction of a rabbit to get its attention, that com quickly, and he cast: "the earth awakens and demands its due: mineral needles!” aimed at the area where should be the rabbit at the time assumed the spell activation. Obviously, the first test was not that conclusive, missing the target by more than one meter, the rabbit having been faster than expected and making leaps in his race. Cilerius had time to cast: "may winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of restriction!” A gust of wind got up and turned into a whirlwind enveloping the rabbit, totally disorienting it and wounding it slightly through particles, sand twigs and other herbs, borne on the wind. Cilerius took then distance between him and the rabbit and prepared to launch again the spell of Earth. The operation was repeated several times, until the estimates and reality meet and that needles touch the rabbit in his race. Only taken by the edge of the zone of action of the spell, it was not killed on the spot and Cilerius decided to finish it using his offensive spell of ice: "cold grabs my prey: glacial Palm!” In his palm gathered a hand-like form of icy energy that went in a straight line toward the target. The rabbit, a paw impaled by mineral needles, was hit by the attack, appeared stunned a moment and then collapsed, stiff. Cilerius continued the same pattern a long time, seeking to adapt his estimates to the behaviour of his prey while improving his mastery of the 3 spells. So that, in addition to his growing mastery, a new competence was created: * Ding! your understanding of animal behavior allows you to better anticipate the actions of your prey. Acquisition of competence hunting, beginner 1. Lines of movement will appear in your sight. From expertise, the number of line will decrease and the accuracy of the trace will increase, including the ones responding to external events. To use, this competence drew 6 more or less brilliant golden ribbons from the rabbit that he observed. These ribbons, 5 departing front and one towards the rear, were as brighter that the possibility of the movement of the prey in this path was great. The visible length of the ribbon seemed to indicate the distance which would be covered in a period of time. ' a skill that could be very interesting, but it will need training, otherwise, this assis-tance could be more a handicap, neutralizing my instinct. If I am to systematically rely on the highest probability, I would be tricked by the irrational behaviour and this could be very dangerous.' Then he resumed his hunt, multiplying the trials and combinations. Thus, he realized that at low level, ice and fire spells married badly with the zephyr's restriction, because its powerful swirling dispersed their effect. Cilerius imagined, however, that at higher level, the combined effect could however be multiplied. Reluctance towards magic of Earth or air at the Academy of magic, had to come from a lack of diligence in the practice of combined spells. He continued his hunt, using all the spells in his book, even drawing nocturnal inflamed arabesques on the prairie with fire steeps. The performance in experience and loot remained low throughout a week while he only made raise his expertise in various skills. During the day, this resulted in a comical scene. Several groups of players, noticing his behavior and especially the speed to finish the prey once had decided it, were to recruit him: "C'mon, go invite him, we will hunt much faster.” “Hurry, I see others who look at him ". "If we make him join, we can expand our hunting area and progress faster than oth-ers.” Meanwhile, Cilerius stopped a rabbit and then ran toward to kick it like the clearance from soccer goalkeeper and send the rabbit in the air then targeted it with a spell of fire, burning it in the air. A charred body fell on the ground, while Cilerius burst in a great laugh, which in these circumstances, seemed very cruel. "come back, he must be crazy." "let's move away, we know not if it is contagious.” “This is a psycho, if we associates with him, everyone will avoid us” And all those who had seemed interested by him turned away and even wandered to avoid him seeks to join. For Cilerius who did not realize this behavior, this resulted in an expanded hunting area and bias looks when he left his hunting ground or re-turned. "they must wonder how I became so strong" thought Cilerius, without realizing that he was building a bizarre reputation. At evening, he posted himself at the gates of the city and then began to cook the meat that he had received from his hunting day. He obtained the desired effects: while cooking for himself, he attracted the olfactory attention of groups returning from their day of hunting. When a fair number of players had been thus baited, he began to shout: "for a honest compensation, I cook your meat. Don't just eat rye bread. Sell no more your meat to then buy expensive bland rations. Benefit the fruit of your work and enjoy the product of your hunt! “ The assembled players looked at each other, wondering who would be the first to talk, then one of them decided: "what is an honest compensation? '' "the cost of seasoning, meaning two copper coins for the preparation that I propose, as well as one copper coins for the labor provided." "it seems indeed honest, but what tells me that you're not going to just take my meat?'' "this could be a risk, but what use for such low income, to ruin my reputation? '' "it's not wrong... here, cook me that, please" he said giving him a piece of rabbit and 3 copper coins. Cilerius took it and put it in a pot, added a little bit of seasoning, then put all to heat. Finished, he gave the result to his first customer: “bon appetit”. “thank you”, and the player tasted the received stew. After a first cautious and curi-ous bite, he continued engulfing the rest as if he had not eaten anything for days. Having finished his stew, under the eyes of assistance, he opened his bag and asked: "can you prepare me these pieces of meat?'' "of course, there is for 5 servings, this will do so 15 copper coins. “here”, hastened to answer the client by drawing into his purse. Assistance observed the scene with interest and then someone asked: "was it so good? '' "I would not say it was a 4 stars meal, but frankly, there is no photo with rye bread!” And the rest of the players began to ready meat and copper coins, awaiting their turn. Thus, Cilerius gathered a customer pool for his trade that, while failing to be very profitable, allowed him to slowly but surely increase competence of cooking. This first evening, it took him 3 hours to satisfy all present customers. Tidying up his material, he cried: “my shop will open every evening from 7 till 9, see you tomorrow” He didn't intend to do only that and in addition, it ensured so to have during this limited time slice, a maximum of work and thus to improve his competence fast. And indeed, every evening at the opening of his shop, a host of players was present to have their meat prepared. The increase in the number of clients and the compression in time to perform the work allowed him to increase his competence throughout the days. So after 2 weeks, it reached level 3 in cooking and 5 in handicraft. As a bonus, he acquired the ability to distill liquors, something that he immediately put into practice. All these activities, did little to gain experience, so that after 4 weeks of all these activities combined Cilerius was still only lvl5. It was frankly very low if you only thought in terms of level, but it was ignoring the tedious work provided to increase his skills. Indeed, since long ago, Cilerius had found that one of the big problems of the moo's was that progression on low level was so fast that it was usually not possible to raise quickly enough the skills and that one reached high lvl, with skills of limited effectiveness compared to the then confronted opponents. Having spells that fizzled at high lvl, it was like to invite Death to have a drink. In fact, often, it was far more complicated to raise skills at higher level than if it had been gradually made so. The reverse was also true. Skills more proefficient than normal, gave at any level, advantages far from negligible. The few people who bothered to prepare so, were often confused with cheaters, because their powers were far more destructive in comparison with the other players of the same level. Knowing this basic principle, it was not so amazing that JB, lover of effectiveness that he was, made Cilerius a perfectionist in all areas where he could. That said, at lvl5, rabbits and other rodents did not result in effective skills raises anymore. He therefore sought prey from a higher level, the foxes. He observed a moment their behaviour, both when calm or in combat with players, and then, when he thought to have sufficiently learned their habits, he targeted one and began his usual assault, hold then targeting with his various offensive spells. All this while using the “utilities” spells and meditating. Foxes, or rabbits before them, never posed a serious problem to Cilerius. His mastery in the spells increasing, the destructive power of those increased and fights shortened, this even while he was taking his time. He also continued his habit of targeting in their race his future victims. In doing so, he further increased his hunting competence. So that upon reaching level 4 thereof, he received in addition a secondary skill: track. Track: your knowledge of the prey now allows you to recognize and follow in, the footsteps of potential prey. Increased competence will let you track traces older and on less suitable grounds. One more utilitarian skill, which properly used, could prove to be very interesting. Hunting day and night, cooking at evening and sleeping in the morning, Cilerius quietly reached the lvl10 in 2 more weeks. Above all, he managed to reach level 10 in each of his magical mastery, transforming them into intermediate level 1, winning numerous small improvements in each of the competences. The more obvious was a marked improvement in the destructive power of the spells and their differentiation. For exemple, the arrow of ether could now be multiple, up to one by finger and be guided more precisely, until an equivalent at a right angle trajectory correction. His finger of fire him became a fireball that exploded on impact, adding further damage. Late at night, when nobody was hunting nearby anymore, he tried yet variants, at-tracting his target by groups, circling them in the flames with his fire steep, then fin-ished them according to his inspiration, with one or other of his spells. He subsequently attacked the wolves who learned quickly that it wasn't because he was alone that Cilerius was a prey for them. It was the opposite, they were prey hunted without any mercy by a man who left nothing to chance. The level of these monsters in the direct vicinity of the city, not presenting a real challenge anymore, Cilerius approached the edge of the forest and began to attract some of its monsters. When he reached lvl15, he decided it was time to get looking for the golden key. His prey observation in general, of foxes in particular, proved so an asset because he could discern the behaviour of these when they succeeded in stealing an object. Indeed, instead of returning to the area in which they patrolled before, they fled into the forest. Cilerius then used track competence, following the trace of foxes to the forest then inside it. All tracks joined in one and headed off to the heart of the forest. Cautiously, Cilerius continued to follow the trail, attentive to his environment. He did not doubt that searching for the key would necessarily lead to face dangers probably otherwise more important than those encountered previously. He wasn't complaining, assuming that the quality of the reward depended on the difficulty of a quest. The trail led him to a small clearing in the center of which it ended. At this point, other tracks converged and signs of battle remained. Cilerius stationed at the edge of the clearing, near which did not pass any track and he put himself on the lookout, hidden in a bush. It was finally after a wait of 3 hours that a fox exited the runway and came to stand in the center of the clearing. At this time, a noise came from the opposite side to where it was posted. The fox stood on his feet, a worried look on his face, but had no time to react when a gnoll arise. Gnolls are ferocious humanoids hyenas knowing how to fight with weapons. They are sometimes equipped with pieces of armor. The one running at this moment to the fox, wielding a club and was labeled: *young gnoll *. The fox could only oppose symbolic resistance to the onslaught of the gnoll. At the fight ends, the *young gnoll* picked up its loots, including the object previously sto-len and carried by the fox, then turned heel and ran back from where it had come. Cilerius spend a few minutes waiting as a precaution, then exited his bush. ‘This *young gnoll * must be approximately lvl20, seeing how he massacred the Fox. One would pose no problem, I think, but if I stumble on a pack or a more mature gnoll, this could be risky. For now, I will follow the trail and see where it leads me.’ This monologue completed, Cilerius began to stalk the young gnoll. Carefully, he followed the trail left by the gnoll and after one hour of careful stalking, arrived near a burrow. Cilerius could spot the entrance at a distance of 100 m. Post-ed on both side of the entrance, 2 *gnolls guard*, apparently wearing a chainmail and armed with war-spears. It wasn’t possible to assess accurately their level, the only clue being that the level required to wear these chainmail, was 25. Carefully observing the surroundings, Cilerius eventually spotted several *gnoll scout*, dressed in leather tunics and armed with hunting-spears. These were posted between 50 and 150 m from the burrow entrance, more or less hidden, on the lookout. Cilerius counted 13 of them visible in the vicinity, but it was likely that they were on the entire area surrounding the burrow and near side entrances. So he set out to find additional sentries. It took him 2 hours to locate all of them as well as 2 secondary access, each of them guarded by a single *gnoll guard*. Having pointed the exact locations of every gnoll, be it static or on patrol, Cilerius could plan his assault. Not knowing the exact capabilities of his opponents, he had to make sure to fight only one at a time. The fact that no information was available on these creatures was both a problem and a happy surprise. A problem because obviously, he would have to tackle mon-sters which he knew none capabilities. A happy surprise, because this meant that almost nobody had fought them and that certain benefits linked to their discovery could provide additional reward. Not to mention the value of this information if he unveiled it. He knew about the dark gamers system because of his preparatory re-search, therefore, he knew that information was a popular currency among them. Cilerius selected for first prey, the *scout gnoll* both farthest from the other and nearest of the path by which he arrived. In the case of emergency, it was better to prepare an “exit door”. He waited then that patrollers themselves were all sufficiently distant and launched his attack. First of all, attract prey away from others, to avoid the proxy agro during the fight. From the maximum distance, Cilerius casted: “ether arrows pierce my enemy: Magic Missile!” From each hand, 3 magic missiles left and went to pierce the *scout gnoll* who lost about a quarter of his life on this attack. It began to run towards its attacker but he was waiting for him.“the Earth awakens and demands its due: mineral needles!” The legs impaled by mineral needles, the *scout gnoll* let out a roar, was stopped and lost a further third of its life. This first target was to serve as a guinea pig to test the possible elemental resistanc-es. Cilerius used so his 2 other offensive spells in attempt to finish it: "Cold grabs my prey: Glacial Palm!” But then, the *scout gnoll* life decreased only imperceptibly. ‘strong resistance to ice magic, good to know. May be due to its hard leather and fur’. In addition to not having done significant damages, the spell of ice had released the *scout gnoll*, which now pressed forward on Cilerius, the lance in front. With a stroke of his staff, Cilerius deflected the spear and then struck his assailant to the throat, half knocking him out, interrupting its breathing and stopping it completely in its assault. At point-blank range, he recited: “the purifying fire burns my enemy: fire finger, double.” Two flames appeared at the end of his first and middle fingers and then, Cilerius reached out violently in the face of the gnoll shouting: "fire fork fingers in the eyes!" and indeed, the *scout gnoll* was struck in the eyes by 2 burning fingers and was totally blind, losing even a quarter of his life, either that gnolls are particularly susceptible to fire or that the blow to the eyes was considered very harmful. !Ding! you performed a special move. Do you want to register it as a new skill? “Not yet” rapidly answered Cilerius, busy with his opponent and unsure of the benefit of a new skill for a special move. His prey blinded, Cilerius finished it with his fists. When the *scout gnoll* collapsed an informative window popped: !Ding! you killed a gnoll of the Pride Blood pack. Number of Pride Blood gnoll killed: 1 It was therefore a first, at least for this particular pack of monsters. His prey had dropped a patched leather tunic and a hunting-spear. He picked up his loots, put them aside and then observed his environment to verify if the fight had attracted attention. On the negative, he approached and waited for a patrol to arrive to lure and kill it. “Ether arrows pierce my enemy: Magic Missile!” Again, the target lost about a quarter of his life and rushed at his assailant time, Cilerius waited it without launching another long range attack. This did not mean, however, that he was staying idle. "May the mermaids protect me: Ice Shield" and a silver glow wrapped him. When the *gnoll scout* was at no more than 3 meters, he cast: “The purifying fire burns my enemy: Fireball.” He caught with his left hand, the spear that was going to impale him, deflected it while pulling backward, attracting nearer his target, and then violently threw his full palm of fire to its throat. The * scout gnoll * was hit fatally, his throat exploding and losing all what it had left of life. End bearing and well-targeted, his action had been devastating. However, he had to take the precaution to protect himself to both prepare the prospective of the gnoll shots and especially damage induced by the close explosion of the fireball. For a first, the experience was conclusive. The combination of a point-blank spell, preventing any form of dodge, and the aiming of a specific vulnerable part of the body, had produced phenomenal damage. Cilerius picked up his loots and continued to kill in this same way the *gnoll scout*’s remaining. Time to massacre all of them, he won 3 level. Now only the *gnoll guard*'s were left, before he could access the burrow. He walked to one of the secondary entrances where only a gnoll was on guard and attacked cautiously. Good thinking, because actually, the * gnoll guard * seemed about lvl30. It took him 5 fireballs to eventually finish it, not to mention damage caused by mineral needles he used once in the guise of immobilization. This single kill earned him 25% of his level xp. The level difference was sufficient for four of these monsters kills to raise a level. He approached the position of 2nd solo guard and attacked it in the same way as the first, killing him and collecting also a quarter of level. Now came the pair of *gnoll guard*’s posted on both side of the main entrance. After making sure that there were no other gnolls in close proximity, including in the burrow, Cilerius targeted gnoll on the right side and whispered: "Earth awakens and demands its due: Mineral Needles!” And then targeting the one on the left who was pressing forward towards him: "May winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of Restriction!” He continued on the same target with a ball of fire. But rather than the vortex of wind dissipating the spell of fire as was the case previously, it turned into a tornado of flames, inflicting enormous damage to the prisoner gnoll at its center. When he pulled away, it had lost the 2 thirds of his life. A burst of magic missiles and a point-blank fireball finished the gnoll. Remained one, who still impaled by the soil, was quickly shot down. Thus, Cilerius reached the lvl19. He took his loots and then slipped into the burrow. !Ding! you are the first to enter the Lair of the Pride Blood gnolls. Twice the xp and the loots for a week. Each first kill of a monster will give one of the rarer loot it carry. It was confirmation that Cilerius was the first to enter this dungeon. Until then, Cilerius had been able to fight one opponent at a time and his expertise in certain competence as well as substantially higher than normal stats had allowed him to compete favorably with monsters up to 10 level higher than him. In a dungeon, it was common that monsters cam in groups and that in addition, trigger agro if fighting were not well carried out. It is therefore with great circumscription that he went forth in the burrow, controlling his steeps to do the least possible noise, sliding a look in the corners before committing further. He eventually lead to a widening of the corridor in which 4 gnolls were posted. There were a *gnoll guard*, a *gnoll shaman*, a *gnoll evoker* and a *young gnoll*. The combination was dangerous and required to shoot targets with speed and in a specific order. Cilerius thoroughly established the sequence of his actions. An accurate preparation could often prevent a chaotic situation. Fortunately, the 4 gnolls were quite close to each other and could all be targeted simultaneously by mineral needles given his actual mastery for this spell. In addition to restrict the move of the target, the zephyr's restriction also strongly inhibited its motion, a small non-trivial benefit compared to the magical restriction, because this could greatly impede casts of spells for one who was stuck inside. Cilerius still threw a quick glance to make sure the position of every gnoll, took a deep breath then overstepping the corner of the corridor began to chant, targeting the center of the area where were the 4 gnolls: "Earth awakens and demands its due: Mineral Needles!” His 4 targets had been impaled, but the *gnoll guard* had only a single leg pierced by a needle and already began to break free. Time was pressing. "May winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of Restriction!” The *gnoll evoker* was the first targeted, because his spells may be really devastating if it was not partly neutralized. "May winds restrict my prey: Zephyr of Restriction!” In turn, the *gnoll shaman* was targeted. Cilerius continued on the same gnoll: “The purifying fire burns my enemy: Fireball.” Then advising that the *gnoll guard* finally broke free: "From Earth to mud, sand to stone and vice versa: Alteration of Soil!” On the area between the prey and him. The *gnoll guard*, free at last, began to move in his direction but sank into quicksand that came to form and could no longer move but only very slowly. Cilerius returned his attention to the *gnoll shaman* and casted a second time his fire spell. From the first swirl, he saw coming in his direction, an ice spell. Despite an attempt to dodge, he was hit on the left arm, losing 5% of his life and feeling numbness invade the affected limb. "May the mermaids protect me: Ice Shield" It was to prevent the risks associated with other spells that the *gnoll evoker* may happen to cast in its situation. A golden glow shone inside the other whirl. The *gnoll shaman* was clearly trying to heal itself. Cilerius casted a 3rd ball of fire on him then renewed his zephyr, which rekindled the tornado of fire. The *gnoll shaman* finally collapsed, defeated. Other spells emerged from the first tourbillon, coming sometimes bounce on his spell of reflection, sometimes damages being only reduced. He casted a ball of fire on the *gnoll evoker* then renewed the zephyr, amplifying there also, the effects of the fire tornado. Meanwhile, the *young gnoll* had also broke free from the needles and was bypassing the sandy area. The *gnoll guard* was at no more than 5 m of our wizard explorer. Cilerius, not letting himself distracted by the 2 melee gnolls that were closing to him, focused to finish the *gnoll evoker*, something he secured with 2 additional fire balls, just at the moment when the *gnoll guard*, arrived within reach, attempted to strike with its war-spear. Busy to finish the previous monster, Cilerius could only imperfectly prevent the strike and suffered a slash on the left flank. Cumulative damage caused him to lose 25% of his life up to now, but he now had to deal with 2 gnolls. It was now hand-to-hand combat, he would be able to judge the effectiveness of his preparation at the training hall. Taking advantage of his physical strength, Cilerius tackled the *gnoll guard* manag-ing to topple it to the ground. He put himself in mounted position to immobilize it and struck it with all his strength. The gnoll, on the ground could no longer use his weapon or strength, but scratched, hit and tried to bite. Cilerius decided to finish his opponent and casting his protection spell then the fireball, thump it on the *gnoll guard*, powerless to avoid it in the position where it was. Its head exploded. Cilerius had still lost 45% of life into this fray, a lesser evil given his blatant disadvantage in this figure case, if one only look to his profession. Remained to manage the *young gnoll* who in the meantime had arrived, wielding his club. Standing in one movement, Cilerius escape without problems the vertical movement of his enemy and used his unfair fighting technique, "fire fingers fork", blinding the gnoll. He had then only to hit as if it were a scarecrow, the gnoll could only try to hit randomly. It was so molested that it was reduced to the status of a mass of sores and bumps. Cumulated xp made him gain another level and a half, passing to level 21 and 15% in this one. He picked up his loots and then sat down, pulling his bandages from his bag, undertook to treat his wounds. While he was grooming himself, he reflected on his previous fight. It was perilous, very acute... as long as one of his spells had missed, it would have been probably compelled him to 24 hours of pause, not to mention the loss of lvl and expertise in skills. Obviously, it would not be possible to continue this way. He should wait to be higher level, which would be wasting time and therefore the opportunity to take advantage of the bonus of discovering the dun-geon, or recruiting assistance, which would require him to share the fruits of his dis-covery and to lose the exclusivity on the information he had collected. As often with JB, it was facing that kind of dilemma that he showed the most creative. Reflecting on the behavior of monsters, to his environment, he sought a solution when he noticed the area that he had transformed rock in sand previously. A plan began to sprout in his mind, pushing him to form a Machiavellian smile. Sadistic, that one word could describe what was Cilerius thoughts at this time. From the plan to the execution, there were a lot of preparations. Having recovered all his life, he headed for the exit, checked that the gnolls were not yet reappeared, then left quickly in the direction of the city. There, he quickly sold his minor loots and then went and bought some supplies. He purchased additional bottles, oil, rope, a shovel and a pickaxe. He also made a tour to the tailor stall, where, thanks to his high handicraft competence, he could learn basic tailoring skill. This done, he bought needles and thread in quantity. His purchases completed and evening arriving, he walked to the forest where he spotted many conifers. He practiced in diagonal notches on their trunks, which joined all at a point where he fixed bottles with drain that ranged from the trees cuts to the bottles neck. This DIY finished on around 20 trees, he returned to the gates of the city where, as every evening, he was expected. He installed his skewer, since he could now decently roast meats, prepared his fire and put in place a collecting dish for the fat that would discharge its contents in a bottle. The crowd surrounding did not lent attention to this last detail, rejoicing already for the grilled meat that they were going to enjoy. His installation done, he cried: "tonight, roasted and grilled meat, seasoning 3 copper coin and preparation 2 copper coins, take advantage of new flavors!” This slight inflation did not interfere with the regulars who thought first and foremost with their stomach. And during 2 hours, he prepared the meat from hundreds of players. So that when the closing of his improvised rotisserie cam, clients were satisfied and him the same, having made a little more important profit than previous days and as a bonus, he filled out 25 bottles of melted animal fat. He ended up packing his material and then left, as each evening, to his hunting area. However, after checking several times if he was followed, he veered off towards the forest. He recovered the bottles that he had set up on the trunks of conifers, now full of resin and replaced them. He then began to cut branches of conifers and other hardwood. Each had its own usefulness in his plan. Then he tanned the skins that he had collected during his first hunts and stitched several together to make a large surface. This work made him only marginally gain expertise in tailoring skill, but that wasn't the goal for now. These preparations completed, he walked to the entrance of the gnolls burrow. Stopping at reasonable distance, he was able to find that all gnolls, scouts and guards, were returned. He thought about he would he have to establish the time of re-spawn in the future, in order to not be taken aback. He did again a thorough cleaning of the surroundings of the burrow, both to break a passage and for the experience and loots these monsters meant. So upon entering the burrow for the 2nd time, he had won 2 more level, reaching the lvl23 and 52%. Cilerius penetrated in the burrow, without hesitation toward the position of the first group of gnolls. However, he stopped at a certain distance and began to apply what he had planned. In a narrowing of the corridor, he targeted the central area of the ground and chanted: "From earth to mud, sand to stone and vice versa: Alteration of Soil!” The floor of the tar-geted area had become sand. He took his shovel and started to dig, removing sand from the area and pile it on the sides, where the ground had not been transmuted. After emptying from its sand the bowl 30cm deep thus formed, he got out and, target-ing the same area, then repeated the same spell and began to shovel again. Be-tween 2 operations of digging, he targeted the pile of sand on the sides and using his spell, the re-turned into rocks. Thus, it reduced the width of the corridor space in which he dug his pit. Because it was a trench he was digging. At the 4th time he repeated his operation, the pit reached 1 m 50 deep. Before continuing, he made, using rope and branches of hardwood trees, a ladder in order to get out the next time. It would have been silly to remain stuck to the bottom of the pit. This was 2 hours that he was shoveling when 3 events occured almost simultaneously. The first 2 were not surprising: ! ding! You earn 1 point of strength. The constant physical work you did trained your strength. ! ding! You earn 1 point of endurance. Constant efforts improves your endurance to the effort. The 3rd was more surprising: ! ding! New skill, mining: digging soil allows you access to the minerals it contain. The expertise increasing, you can discover rare ores and dig more effectively. It was still an unexpected benefit. Certainly, Royal Road well incorporated the princi-ple of: it is by forging that one becomes a blacksmith. In other words, practice make the skill. Anyone who started in a manual activity, as long as some prerequisites are fulfilled, could develop a competence which he did not necessarily had access ac-cording to his profession. At the end of 4 hour work, he managed to create a pit 3 m 50 deep. He coated the bottom with branches of conifers and then went up. On the sides of the pit, at ground height and on the exterior side of the burrow , he practiced 2 small holes. Then, he took a long hardwood branch and wedged it across the pit in the 2 holes made previously. He set then, perpendicular, other branches that he cut to make just the width of the pit. He consolidated this structure with some transversal and diagonal branches, then got the great skin that he had made earlier and the set it on this structure. On the unstuck side, he set a rope on each side in order to move this structure. He did go back on the interior side of the burrow, and prepared several points of support which should be able to withstand a little bit more than the weight of the structure, which indeed proved to be a hatch. With the ropes, he did tip the hatch to him and laid it in place. Then, he spread a thin layer of sand, that he had taken care to keep in anticipation, on the hatch to hide it. When he had finished his work, an event window is opened: ! ding! New skill, trap manufacturing: by your careful preparation, you learned to cre-ate traps. The expertise increasing, you can prepare more complicated and more efficient traps and faster. Prerequisites: skills hunting and stalking. Cilerius hesitated between smile and wince. Indeed, he rejoiced to learn new and with interesting potential skills, but he also imagined the efforts that he would have to bear in order to raise them at a level that would make them effective. Many skills to advance, he would have to plan for everything. His trap completed, he found himself on the wrong side. He just had to test the meth-od that he intended to use later: "My feet are as light as the feather in the wind: Wind Walk." and he walked on the hatch whitch didn’t yield under his steps as light as a feather as long as the spell was ac-tive. Without additional charge, he could now do a thousand steps in this manner before the spell fades. Being ensured that it would work as expected, he walked away on tiptoe to the first group of gnolls. Its composition was identical to the first time and would therefore put as much problem as before if he had attacked conventionally. Taking advantage that they all turned their backs, he stepped a little beyond the corner to see what there was further. He saw another group of 6 gnolls approximately 100 m further than the first. In addition to the 50 m that separated him from the first group, they were just in range with his current expertise. He reflected a moment on how to attract them all, but especially in group. Then he decided to try a method. "May the mermaids protect me: Ice Shield", he took the precaution to protect himselve before attacking this time.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? <br><br>“Yes”<br><br>Select the name of your avatar<br><br>'Hum so what should name myself....'<br><br>After thinking long and hard about it. <br><br>'Ah! Yes, I got it'<br><br>Ryan thought of one that seemed to suit this new him in this new world.<br><br>“My name will be Sol”<br><br>Yes, Sol the ever burning star that has loomed over the Earth for millions of years, seemed to suit him.<br><br>As to why he choose that way of saying 'Sun' is do to the fact that Ryan was, contrary to what his name might indicate, of Portuguese descent.<br><br>You see his mother was Portuguese while his father was American, and after she went to live together with his father to the US he was born there, thus an American, they chose his name based on his grandfathers name, from his fathers side, and he then took his fathers family name, thus the reason for such a choice, of course he could have have chosen the English version of the word but this was his own little way of honoring his mother, who he never had the chance of reconciling with.<br><br>Select your gender from male, female or neutral<br><br>'Neutral? I wonder what that is....'<br><br>“I would like a description of neutral”<br><br>Characters of the neutral are perceived as people of the opposite gender of the one who is looking at them.<br><br>'Oh.That's quite the creative idea.'<br><br>With his curiosity fufilled, he moved on.<br><br>“But I'll pick male nonetheless, as interesting it might be, it would feel weird to be always changing gender”<br><br>Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine.<br><br>'Hum this is a tricky one, I did give it some thought but I just can't make my mind, should I be an elf or a human...'<br><br>'Hummmmm...ok nothing to it'<br><br>“I would like to know of if it's possible to be an Elf and start in a human city?”<br><br>It is possible but it will be severily harder for an elf to raise intimacy with humans of the same gender, you might even be hated by some.<br><br>'Yeah that's the best option, the only reason I hadn't made my mind was because I thought I would lose acess to the humans libraries if I was an elf, but since that's out of the way'<br><br>“I would like to see myself as an elf”<br><br>'I was bored of being a human anyway and discovering what another race can do is way more interesting'<br><br>What showed up in front in front of him was a man with about 185cm(6feet) with dark wavy mediterrenean dark hair he inherited from his mother, <br>green eyes and a body that seemed it was made to fight and survive (think Tatsuya MknR, less scars though), that and something and something new, a pair of pointy ears, his face though was nothing special really, he could be described as handsome by some and normal by others, this was caused by his expression that looked like he didn't really care about anything which made him seem relaxed but most people described it as a deadpan face, he himself didn't really care much for it and only thought about it when he needed it for his goal, in which his face would do a complete 180º where he would have smile that almost shined, though his friends who'd come to know him well said that such a change was really creepy, but then again, he didn't really care.<br><br>'Hum feels kinda off though'<br><br>Yes the look was kinda weird, having wavy black hair as an elf looked really weird to him. <br><br>“Can I see myself as a dark elf?”<br><br>Checking with the administrators....<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>The administrators have agreed to your request, on the condition that you provide the company with your data from time to time, is that acceptable?<br><br>'That's kinda annoying but I don't mind'<br><br>“Sure, under the condition that it will never be publicized”<br><br>Your request has been accepted<br><br>Suddently his character started changing colors to that of a tanned color and gained a pair of flame like tribal tattos under both of his eyes.<br><br>'Yeah, much better'<br><br>Select a city and kingdom you want to start. <br><br>“The city with the largest library please!”<br><br>Welcome to Royal— <br><br>“Just start the game please”<br><br>After a flash of light, Rya- no, Sol, woke up Iin a medieval like city. He could see a castle in the background and huge walls around him, it was somewhat cold and from the mountains around him, or more specifically the mountain tops which where covered in snow, he concluded that he should be in the nothern part of the continent, he also knew that the northern most part of the continent was yet to be discovered so he should be just at the border or close to it.<br><br>“Amazing, truly amazing, it really is a whole new world!” Even though he'd read all these articles about how life like it would be, seeing and feeling it were on a whole new level.<br><br>But as if to ruin the moment, he noticed, the eyes on him, and then he noticed the whispers.<br><br>'Look it's a dark elf...'<br><br>'A dark elf? You mean those elfs that went against Freya and were marked for their sins?'<br><br>'Yeah, those the ones that love to see fire burning and destruction'<br><br>'How dare he come here even after all they've done'<br><br>'Oh, this is quite the love I'm being shown here'<br><br>“Well, time to go to the library, let's ask for some directions”<br><br>Sol went to the person that seemed to show him the least hatred.<br><br>“Excuse me Sir, could you tell me where I can find the library and for that matter what is the name of this city?”<br><br>“Th-this is Ymir and the library is in that direction” Said the the freckled young man while pointing left.<br><br>“Thank you very much” <br><br>When Sol tried to strech his hand so as to shake the mans hand. The man however ran as quickly as the wind while screaming.<br>'Oh! That was an interesting reaction, I guess?'<br><br>And so the whisper's began again as if they were waiting for this moment to happen.<br><br>'Did he just try to kill that man?' <br><br>'He must have did you see how he ran?' <br><br>'He really is just like all the other elfs'<br><br>'And did he say he wanted to know where the library was?' <br><br>'He must want to burn it all, darkelfs are like that. <br><br>'Someone should warn the guards!'<br><br>Ignoring the whispers around him Sol checked his inventory, where he found ten pieces of bread and a canteen.<br><br>'Hum I should check my stats as well' <br><br>&lt;Status Window&gt;<br><br>Character Name: Sol Aignment: Neutral<br>Level: 1 Profession: None<br>Title: None Fame: 0<br>HP: 80 MP: 110<br>Strength: 8 Agility: 12<br>Vitality: 8 Intellect: 11<br>Wisdom: 11 Luck: 0<br>Leadership: 0 <br>Attack: 3 Defense: 0<br>Magic Resistance:<br>Fire: 20% Water: 0% Wind:0% Earth: 0% Thunder: 0% <br>Holy: -20% Darkness: 20%<br><br><br>'It seems like the general elf build, was somewhat expecting the dark resis and the holy weakness but the fire resis is a nice suprise'<br><br>As he walked towards the direction the man had pointed at, Sol thought about what he would do from now on.<br><br>'I'll go to the library....then this...and that...' <br><br>After stopping in front of a really huge building full of windows and quite the arquiteture, but ironically looked more like a monastery than a library, Sol took a moment to enjoy what was to come.<br><br>'Ah, just the thought of all the books and knowledge that's waiting for me in there...'<br><br>“Well, that's enough of that, let's get going” <br><br>Sol started walking towards the library with a certain gleam in his eyes, a gleam in his eyes that only a child could have, the eyes of a child that just got a new toy and couldn't wait to try it out.<br><br>As he entered the library, he saw the books, the huge amount of books all lined up and stacked in front of him, and he felt something close to what most would describe as ecstasy or something along those lines.<br><br>But that moment was short-lived because when an oldman who seemed to be the librarian saw him ,he who could be said to be a jolly looking oldman, did an 180º change in expression.<br><br>“Hey, you elf, where do you think you're going, your kind is not welcomed here! This library was built for the exclusive use of the citizens of Ymir, thus, its not for the likes of you to even think of using. Now get out before I call the guards!”<br><br>“Hey, why all the hate, I haven't done anything, dear Sir”<br><br>Even though he had tried to be polite so as to calm the oldman it didn't really work, especially because he said it without any felling of respect whatsoever in what could be said to be a monochordic voice, so it sounded, well, fake, realy fake.<br><br>“I don't care if you haven't done anything, you and your kind aren't welcome here, how dare you come to this city after all you and your kind have done to this city”<br><br>“Wait I don't know what the other elfs have been doing but I just got here”<br><br>“I DON'T CARE! Now shoo before I really call the guards”<br><br>***<br><br>Having been thrown out of the library and having his moment ruined, all Sol could think of was how he coud get into the library, as weird as it may sound he wasn't even thinking as to why all the hate anymore, an obssesion can be a scary thing huh.<br><br>'Now how should go abput doing this...hum...Oh! I know, now lets see'<br><br>Going around the library he looked for a place where it would be easy to scale and had a window or a place of entrance, and then he found it, a place where a nice big tree grew near a window.<br><br>'Nice, now all I need is to wait for the night and I should be able to acess the library, you think some oldman will keep me from achieving what I want?! Think again, I've snuck in to libraries with much better security than this old age crap!!'<br><br>Then he went on to do a nice and cheerfull maniacal laugh (something ike a evil vilain from some cartoon, something like Muahahahaha or something like that), which well didn't really help improving his already stellar reputation. <br><br>That night when there was no one around, he went in, first he tried climbing the tree in order to reach the window, but to no avail, he went on to fall a few times and even though he was doing all the correct movements to the point where he could even be said to look like a pro gymnast the body would lose all stength at the key moments, he just couldn't find any of the strength he usually had, as if something that shoud be there wasn't. Yes. That body had no strength whatsoever, after all it was the body a level one character, the NPC kids probably had more strength than him, thus, it could barely support itself much less climb a tree.<br><br>'Don't tell me this body is that weak when compared to the other?!'<br><br>Coming to the realization that he would'nt be able to acess the library, he released a desperate sound into to the air.<br><br>“Noooooooooooooooooo!”<br><br><br><br>Well here's chap.1 it's small I know, but please bear with me for now. <br>I'll try to improve the size and maybe one day, just maybe, I'll have gotten used to writing and will be able to dish out chapters with the size of some I've seen some peope do here.<br>Now as for the story if any of you see any errors please let me know, I do proofread the story but doing it on your own ,sometimes, I just miss them 'cause I've already read it a few times while writing. <br>Any suggestion is welcomed. </div>

The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? “Yes” Select the name of your avatar 'Hum so what should name myself....' After thinking long and hard about it. 'Ah! Yes, I got it' Ryan thought of one that seemed to suit this new him in this new world. “My name will be Sol” Yes, Sol the ever burning star that has loomed over the Earth for millions of years, seemed to suit him. As to why he choose that way of saying 'Sun' is do to the fact that Ryan was, contrary to what his name might indicate, of Portuguese descent. You see his mother was Portuguese while his father was American, and after she went to live together with his father to the US he was born there, thus an American, they chose his name based on his grandfathers name, from his fathers side, and he then took his fathers family name, thus the reason for such a choice, of course he could have have chosen the English version of the word but this was his own little way of honoring his mother, who he never had the chance of reconciling with. Select your gender from male, female or neutral 'Neutral? I wonder what that is....' “I would like a description of neutral” Characters of the neutral are perceived as people of the opposite gender of the one who is looking at them. 'Oh.That's quite the creative idea.' With his curiosity fufilled, he moved on. “But I'll pick male nonetheless, as interesting it might be, it would feel weird to be always changing gender” Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine. 'Hum this is a tricky one, I did give it some thought but I just can't make my mind, should I be an elf or a human...' 'Hummmmm...ok nothing to it' “I would like to know of if it's possible to be an Elf and start in a human city?” It is possible but it will be severily harder for an elf to raise intimacy with humans of the same gender, you might even be hated by some. 'Yeah that's the best option, the only reason I hadn't made my mind was because I thought I would lose acess to the humans libraries if I was an elf, but since that's out of the way' “I would like to see myself as an elf” 'I was bored of being a human anyway and discovering what another race can do is way more interesting' What showed up in front in front of him was a man with about 185cm(6feet) with dark wavy mediterrenean dark hair he inherited from his mother, green eyes and a body that seemed it was made to fight and survive (think Tatsuya MknR, less scars though), that and something and something new, a pair of pointy ears, his face though was nothing special really, he could be described as handsome by some and normal by others, this was caused by his expression that looked like he didn't really care about anything which made him seem relaxed but most people described it as a deadpan face, he himself didn't really care much for it and only thought about it when he needed it for his goal, in which his face would do a complete 180º where he would have smile that almost shined, though his friends who'd come to know him well said that such a change was really creepy, but then again, he didn't really care. 'Hum feels kinda off though' Yes the look was kinda weird, having wavy black hair as an elf looked really weird to him. “Can I see myself as a dark elf?” Checking with the administrators.... . . . The administrators have agreed to your request, on the condition that you provide the company with your data from time to time, is that acceptable? 'That's kinda annoying but I don't mind' “Sure, under the condition that it will never be publicized” Your request has been accepted Suddently his character started changing colors to that of a tanned color and gained a pair of flame like tribal tattos under both of his eyes. 'Yeah, much better' Select a city and kingdom you want to start. “The city with the largest library please!” Welcome to Royal— “Just start the game please” After a flash of light, Rya- no, Sol, woke up Iin a medieval like city. He could see a castle in the background and huge walls around him, it was somewhat cold and from the mountains around him, or more specifically the mountain tops which where covered in snow, he concluded that he should be in the nothern part of the continent, he also knew that the northern most part of the continent was yet to be discovered so he should be just at the border or close to it. “Amazing, truly amazing, it really is a whole new world!” Even though he'd read all these articles about how life like it would be, seeing and feeling it were on a whole new level. But as if to ruin the moment, he noticed, the eyes on him, and then he noticed the whispers. 'Look it's a dark elf...' 'A dark elf? You mean those elfs that went against Freya and were marked for their sins?' 'Yeah, those the ones that love to see fire burning and destruction' 'How dare he come here even after all they've done' 'Oh, this is quite the love I'm being shown here' “Well, time to go to the library, let's ask for some directions” Sol went to the person that seemed to show him the least hatred. “Excuse me Sir, could you tell me where I can find the library and for that matter what is the name of this city?” “Th-this is Ymir and the library is in that direction” Said the the freckled young man while pointing left. “Thank you very much” When Sol tried to strech his hand so as to shake the mans hand. The man however ran as quickly as the wind while screaming. 'Oh! That was an interesting reaction, I guess?' And so the whisper's began again as if they were waiting for this moment to happen. 'Did he just try to kill that man?' 'He must have did you see how he ran?' 'He really is just like all the other elfs' 'And did he say he wanted to know where the library was?' 'He must want to burn it all, darkelfs are like that. 'Someone should warn the guards!' Ignoring the whispers around him Sol checked his inventory, where he found ten pieces of bread and a canteen. 'Hum I should check my stats as well' <Status Window> Character Name: Sol Aignment: Neutral Level: 1 Profession: None Title: None Fame: 0 HP: 80 MP: 110 Strength: 8 Agility: 12 Vitality: 8 Intellect: 11 Wisdom: 11 Luck: 0 Leadership: 0 Attack: 3 Defense: 0 Magic Resistance: Fire: 20% Water: 0% Wind:0% Earth: 0% Thunder: 0% Holy: -20% Darkness: 20% 'It seems like the general elf build, was somewhat expecting the dark resis and the holy weakness but the fire resis is a nice suprise' As he walked towards the direction the man had pointed at, Sol thought about what he would do from now on. 'I'll go to the library....then this...and that...' After stopping in front of a really huge building full of windows and quite the arquiteture, but ironically looked more like a monastery than a library, Sol took a moment to enjoy what was to come. 'Ah, just the thought of all the books and knowledge that's waiting for me in there...' “Well, that's enough of that, let's get going” Sol started walking towards the library with a certain gleam in his eyes, a gleam in his eyes that only a child could have, the eyes of a child that just got a new toy and couldn't wait to try it out. As he entered the library, he saw the books, the huge amount of books all lined up and stacked in front of him, and he felt something close to what most would describe as ecstasy or something along those lines. But that moment was short-lived because when an oldman who seemed to be the librarian saw him ,he who could be said to be a jolly looking oldman, did an 180º change in expression. “Hey, you elf, where do you think you're going, your kind is not welcomed here! This library was built for the exclusive use of the citizens of Ymir, thus, its not for the likes of you to even think of using. Now get out before I call the guards!” “Hey, why all the hate, I haven't done anything, dear Sir” Even though he had tried to be polite so as to calm the oldman it didn't really work, especially because he said it without any felling of respect whatsoever in what could be said to be a monochordic voice, so it sounded, well, fake, realy fake. “I don't care if you haven't done anything, you and your kind aren't welcome here, how dare you come to this city after all you and your kind have done to this city” “Wait I don't know what the other elfs have been doing but I just got here” “I DON'T CARE! Now shoo before I really call the guards” *** Having been thrown out of the library and having his moment ruined, all Sol could think of was how he coud get into the library, as weird as it may sound he wasn't even thinking as to why all the hate anymore, an obssesion can be a scary thing huh. 'Now how should go abput doing this...hum...Oh! I know, now lets see' Going around the library he looked for a place where it would be easy to scale and had a window or a place of entrance, and then he found it, a place where a nice big tree grew near a window. 'Nice, now all I need is to wait for the night and I should be able to acess the library, you think some oldman will keep me from achieving what I want?! Think again, I've snuck in to libraries with much better security than this old age crap!!' Then he went on to do a nice and cheerfull maniacal laugh (something ike a evil vilain from some cartoon, something like Muahahahaha or something like that), which well didn't really help improving his already stellar reputation. That night when there was no one around, he went in, first he tried climbing the tree in order to reach the window, but to no avail, he went on to fall a few times and even though he was doing all the correct movements to the point where he could even be said to look like a pro gymnast the body would lose all stength at the key moments, he just couldn't find any of the strength he usually had, as if something that shoud be there wasn't. Yes. That body had no strength whatsoever, after all it was the body a level one character, the NPC kids probably had more strength than him, thus, it could barely support itself much less climb a tree. 'Don't tell me this body is that weak when compared to the other?!' Coming to the realization that he would'nt be able to acess the library, he released a desperate sound into to the air. “Noooooooooooooooooo!” Well here's chap.1 it's small I know, but please bear with me for now. I'll try to improve the size and maybe one day, just maybe, I'll have gotten used to writing and will be able to dish out chapters with the size of some I've seen some peope do here. Now as for the story if any of you see any errors please let me know, I do proofread the story but doing it on your own ,sometimes, I just miss them 'cause I've already read it a few times while writing. Any suggestion is welcomed.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Think about a kid who is waiting for his/her birthday?, probably that kid will have a hard time controlling his excitement, I remember counting every moment when i was waiting for my birthday. <br>That is exactly what our protagonist William felt last 3 month but only difference is instead of his birthday he was waiting for Royal Road capsule to come. You mean what is Royal Road? <br><br>Royal Road is VRMMORPG that is reigning over world as a most wanted game of century. 1 year ago Unicorn corp developed Royal Road using cutting edge technology of Virtual Reality into game. During 1 year after the birth, Royal Road quickly became number one game that every gamers wanted and walked the path of the emperor with serenity. <br><br>William ordered the game 3 months ago, and today is the day for the game to finally arrive in his house. <br>................................................................................................................................................................................<br>“thud thud thud”<br><br>After hearing the sound of the door he rushed downstairs to open it, behind the door there was an Unicorn corp employees wearing black T-Shirt with a picture of white horned horse.<br><br>“Hello, is it a house of Mr.William ?”<br><br>“yeah it is, I'm William”<br><br>"we are from Unicorn Corp and we would like to install the capsule, can you show us where should we install it?”<br><br>“okay come inside, I'll lead you to my room” William told them with a wave and leaded them to his room. <br><br>They installed the capsule in no time and gave him a manual, then went out almost running away from him. William confused a little and then began to read his manual.<br>................................................................................................................................................................................<br>Few minutes later back at the Unicorn corp building.<br>There was a two guys who installed Williams capsule conversing with each other<br><br>Unicorn corp worker1: "phew, that guy was creepy" said while wiping his sweat from his head.<br><br>Unicorn corp worker2: "i know right?!, he was like panting and grinning whole time while we are there"<br><br>Unicorn corp worker1: "yea,i thought he was going to attack us"<br><br>Unicorn corp worker2: "haha, same here"<br><br>Unicorn corp worker1: "we won't meet him again right ?"<br><br>Unicorn corp worker2: "i hope so" . . .<br>................................................................................................................................................................................<br>William finished reading manual and found out that there isn't much information on game itself, most of the information provided on the manual was technical stuff related to capsule.<br><br>"sigh . ., i guess i'll start playing it" William said to himself and went to the capsule.<br><br>Connect to Royal Road<br>Yes/No<br><br>“Yes!”<br><br>The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?<br><br>“Yes”<br><br>Select the name of your avatar<br><br>“Tinker!”<br><br>he always chose this name on every game he played ever since he was young so he naturally answered it without a thought.<br><br>Select your gender from male, female or neutral<br><br>"hmmm, female and neutral sounds tempting" William fantasized few moment on what should he do with female body but he figured that if his parents of friends found out about this it won't be pretty and chose:<br><br>“Male”<br><br>Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine race<br><br>“Human”<br><br>You may alter your appearance<br><br>“keep my appearance”<br><br>Select a city and kingdom you want to start.<br><br>“Random!”<br><br>Your account has been activated. Your stats and class sha . . .<br><br>“skip”<br><br>Welc . . .<br>“skip”<br>he skipped through the last parts because he thought it was waste of time.<br><br>"Flash"<br><br>Sudden flash of light blinded him for a few seconds.<br><br>"My eyes!! goddamit !!! warn before flashing!!!" "Ohh i can see a little now" William yelled.<br><br>he regained his vision little by little to only see people laughing, pointing at him. William understood what had happened and run away crowd with bright red face.<br><br>"pant pant pant" he run to the outskirt of the town where there was no one in sight. and said<br><br>"can't believe i made a fool out of myself like this" still embarrassed, and began to check his avatar. <br><br>“So this is the virtual reality I can't believe they made something like this” checking out his body and surrounding and realized that what he dreamed and assumed what it'll be Virtual Reality like is completely wrong. <br><br>So hmm how do i check my stats? ohh yea<br><br>“stats window”<br><br>Character Name: Tinker<br>Type: Neutral<br>Level: 1<br>Class: none<br>Title: none<br>Fame<br>Health: 100<br>Mana: 100<br>Strength: 10<br>Agility: 10<br>Stamina: 10<br>Wisdom: 10<br>Intelligience: 10<br><br>Attack: 2-3<br>Defense: 1<br>Magic resistance:<br><br>Fire: none<br>Water: none<br>Earth: none<br>Dark: none<br><br>“hmmm. It looks bad . . . really bad . .. i wonder if i can beat even little rabbit with this stats "sigh". ." he sighed and proceeded to check his inventory.<br><br>But all he found was 10 piece of rye bread and one empty canteen of water. Then he decided to fill out his empty canteen with water for now and luckily he spotted fountain when he first arrived in this world so he found his way easily. On the way he remembered about what happened there and he hesitated a little but still went there hoping no one recognize will him.<br><br>William took out his canteen from inventory, opened the cap and about to fill his canteen with water something pulled his shirt gently.<br>When he looked around to see what was bothering him then he found a skinny little girl dressed in dirty white dress looking at him with a puppy eyes saying:<br><br>“Hey, mister can I have something to eat?”<br><br>. . . . after few moment of silent he answered<br><br>"i have only rye bread do you want it?"<br><br>girl nodded, <br>William rummaged through his backpack for a brief moment he found a rye bread and hand it to her with a canteen of water. Girl took the bread drooling and wolfed the whole thing in an instant she got. <br><br>She told “Thank you Mister” with a bright smile after her meal.<br><br>then William said<br><br>“I am William, what is your name?”<br><br>“jenny” <br><br>“Where is your parents? Where do you live? i could accompany you until you get to your house” asked lots of question thinking that he could get a quest from her parents.<br><br>“I don't know ever since they gone to the palace they are missing, after that I have been searching for my parents ever since!" she said with a grumpy face. with a moment silence she asked<br><br>"mister can you help me to find my parents?”<br><br>“tring”<br>Find jenny's parents!!<br>Jenny asked you to look for her missing parents.<br>Quest requirement: Ask about his parents, be nice to her<br>Quest difficulty: D<br>Quest reward: varies on result.<br>Accept/Decline<br><br>With a little hesitation after he saw the difficulty of the quest answered<br><br>I will gladly help you.<br><br>You have accepted the quest<br><br>................................................................................................................................................................................<br><br>This is my first time writing FF so there might be lots of mistakes, I will be gladly to fix it if you point it out.<br>I'll explain about the character traits and background in later, i thought i should gradually introduce him after i gotten hang of it. </div>

Think about a kid who is waiting for his/her birthday?, probably that kid will have a hard time controlling his excitement, I remember counting every moment when i was waiting for my birthday. That is exactly what our protagonist William felt last 3 month but only difference is instead of his birthday he was waiting for Royal Road capsule to come. You mean what is Royal Road? Royal Road is VRMMORPG that is reigning over world as a most wanted game of century. 1 year ago Unicorn corp developed Royal Road using cutting edge technology of Virtual Reality into game. During 1 year after the birth, Royal Road quickly became number one game that every gamers wanted and walked the path of the emperor with serenity. William ordered the game 3 months ago, and today is the day for the game to finally arrive in his house. ................................................................................................................................................................................ “thud thud thud” After hearing the sound of the door he rushed downstairs to open it, behind the door there was an Unicorn corp employees wearing black T-Shirt with a picture of white horned horse. “Hello, is it a house of Mr.William ?” “yeah it is, I'm William” "we are from Unicorn Corp and we would like to install the capsule, can you show us where should we install it?” “okay come inside, I'll lead you to my room” William told them with a wave and leaded them to his room. They installed the capsule in no time and gave him a manual, then went out almost running away from him. William confused a little and then began to read his manual. ................................................................................................................................................................................ Few minutes later back at the Unicorn corp building. There was a two guys who installed Williams capsule conversing with each other Unicorn corp worker1: "phew, that guy was creepy" said while wiping his sweat from his head. Unicorn corp worker2: "i know right?!, he was like panting and grinning whole time while we are there" Unicorn corp worker1: "yea,i thought he was going to attack us" Unicorn corp worker2: "haha, same here" Unicorn corp worker1: "we won't meet him again right ?" Unicorn corp worker2: "i hope so" . . . ................................................................................................................................................................................ William finished reading manual and found out that there isn't much information on game itself, most of the information provided on the manual was technical stuff related to capsule. "sigh . ., i guess i'll start playing it" William said to himself and went to the capsule. Connect to Royal Road Yes/No “Yes!” The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? “Yes” Select the name of your avatar “Tinker!” he always chose this name on every game he played ever since he was young so he naturally answered it without a thought. Select your gender from male, female or neutral "hmmm, female and neutral sounds tempting" William fantasized few moment on what should he do with female body but he figured that if his parents of friends found out about this it won't be pretty and chose: “Male” Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine race “Human” You may alter your appearance “keep my appearance” Select a city and kingdom you want to start. “Random!” Your account has been activated. Your stats and class sha . . . “skip” Welc . . . “skip” he skipped through the last parts because he thought it was waste of time. "Flash" Sudden flash of light blinded him for a few seconds. "My eyes!! goddamit !!! warn before flashing!!!" "Ohh i can see a little now" William yelled. he regained his vision little by little to only see people laughing, pointing at him. William understood what had happened and run away crowd with bright red face. "pant pant pant" he run to the outskirt of the town where there was no one in sight. and said "can't believe i made a fool out of myself like this" still embarrassed, and began to check his avatar. “So this is the virtual reality I can't believe they made something like this” checking out his body and surrounding and realized that what he dreamed and assumed what it'll be Virtual Reality like is completely wrong. So hmm how do i check my stats? ohh yea “stats window” Character Name: Tinker Type: Neutral Level: 1 Class: none Title: none Fame Health: 100 Mana: 100 Strength: 10 Agility: 10 Stamina: 10 Wisdom: 10 Intelligience: 10 Attack: 2-3 Defense: 1 Magic resistance: Fire: none Water: none Earth: none Dark: none “hmmm. It looks bad . . . really bad . .. i wonder if i can beat even little rabbit with this stats "sigh". ." he sighed and proceeded to check his inventory. But all he found was 10 piece of rye bread and one empty canteen of water. Then he decided to fill out his empty canteen with water for now and luckily he spotted fountain when he first arrived in this world so he found his way easily. On the way he remembered about what happened there and he hesitated a little but still went there hoping no one recognize will him. William took out his canteen from inventory, opened the cap and about to fill his canteen with water something pulled his shirt gently. When he looked around to see what was bothering him then he found a skinny little girl dressed in dirty white dress looking at him with a puppy eyes saying: “Hey, mister can I have something to eat?” . . . . after few moment of silent he answered "i have only rye bread do you want it?" girl nodded, William rummaged through his backpack for a brief moment he found a rye bread and hand it to her with a canteen of water. Girl took the bread drooling and wolfed the whole thing in an instant she got. She told “Thank you Mister” with a bright smile after her meal. then William said “I am William, what is your name?” “jenny” “Where is your parents? Where do you live? i could accompany you until you get to your house” asked lots of question thinking that he could get a quest from her parents. “I don't know ever since they gone to the palace they are missing, after that I have been searching for my parents ever since!" she said with a grumpy face. with a moment silence she asked "mister can you help me to find my parents?” “tring” Find jenny's parents!! Jenny asked you to look for her missing parents. Quest requirement: Ask about his parents, be nice to her Quest difficulty: D Quest reward: varies on result. Accept/Decline With a little hesitation after he saw the difficulty of the quest answered I will gladly help you. You have accepted the quest ................................................................................................................................................................................ This is my first time writing FF so there might be lots of mistakes, I will be gladly to fix it if you point it out. I'll explain about the character traits and background in later, i thought i should gradually introduce him after i gotten hang of it.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Beep!Beep!<br><br>‘So it’s time to wake up…’<br><br>“Yawn~, today’s a pretty nice day huh” said the dark haired young man looking out the window, it was a pretty nice day taking into account that most days in the outskirts of London were foggy.<br><br>While getting up, the young man thought about what he’d planned for the day. Although he’d become lazy as of late he still maintained his methodical nature, something that’d helped him become what he was today. At the age of 27, Ryan Lute, a young stock broker, who’d recently made a name for himself, although he was no millionaire he did okay.<br><br>“Oh right! It’s coming today!”<br><br>Yes, the capsule he’d ordered was arriving today, he was finally getting to play the most waited game of the decade Royal Road, no, to call it a game would be a mistake, it was a whole new world.<br><br>While waiting Ryan followed his usual routine, he ate breakfast went for his morning jog, If not for that jog everyday he’d probably look like a mess by now, but through it he’d been able to maintain the body he had crafted in his younger days, when he arrived back home he took a bath, checked the stock market and after lunch the capsule came.<br><br>“I’m finally getting to play it, at last!” he was so excited that could almost feel the adrenaline running through his body, something he hadn’t felt in quite some time.<br><br>“Yes…Maybe I’ll even be able to recover what I’ve lost…”<br><br>***<br><br>Yes, although he was once a kid brimming with curiosity in his youth, so much curiosity that he ,since childhood, had tried to learn everything he could, by the age of 5 he already knew how to read and write, he read books all day non-stop, he went to school but the teachers would mostly leave him alone since he knew pretty much everything they had to teach, he didn’t have friends since the people around him felt intimidated by him, and although his teachers called him a genius he disagreed strongly since he felt that anyone could achieve this through effort, and I mean true effort not the kind of effort that makes you give up after a month or so, but he didn’t care about what they said or what they thought of him, he was too focused on his quest for knowledge, he learned everything from physics to cooking, and from languages to math, at the age of 14 he was done with college, <br>At that point he thought that there was nothing else he could learn there and decided that he would travel the world by his own means.<br><br>His parents were pretty much against the idea but he pushed forward with it and his father allowed him, in the end, his mother never did give her approval though but he didn't care at the time, something he would come to regret.<br><br>So he then traveled the world he was like a bright flame burning everything around him, consuming everything he got to know a lot of new people and cultures, ways of looking at things and more importantly he saw things, things he couldn't describe, sights that only those who'd seen them could understand, for the next 10 years or so he roamed the earth, <br><br>But one they all of a sudden he stopped, the flame went out, he’d burned himself out all of a sudden ,the motivation that had been fueling him in his never-ending quest for knowledge disappeared. <br><br>But don’t get me wrong it’s not like it simply died out, there was a simple reason for the burn out, he became afraid, afraid that he wouldn't be able to achieve it, that it was an impossible dream and that scared him, it really did, of course, he went through all of this subconsciously and had no idea about why it happened. All he knew was that one day he woke up without the drive that had sustained him all his life.<br>So he gave up, just like any man would. After spending some time leeching of his few but good friends and doing basicaly nothing. <br><br>But one day after one hell of lecture which his friends called an intervention,<br>'Yea right'<br> he realized that one day the drive might come back, or so he hoped so,he colected his thoughts and decided what he would do from now on.<br><br>His first step was deciding where he would go from then, and after much thought he decided that he would go to the where he felt at peace, London, he didn't know what was it that made him like that, but one thing was certain, it did put him in a state that only his parents house would, not that he would ever set foot in there, that said he went and bought a house, a mansion really, it needed to be a mansion in order for there to be room for everything he had collected in his decade of wandering.<br><br>It was an old mansion from the Victorian era, and although old, really old, it was in a pretty good shape since the inside was renovated, of course he had to call pretty much all the favors he’d collected from the people in his journeys and ask for money, not his brightest hour, but he didn’t care about that, <br><br>His second step was to get a job, but he reaaaaaaally didnt feel like it, he just didnt have any job in mind that would make him want to work so he choose the one that he thought whould leave with as much free time as possible, so he chose stockbroking because it was pretty much the first job that would allow him to do it from home and wouldn't take much his time (please correct me if I'm wrong, my knowledge of stockbroking is next to none), but even though he had all that free time he didn't do much, spending most his time reading novels or simply sleeping and even though he had such a big house, he lived alone, he didn’t have any family left since his parents had died while he was in his journey, something Ryan had never forgiven himself for, especially since his mother never did approve of what he did, he knew a lot of people but he had very little friends, and they weren’t really your regular Joes, with each being weirder than the last, still they were the people who had saved him from his depression and he couldn't thank them enough for that.<br><br>Now the only thing that he could enjoy were novels, movies and things like that, in one word stories, yes, stories of other worlds, other beings and other cultures and that's exactly why he liked them, because they depicted another world, worlds that he knew nothing of and that were open for him to explore, of course that only worked as a scape for what he'd lost, after all he was limited by the details the author gave him. <br><br>***<br><br>“But RoyalRoad isn't like that, it's boundless!”<br><br>Thus Royal Road became the perfect medicine, it was a new world for him to discover, if this world lasted for 24 years and he hadn’t even hit the limit of this world’s knowledge, this new world should last him so much more than his own ever did so this time he will, he will go to the root of this world and accomplish what he couldn't in his, <span style="font-weight: bold;">he would consume everything</span>.<br><br>“Okay, shall we begin then?”<br><br>“Do you want to connect to Royal Road?”<br>Yes/No<br><br><br>****<br><br>Hello, I'm pretty much a noob in writing, so I'm sorry if it's crappy.<br>Any critcism and tips are very much welcome since I want to improve and keep on writing.<br>Thank You.<br>Oh btw I can't center the text so could someone tell me how I can do that? </div>

Beep!Beep! ‘So it’s time to wake up…’ “Yawn~, today’s a pretty nice day huh” said the dark haired young man looking out the window, it was a pretty nice day taking into account that most days in the outskirts of London were foggy. While getting up, the young man thought about what he’d planned for the day. Although he’d become lazy as of late he still maintained his methodical nature, something that’d helped him become what he was today. At the age of 27, Ryan Lute, a young stock broker, who’d recently made a name for himself, although he was no millionaire he did okay. “Oh right! It’s coming today!” Yes, the capsule he’d ordered was arriving today, he was finally getting to play the most waited game of the decade Royal Road, no, to call it a game would be a mistake, it was a whole new world. While waiting Ryan followed his usual routine, he ate breakfast went for his morning jog, If not for that jog everyday he’d probably look like a mess by now, but through it he’d been able to maintain the body he had crafted in his younger days, when he arrived back home he took a bath, checked the stock market and after lunch the capsule came. “I’m finally getting to play it, at last!” he was so excited that could almost feel the adrenaline running through his body, something he hadn’t felt in quite some time. “Yes…Maybe I’ll even be able to recover what I’ve lost…” *** Yes, although he was once a kid brimming with curiosity in his youth, so much curiosity that he ,since childhood, had tried to learn everything he could, by the age of 5 he already knew how to read and write, he read books all day non-stop, he went to school but the teachers would mostly leave him alone since he knew pretty much everything they had to teach, he didn’t have friends since the people around him felt intimidated by him, and although his teachers called him a genius he disagreed strongly since he felt that anyone could achieve this through effort, and I mean true effort not the kind of effort that makes you give up after a month or so, but he didn’t care about what they said or what they thought of him, he was too focused on his quest for knowledge, he learned everything from physics to cooking, and from languages to math, at the age of 14 he was done with college, At that point he thought that there was nothing else he could learn there and decided that he would travel the world by his own means. His parents were pretty much against the idea but he pushed forward with it and his father allowed him, in the end, his mother never did give her approval though but he didn't care at the time, something he would come to regret. So he then traveled the world he was like a bright flame burning everything around him, consuming everything he got to know a lot of new people and cultures, ways of looking at things and more importantly he saw things, things he couldn't describe, sights that only those who'd seen them could understand, for the next 10 years or so he roamed the earth, But one they all of a sudden he stopped, the flame went out, he’d burned himself out all of a sudden ,the motivation that had been fueling him in his never-ending quest for knowledge disappeared. But don’t get me wrong it’s not like it simply died out, there was a simple reason for the burn out, he became afraid, afraid that he wouldn't be able to achieve it, that it was an impossible dream and that scared him, it really did, of course, he went through all of this subconsciously and had no idea about why it happened. All he knew was that one day he woke up without the drive that had sustained him all his life. So he gave up, just like any man would. After spending some time leeching of his few but good friends and doing basicaly nothing. But one day after one hell of lecture which his friends called an intervention, 'Yea right' he realized that one day the drive might come back, or so he hoped so,he colected his thoughts and decided what he would do from now on. His first step was deciding where he would go from then, and after much thought he decided that he would go to the where he felt at peace, London, he didn't know what was it that made him like that, but one thing was certain, it did put him in a state that only his parents house would, not that he would ever set foot in there, that said he went and bought a house, a mansion really, it needed to be a mansion in order for there to be room for everything he had collected in his decade of wandering. It was an old mansion from the Victorian era, and although old, really old, it was in a pretty good shape since the inside was renovated, of course he had to call pretty much all the favors he’d collected from the people in his journeys and ask for money, not his brightest hour, but he didn’t care about that, His second step was to get a job, but he reaaaaaaally didnt feel like it, he just didnt have any job in mind that would make him want to work so he choose the one that he thought whould leave with as much free time as possible, so he chose stockbroking because it was pretty much the first job that would allow him to do it from home and wouldn't take much his time (please correct me if I'm wrong, my knowledge of stockbroking is next to none), but even though he had all that free time he didn't do much, spending most his time reading novels or simply sleeping and even though he had such a big house, he lived alone, he didn’t have any family left since his parents had died while he was in his journey, something Ryan had never forgiven himself for, especially since his mother never did approve of what he did, he knew a lot of people but he had very little friends, and they weren’t really your regular Joes, with each being weirder than the last, still they were the people who had saved him from his depression and he couldn't thank them enough for that. Now the only thing that he could enjoy were novels, movies and things like that, in one word stories, yes, stories of other worlds, other beings and other cultures and that's exactly why he liked them, because they depicted another world, worlds that he knew nothing of and that were open for him to explore, of course that only worked as a scape for what he'd lost, after all he was limited by the details the author gave him. *** “But RoyalRoad isn't like that, it's boundless!” Thus Royal Road became the perfect medicine, it was a new world for him to discover, if this world lasted for 24 years and he hadn’t even hit the limit of this world’s knowledge, this new world should last him so much more than his own ever did so this time he will, he will go to the root of this world and accomplish what he couldn't in his, he would consume everything. “Okay, shall we begin then?” “Do you want to connect to Royal Road?” Yes/No **** Hello, I'm pretty much a noob in writing, so I'm sorry if it's crappy. Any critcism and tips are very much welcome since I want to improve and keep on writing. Thank You. Oh btw I can't center the text so could someone tell me how I can do that?

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 1 Play Time!<br><br>==============================================================================================================================<br><br>“The scan on your iris and veins has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?”<br><br>That’s the first sound that he heard when Kayle was connected to Royal Road . He looked around in astonishment and wondered where the feminine voice came from.<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>“Select the name of your Avatar.”<br><br>“Kayle.”<br><br>"Select your gender from male, female or neutral."<br><br>“Male,”Kayle said, as he wondered what neutral would look like.<br><br>"Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select -"<br><br>“Human!”<br><br>“You may alter your appearance.”<br><br>“No!”<br><br>“Done.”<br><br>"Your account has been activated. Your -"<br><br>“Next!”<br><br>“Select a city and kingdom you want to start in.”<br><br>“Serabourg, Rosenheim Kingdom.”<br><br>“Welcome to Royal-”<br><br>“Passssss!”<br><br>With a flash of light, he appeared in the Citadel of Serabourg, Rosenheim Kingdom.<br><br>“Wow!” Kayle looked around in bewilderment.<br><br>Turning his head left and right, he could see guards patrolling around, with swords at the waist and shields slung behind their back. There were Warriors holding weapons of different shapes and sizes, some had jewelry embedded onto the swords, walking proudly down the streets. Rogues treading carefully, with long cloaks and masks. Several throwing projectiles were seen hanging loosely on their waist belts, beside twin daggers. Mages with robes covering the entire body, while holding staffs and tomes, chatting away. Merchants shouting loudly, with rings and accessories all over their fingers, advertising their items, attracting hordes of “zombies”, who looked at the items with large glittering eyes. And lastly, poorly-dressed newbies like him, running from place to place, talking to every NPC they could lay their eyes on.<br><br>Then, something caught his eye.<br><br> “Oh, a pyramid!” he exclaimed, and ran towards it. As he was about reach the pyramid, he saw a large horde of people carrying large blocks of stones.<br><br> “Slaves!” he giggled, and walked towards one of the “slaves”.<br><br>“What are you doing?” Kayle asked.<br><br>The worker stared at him.<br><br>“Go away little child, we are constructing a pyramid for the King! This is not a place for you! Go to the Training Hall!”<br><br>“Uh, okay…” Kayle replied and continued walking aimlessly back to the city square.<br><br>After a short tour, he ended up at a farm.<br><br>He started playing with the animals. He chased after the chickens, then fed them with his rye bread.Next, he rode on the goat, while holding its horns and played with its goatee.A sheep came close, and he jumped off the goat. He ran forward and cuddled the sheep.He shaped its wool into spikes and random shapes, then ran off. He started playing with the cattle, petting and tickling them. Then, he went to drink milk directly from the cows.The farmer watched him silently, concerned about his animals…<br><br> As the sun was setting, Kayle remembered that one of the slaves had told him to visit the Training Hall. He started walking there, eating the rye bread along the way.<br><br>He entered the training hall, and could only see a handful of people swinging the sword diagonally.<br><br>“Wow. What an empty Dojo compared to Dad’s,” he said in a low tone.<br><br>The Instructor saw Kayle, and glared fiercely at him.<br><br>“Young child, are you lost?”<br><br>“No, I’m here to train!” Kayle replied.<br><br>The Instructor’s eyes widened, and he replied,“You shall find sword training absolutely necessary when you come to confront monsters. Do you need my guidance? I tell you, take any unattended scarecrow and strike him in any way you want. A wooden sword is placed in front of a scarecrow, and it is all yours.”<br><br>“Can I have two Training Swords instead of one?” Kayle’s eyes darted across the hall. He then stared at the Training Sword rack.<br><br>“Go ahead, young one.”<br><br>Kayle immediate ran across the hall and took a wooden sword shaped like a katana, and another sword shaped like the Chinese character “Jian”.<br><br>He ran towards the nearest and shouted ‘Iaijutsu’! An arc of light drew across the scarecrow, as he striked using his right hand. Next, he twisted his body and turned, while drawing another arc of light using his other hand. Then, he started hitting the scarecrow repeatedly, using the two swords in both hands in sequence.<br><br>Several hours passed by. He was drenched to the bone from his sweat, and his satisfaction level was below 30, out of 100. He decided to exit the Training Hall and head towards the farm again.<br><br>He put his palm on the moist grass, and walked on all fours towards a cow. The cow glared at him, unwilling to feed him, however, it gave up, due to Kayle’s stubbornness. After removing his thirst, he started munching on his rye bread. Then, he started playing with the farm animals.<br><br>The farmer finally came out, with a distressed look.<br><br>“Do you like the animals?”<br><br>“Yes,” Kayle replied excitedly.<br><br>Then, a system message appeared in front of him.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Feed the Animals.<br>Uncle Thomas requires your help. He has been busy looking after his sick horse, and thus, require people to feed the other animals. Proceed to the fodder to get animal feed, to feed the animals in the farm.<br>Difficulty level: F<br>Quest requirements:<br>Shows love towards animals.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Kayle accepted the quest happily and started feeding the animals and watching them eat.<br><br>Three weeks in-game have passed. For the whole three weeks, he had been running from Training Hall to the Farm, and back again. He had also managed to learn a few skills from Uncle Thomas, the farmer, such as digging, cooking, first aid, tailoring and handicraft. He had also forged a friendship between the animals in the farm, thus, he had learned how to communicate with them. He had also earned the trust of Uncle Thomas, receiving several quests of delivery, shopping, and planting, other than feeding the animals.<br><br>“Kayle, what have you been doing for the past few weeks in Royal Road?” asked Estee.<br><br>“Uh, hitting scarecrows the whole day, playing, and helping Uncle Thomas in the farm,” he replied.<br><br>“Cool…” His sister replied in a sarcastic tone.<br>“Looks like Kayle missed the time when he was hitting wooden stakes in the Dojo. Father would be pleased,” his sisters giggled among themselves at the dining table.<br><br>Back in-game, Kayle attraction some attention, as people found it amusing to see a one meter tall boy using two Training Swords, one in both hands, which were each as tall as him, striking a scarecrow.<br><br>After repeatedly hitting the scarecrows, he had earned a number of skills.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Fighting Spirit<br>You can call on superhuman strength temporarily, or bring weaker monsters to their knees with a force in your eyes alone. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action, especially if you fight monsters for a long time, or often confront monsters stronger than your current level.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Level Up: Sword Mastery [6]<br>Increases Attack Power with a sword (+60% ATK)<br>Increases Attack Speed with a sword (+18% ATK SPD)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sustenance<br>You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>[Unique Skill]Dual Wielding [4]<br>Increase Attack Power by 10% <br>Increase Attack Speed by 4%<br>You can wield two swords. Attack speed increases and damage output increases.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>[Unique Skill]Iaijutsu[1]<br>Base damage + 100%<br>Able to perform a lightning quick iaijutsu strike against the target, to inflict devastating wounds immediately after drawing the sword.<br>Can only be perform before unsheathing one’s weapon.<br>Mana cost:50</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After the four intense weeks of hitting scarecrows, he finally finished the Basic Training Program.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Strength rises by 1 point. (+1 STR)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Agility rises by 1 point. (+1 AGI)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality rises by 1 point. (+1 VIT)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame rises by 20 points. (+20 FAME)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health rises by 100 points. (+100 HP)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The Instructor, who had been watching Kayle from a distance, walked towards him and said,<br><br>“Good job, young child.”<br><br>“Thanks, old man,” Kayle grinned, with a mischievous look.<br><br>“I didn’t expect that you would come so far. Yet, you overcame my prejudice. I am very proud of you.”<br><br>“Thanks Teacher.”<br><br>The instructor handed a sword to Kayle.<br><br>“What’s this?”<br><br>“It is yours. This sword is awarded to anyone who completes the Basic Training Program.”<br><br>“Oh thanks!” He took the sword and gave it a few swings.<br><br>“Finally, I got an actual sword!”<br><br>He took out the iron sword, given by the instructor,from its sheath, and held it tightly.<br><br>“Item stat window.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Hard Iron Sword:<br>Durability: 54/54<br>Damage: 10-14<br>Awarded to those who complete the Basic Training Program. This widely-used longsword is better than the basic-type weapons that are available in a blacksmith’s workshop.<br><br>Equip:<br>+10 STR<br>Requirement:<br>STR 40+<br>VIT 35+</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>After bidding farewell to the Instructor, he proceeded to the farm.<br><br>He waved his hands and greeted the farmer.<br><br>“Hi Uncle Thomas!”<br><br>“So you have completed your Basic Training Program huh, what class are you going to be?”<br><br>“I have no idea what I want to be, but I want to be unique! Being common is no fun!”<br><br>“Is that so…. Anyway, are you free? I need a helping hand in getting some ingredients from the forest.”<br><br>A system message appeared in front of Kayle.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Gathering ingredients for Uncle Thomas<br>Uncle Thomas needs your help. He needs some fruits and herbs for his sick horse, however, he can’t leave the horse alone. Please help him obtain the ingredients from near Baran Village.<br>Difficulty level: D<br>Quest requirements:<br>Close friendship with Uncle Thomas.<br>Acknowledged as reliable and helpful by Uncle Thomas.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After buying some herbs, bandages and ingredients for food, Kayle left the town. As he walked, he decided to check his stats, since he hadn’t checked it ever since the first day in-game.<br><br>“Status window”<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Kayle</td><td width="25%">Primary Class</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">500</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td colspan="3">1</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">50</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">54</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">39</td><td width="25%">perseverance</td><td width="25%">54</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Increase Attack Power and Attack Speed when dual wielding.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Ah… I’m such an overpowered noob,” he laughed sheepishly.<br><br>==============================================================================================================================<br><br><a href="http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/05/cities/Jian-2.jpg" target="_blank">http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/b ... Jian-2.jpg</a> </div>

Chapter 1 Play Time! ============================================================================================================================== “The scan on your iris and veins has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?” That’s the first sound that he heard when Kayle was connected to Royal Road . He looked around in astonishment and wondered where the feminine voice came from. “Yes.” “Select the name of your Avatar.” “Kayle.” "Select your gender from male, female or neutral." “Male,”Kayle said, as he wondered what neutral would look like. "Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select -" “Human!” “You may alter your appearance.” “No!” “Done.” "Your account has been activated. Your -" “Next!” “Select a city and kingdom you want to start in.” “Serabourg, Rosenheim Kingdom.” “Welcome to Royal-” “Passssss!” With a flash of light, he appeared in the Citadel of Serabourg, Rosenheim Kingdom. “Wow!” Kayle looked around in bewilderment. Turning his head left and right, he could see guards patrolling around, with swords at the waist and shields slung behind their back. There were Warriors holding weapons of different shapes and sizes, some had jewelry embedded onto the swords, walking proudly down the streets. Rogues treading carefully, with long cloaks and masks. Several throwing projectiles were seen hanging loosely on their waist belts, beside twin daggers. Mages with robes covering the entire body, while holding staffs and tomes, chatting away. Merchants shouting loudly, with rings and accessories all over their fingers, advertising their items, attracting hordes of “zombies”, who looked at the items with large glittering eyes. And lastly, poorly-dressed newbies like him, running from place to place, talking to every NPC they could lay their eyes on. Then, something caught his eye. “Oh, a pyramid!” he exclaimed, and ran towards it. As he was about reach the pyramid, he saw a large horde of people carrying large blocks of stones. “Slaves!” he giggled, and walked towards one of the “slaves”. “What are you doing?” Kayle asked. The worker stared at him. “Go away little child, we are constructing a pyramid for the King! This is not a place for you! Go to the Training Hall!” “Uh, okay…” Kayle replied and continued walking aimlessly back to the city square. After a short tour, he ended up at a farm. He started playing with the animals. He chased after the chickens, then fed them with his rye bread.Next, he rode on the goat, while holding its horns and played with its goatee.A sheep came close, and he jumped off the goat. He ran forward and cuddled the sheep.He shaped its wool into spikes and random shapes, then ran off. He started playing with the cattle, petting and tickling them. Then, he went to drink milk directly from the cows.The farmer watched him silently, concerned about his animals… As the sun was setting, Kayle remembered that one of the slaves had told him to visit the Training Hall. He started walking there, eating the rye bread along the way. He entered the training hall, and could only see a handful of people swinging the sword diagonally. “Wow. What an empty Dojo compared to Dad’s,” he said in a low tone. The Instructor saw Kayle, and glared fiercely at him. “Young child, are you lost?” “No, I’m here to train!” Kayle replied. The Instructor’s eyes widened, and he replied,“You shall find sword training absolutely necessary when you come to confront monsters. Do you need my guidance? I tell you, take any unattended scarecrow and strike him in any way you want. A wooden sword is placed in front of a scarecrow, and it is all yours.” “Can I have two Training Swords instead of one?” Kayle’s eyes darted across the hall. He then stared at the Training Sword rack. “Go ahead, young one.” Kayle immediate ran across the hall and took a wooden sword shaped like a katana, and another sword shaped like the Chinese character “Jian”. He ran towards the nearest and shouted ‘Iaijutsu’! An arc of light drew across the scarecrow, as he striked using his right hand. Next, he twisted his body and turned, while drawing another arc of light using his other hand. Then, he started hitting the scarecrow repeatedly, using the two swords in both hands in sequence. Several hours passed by. He was drenched to the bone from his sweat, and his satisfaction level was below 30, out of 100. He decided to exit the Training Hall and head towards the farm again. He put his palm on the moist grass, and walked on all fours towards a cow. The cow glared at him, unwilling to feed him, however, it gave up, due to Kayle’s stubbornness. After removing his thirst, he started munching on his rye bread. Then, he started playing with the farm animals. The farmer finally came out, with a distressed look. “Do you like the animals?” “Yes,” Kayle replied excitedly. Then, a system message appeared in front of him. | Feed the Animals.Uncle Thomas requires your help. He has been busy looking after his sick horse, and thus, require people to feed the other animals. Proceed to the fodder to get animal feed, to feed the animals in the farm.Difficulty level: FQuest requirements:Shows love towards animals. | | --- | Kayle accepted the quest happily and started feeding the animals and watching them eat. Three weeks in-game have passed. For the whole three weeks, he had been running from Training Hall to the Farm, and back again. He had also managed to learn a few skills from Uncle Thomas, the farmer, such as digging, cooking, first aid, tailoring and handicraft. He had also forged a friendship between the animals in the farm, thus, he had learned how to communicate with them. He had also earned the trust of Uncle Thomas, receiving several quests of delivery, shopping, and planting, other than feeding the animals. “Kayle, what have you been doing for the past few weeks in Royal Road?” asked Estee. “Uh, hitting scarecrows the whole day, playing, and helping Uncle Thomas in the farm,” he replied. “Cool…” His sister replied in a sarcastic tone. “Looks like Kayle missed the time when he was hitting wooden stakes in the Dojo. Father would be pleased,” his sisters giggled among themselves at the dining table. Back in-game, Kayle attraction some attention, as people found it amusing to see a one meter tall boy using two Training Swords, one in both hands, which were each as tall as him, striking a scarecrow. After repeatedly hitting the scarecrows, he had earned a number of skills. | Fighting SpiritYou can call on superhuman strength temporarily, or bring weaker monsters to their knees with a force in your eyes alone. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat, and it rises spontaneously, depending on the avatar’s action, especially if you fight monsters for a long time, or often confront monsters stronger than your current level. | | --- | | Level Up: Sword Mastery [6]Increases Attack Power with a sword (+60% ATK)Increases Attack Speed with a sword (+18% ATK SPD) | | --- | | SustenanceYou are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat. | | --- | | [Unique Skill]Dual Wielding [4]Increase Attack Power by 10% Increase Attack Speed by 4%You can wield two swords. Attack speed increases and damage output increases. | | --- | | [Unique Skill]Iaijutsu[1]Base damage + 100%Able to perform a lightning quick iaijutsu strike against the target, to inflict devastating wounds immediately after drawing the sword.Can only be perform before unsheathing one’s weapon.Mana cost:50 | | --- | After the four intense weeks of hitting scarecrows, he finally finished the Basic Training Program. | Strength rises by 1 point. (+1 STR) | | --- | | Agility rises by 1 point. (+1 AGI) | | Vitality rises by 1 point. (+1 VIT) | | Fame rises by 20 points. (+20 FAME) | | Health rises by 100 points. (+100 HP) | The Instructor, who had been watching Kayle from a distance, walked towards him and said, “Good job, young child.” “Thanks, old man,” Kayle grinned, with a mischievous look. “I didn’t expect that you would come so far. Yet, you overcame my prejudice. I am very proud of you.” “Thanks Teacher.” The instructor handed a sword to Kayle. “What’s this?” “It is yours. This sword is awarded to anyone who completes the Basic Training Program.” “Oh thanks!” He took the sword and gave it a few swings. “Finally, I got an actual sword!” He took out the iron sword, given by the instructor,from its sheath, and held it tightly. “Item stat window.” | Hard Iron Sword:Durability: 54/54Damage: 10-14Awarded to those who complete the Basic Training Program. This widely-used longsword is better than the basic-type weapons that are available in a blacksmith’s workshop.Equip:+10 STRRequirement:STR 40+VIT 35+ | | --- | After bidding farewell to the Instructor, he proceeded to the farm. He waved his hands and greeted the farmer. “Hi Uncle Thomas!” “So you have completed your Basic Training Program huh, what class are you going to be?” “I have no idea what I want to be, but I want to be unique! Being common is no fun!” “Is that so…. Anyway, are you free? I need a helping hand in getting some ingredients from the forest.” A system message appeared in front of Kayle. | Gathering ingredients for Uncle ThomasUncle Thomas needs your help. He needs some fruits and herbs for his sick horse, however, he can’t leave the horse alone. Please help him obtain the ingredients from near Baran Village.Difficulty level: DQuest requirements:Close friendship with Uncle Thomas.Acknowledged as reliable and helpful by Uncle Thomas. | | --- | After buying some herbs, bandages and ingredients for food, Kayle left the town. As he walked, he decided to check his stats, since he hadn’t checked it ever since the first day in-game. “Status window” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Kayle | Primary Class | N/A | | Health | 500 | Mana | 100 | | Level | 1 | | | | Strength | 50 | Agility | 50 | | Wisdom | 10 | Intelligence | 10 | | Stamina | 54 | Vitality | 50 | | Fighting Spirit | 39 | perseverance | 54 | | Increase Attack Power and Attack Speed when dual wielding. | | | | “Ah… I’m such an overpowered noob,” he laughed sheepishly. ============================================================================================================================== [http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/b ... Jian-2.jpg](http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/05/cities/Jian-2.jpg)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> It was the day of the tournament and everyone was excited. The contestants All had to pass 2 requirements to participate. <br><br>1. All Participants must be at the end of their month in the heavens training grounds.<br><br>2. The minimum required level for participants is 40<br><br>Aaron passed both of these requirements. He also had repaired all of his equipment. He also had sold anything he did not need or want and purchased a number of potions.<br><br>Status Window<br>Name Aaron Primary Class N/A<br>Gender Male Height 6'4"<br>Health 860 Mana 430<br>Level 43<br>Health Regen/sec 4.3 Mana Regen/sec 4.3<br>Strength 28 Agility 32<br>Wisdom 17 Intelligence 18<br>Stamina 26 Vitality 20<br>Dexterity 26<br>Faith 0<br>Fame 0<br>Skills<br>Precise shot-Basic Level 3, Blade Proficiency-basic level 5, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 6, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 4, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 3, Repair-Basic level 2, Handicraft-Basic Level 2,Blacksmith-Basic level 1, Carpenter-Basic Level 1, Stealth-Basic level 1,Traps-Basic Level 2, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 1, First Aid- Basic level 3, Identify- Basic Level 2, Cooking- basic Level 2<br><br><br><br><br><br>Weapon Forms<br>Faint, Slash, Stab, <br><br>Spells<br><br><br>Language<br>Common, <br><br>Equipment<br>Head N/A<br> <br>Neck Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4<br> <br>Armor/Torso Light Leather armor: durability 30/30, Defense +10<br> <br>Arms Warrior's Gloves: Durability 20/20, Defense +4<br> <br>Pants/Legs Light Leather armor: durability 30/30, Defense +10<br> <br>Feet Beginner Boots: Durability 10/10, Defense +5<br> <br><br>Aaron was told to wait at Town Square when he had registered to enter the tournament. While he was waiting for the starting time his new friends where there to send him off.<br><br>(Knight) “I cant wait to see you in action!”<br><br>Aaron looked over at (Knight).<br><br>Aaron, “what do you mean I haven’t heard anything . . ."<br><br>(Mage) “There was a announcement for none competitors that they could watch from some screens at the inns and town squares.”<br><br>Aaron, “really I didn’t hear-“<br><br>(Mage) “They also announced that it will be on the new virtual reality channel along with a number of gaming sites.”<br><br>Aaron, “that’s surprising I did not expect that this game would get this much hype within a month!”<br><br>(Knight) “Well this is the first Fantasy VRMMO who would not be excited about all of this.”<br><br>(Cleric) “I’m sure you’ll win!”<br><br>(Archer) “Of course he will win his ability’s are amazing.”<br><br>Aaron rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.<br><br>Aaron, “I’m not that amazing I’m only using a wide range of basic abilities.”<br><br>(Knight) “but I have not seen anyone else yet being able to use all of them in combinations or to their full ability like you have.”<br><br>(Mage) “Yes no one so far has thought to learn in multiple areas and usually select only what they need for their class.”<br><br>Aaron, “well I’m not sure what class I should be since I like to have a range of things to do or use when needed.”<br><br>(Cleric) “But that’s still amazing and what you did on the hunt the other day I don’t think that we could of done that ourselves.”<br><br>Aaron, “I could not have done any of that without you guys. I most likely would not have even made it through that first wave of spiders.”<br><br>(knight) “How about those wolves!”<br><br>Aaron gave a short laugh.<br><br>Aaron, “I’ve dealt with similar size packs about two times before that and was just lucky to even survive.”<br><br>(Archer) “Did you kill all of them or run?”<br><br>Aaron, “Well the first time I ran into a pack I was forced to climb into a tree and take them out with my bow . . .”<br><br>The crowd in the square started to quiet down as three angels glided down out of the sky to land near the fountain. The village elder then slowly walked forward and gave the angels a bow.<br><br>Elder, “Has the time of selection come again great ones?”<br><br>A angel stepped forward, he had a white robe on with a tall cap on his head with a star emblem on it.<br><br>Angel, “yes Elder the mortal realm has started to change once more with the movement of many factions and those that wish to destroy the order of the world.”<br><br>Elder, “so the times have come again . . . we have many new brave souls ready to set out into the world and a number ready to be tested.”<br><br>Angel, “those that wish to go to the world will be sent in do time but bring those that wish to be tested forward.”<br><br>The elder motioned the Blacksmith Erick forward who now wore a piece of clothe over his shoulder making him a member of the council. Erick lowered his head to listen to the Elder then stepped back.<br><br>Erick, “We now ask that any who are not participating in the tournament now leave the square and those who are please come forward.”<br>(Cleric) “Aaron we’ll all be routing for you!”<br><br>His new friends walked away towards one of the inns. Aaron then turned back to the elder and angels and walked forward with a number of other players. Everyone stopped short of the elder and angel to wait for what to do next.<br><br>The angel looked out over the crowd of contestants.<br><br>Angel, “We are all honored to have all of you participate in this great competition. We hope that you all act just and fairly within the rules of heaven!”<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For Editor</span> (sam not sure if I should change or add to the angels speech?)<br><br>A window popped up in front of Aaron.<br><br>The Tournament<br>This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle. For this contest the mark of the killer will not be given to any Competitor.<br>Competitors: 2537<br>Rewards: ???<br>Titles: <br>1st Hand of the Creator<br>top 10 – one of the hands to Tellus gods<br>Top 100 – Promised ones<br><br>Aaron closed the window and looked to the angel and elder again.<br><br>Elder, “thanks for all your help in out town and we hope to see you all once again.”<br><br>The elder and Erick walked back to town hall. <br><br>Angel, “you will all be transported to the tournaments grounds in a few moments, once there you will wait until the horn sounds to mark the beginning of the tournament.”<br><br>Another window popped up counting down.<br>10, 9, . . . 3, 2,1<br><br>The golden rings of light once again started to form around Aaron. <br><br>Aaron appeared at a vast field with a forest close by. Other Competitors where also there but they where all spread out over the field.<br><br>As Aaron looked around to get his barring’s he noticed that a few of the players near where drawing and readying their weapons. He then looked back at the near by forest where he had a clear shot to get to it . . . <br><br>A loud horn sounded echoing across the area.<br><br>Aaron ran for the forest as fast as he could. As he reached its edge he could start to hear yelling and weapons colliding behind him. He continued to run deeper while listening to any signs of a threat.<br><br>Aaron continued to run deeper into the forest until his stamina bar told him he needed to rest. He grabbed out a piece of smoke dried meat and started to chew. He opened his quest window.<br><br>Quests:<br>The Tournament<br>This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle.<br>Competitors: Original 2537 Now 1872<br>Rewards: ???<br><br>Aaron looked at the screen noticing that the number of contestants had dropped over 600 in the last hour or so while he ran. Closing the window he thought about what he should do next.<br><br>First he needed to find a source of water and a good hunting spot so he did not run out of food.<br><br>As he was about to get moving again he heard someone running. He dropped down and slowly hid in a bush while drawing out his bow and an arrow. He waited, as the sound got louder.<br><br>Soon a archer came into sight running as fast as he could. Aaron slowly drew back his arrow and aimed while slowing his breath. With one last exhale he released the arrow hitting the player in the left upper chest. The player staggered while grabbing at the arrow in his chest. <br>Aaron had another arrow knocked and started to aim as the player started to run to the closest cover available to him. The next arrow flew just like the first and hit the players right thy throwing him to the ground.<br><br>Aaron got up putting his bow away and drawing his swords. Walking up to the player he noticed him going for a knife. Aaron quickly stepped on the player’s hand as he started to pull his knife out. The player started to give out a cry as Aaron brought his blades to the player’s throat. <br><br>The players health bar had dropped down to 20%<br><br>Player, “please don’t . . . I’ll do anything!”<br><br>Aaron hesitated for a moment and noticed a blade shoot out of the tip of the players boot. As the player lifted to kick him he cut the player’s head off having the player vanish.<br><br>You have leveled Up!<br>You have leveled Up!<br><br> In the players place was his two arrows along with a few more, some coins, and a ring. He put the arrows in his sheath and the coins into one of his belt pouches. He then grabbed the ring and used Identify.<br><br>Eagle eye: ring<br>Durability: 14/20<br>Ring gives wearer the ability to see longer distances for 30 sec when activated.<br>Costs 10 mana<br><br>The ring could come in handy so he put it on his hand. <br><br>Aaron then looked around to see if there was any new threat. Seeing and hearing nothing out of the ordinary he started to run deeper into the forest again but at a slower pace so he would not end up like the player he just took out.<br><br>It was almost evening when he heard the sound of water. He slowed and walked towards the sound. Soon he cam upon a stream with its water clear and fish swimming through it. Grabbing his water bag he filled it up again and took a sip.<br><br>You have just drank clear stream water, you are now refreshed.<br><br>Aaron crossed the stream to scout the area. He found a decent size clearing with one side ending in a cliff and the rest surrounded by forest. He continued to scout the area finding nothing important or threatening. <br><br>Having nothing better to do he started to set some traps and gather some items for a fire. He set up a tall ring of rocks and started to put the sticks in the center. Once all that was set he grabbed one of his knives and his flint stone out and started to strike it until he got the fire started.<br>Aaron sat there staring at the fire a moment thinking about the day so far. He then called his Quest Window again. <br><br>Quests:<br>The Tournament<br>This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle.<br>Competitors: Original2537 1872 Now 1391<br>Rewards: ???<br><br>The Amount of Competitors had dropped again. He was amazed at how fast the amount of Competitors has dropped. The amount had dropped by almost half with what they started.<br><br>Aaron closed the window and grabbed some food out to cook. He grabbed out his only pot and set it on the stones next to the fire. He pored some water in then some meat along with some herbs. He waited as it boiled and it started to give off a nice aroma. He pulled the pot off the rocks and set it down next to him. Then went to grabbed his wooden bowl out that he had carved. When he about to pick up the pot again to poor it into the bowl he heard something moving in the bushes. He set down everything and stood setting his hands on his swords.<br><br>A tall man stumbled out of the woods and looked directly at him. The man wore the beginner knight armor set. He had both his longsword and shield in hand. He slowly started to walk forward.<br>“you know it was easy to find you thanks to that fire you have.”<br><br>I knew I should have just ate my dried food! This is not good.<br><br>Aaron, “I was waiting for someone to come face me.”<br><br>The man stood there for a moment.<br><br>He said, “I highly doubt that it looked like you where shocked.”<br><br>Ah great my only bluff didn’t work just great!<br><br>Aaron drew his two swords out and readied himself and smiled under his scarf.<br><br>Aaron, “Well then you will just have to face me then.”<br><br>The mans face turned into a frown as he started to walk forward bringing his sword and shield up.<br><br>Aaron stood his ground as the man came at him. The man raised his sword as if swing it down at him. Aaron stepped to his right and brought his swords up in an x as the blade came down blocking it. He brought up his foot and kicked out against the shield causing the man to take a few steps back.<br><br>Aaron started to circle the man looking for an opening to get through. The man then came charging forward readying his blade to stab him. As the man got closer Aaron sidestepped and spun slicing the back of the mans leg near the nee. The men fell to one nee as his weight could not be supported. <br><br>Aaron was about to step forward to stab the man from behind but the man suddenly began to glow. Aaron stepped back as the man got to his feet and turned to face him once again ready.<br><br>Aaron was confused he did not see the man use a potion or hear any spell come from his mouth. Then he heard a man chanting a buff spell near the forest. He turned to see a male Cleric standing their waiving a rod and chanting with his eyes closed.<br><br>Aaron put both his blades in one handed reached readied the blade from his sleeve as he started to run at the Cleric. The Night ran to cover his ally but stopped as Aaron throw his knife at him. As he got closer to the cleric he had his swords in both hands again.<br><br>He knead the man and brought his blade around to his throat to face the Knight. The knight stopped in front of him with his sword pointed.<br><br>Knight “stop being a coward using him as a shield.”<br><br>Aaron, “well two against one is not quiet so fare is it but I guess you guys are to weak that you did this.”<br><br>The knight got mad at that.<br><br>“What’s wrong with teaming up. There was nothing in the rules . . . wait there really are no rules!”<br><br>The knight laughed at that while the Cleric paled with each moment. <br><br>While the knight was still laughing Aaron shoved the Cleric into him making them fall over one another. With that he jumped on to the knight stabbing and slicing all the vital points he could reach on the man. A moment later the man vanished and a few items dropped. <br><br>Aaron turned to face the Cleric as he started to crawl away. He walked over to the cowering man.<br><br>The Cleric started to scream, “mercy mercy please for heavens sake please.”<br><br>Aaron got angry at this.<br><br>“Mercy! You want mercy you would not have cared if you guys where winning so why should I care.”<br><br>Cleric, “Please-“<br><br>Aaron stabbed one of his blades in the mans heart at the same time his other blade slit his throat. The man sat there gurgling for a second then vanished. <br><br>You have leveled Up!<br>You have leveled Up!<br>You have leveled Up!<br>You have leveled Up!<br><br>Aaron stood there a moment then put his blades away as he exhaled. He picked up the items the cleric had dropped then went to get what the Knight had dropped and retrieves his thrown knife. <br><br>Aaron then walked over to the fire and doused it with the water he had gotten from the stream. He pulled on his pack and ate his food that was now cold as he walked back to the forest. Once at the stream he cleaned his gear and pot and stowed them away.<br><br>Aaron then looked for a place to hide for the night in the bushes. He found a nice spot and sat down pulling out a blanket to keep him warm in the cooling evening air.<br><br>He then pulled out the items he had gotten from the two attackers. There was a pair of bracers, and coins from the Knight. Then from the Cleric there was a lot of coins and Carving with runes on it. Aaron put away everything away besides the bracers and used identify on them.<br><br>Old Bracers:<br>Some old worn bracers<br>Durability 16/20 +6 Defense<br><br>He repaired them and the ring from earlier then leaned against the tree to sleep. Through out the night there where sounds of animals and even wolves but nothing came near.<br><br>When he woke up he stowed away his blanket and stretched. He pulled up his Quest window again.<br><br>Quests:<br>The Tournament<br>This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle.<br>Competitors: 2537 1872 1391 546<br>Rewards: ???<br><br>There had been a lot more competitors removed from the game since dinner last night. He closed his window and thought about what his friends might be doing while he was sitting there. <br><br>He waited a moment then went to the stream to fill his water back that he had forgot to do. As he was filling the bag he heard a voice call out to him.<br><br>Rouge, “so what do we have here? Oh if it isn’t the fellow from the other day.”<br><br>Aaron slowly looked up to see the Rouge, Knight, and Mage from the other day that was threatening him and his friends. <br>___ _ ___<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Editor</span>(Sam can you add something about his friends/your characters as they thought about the other day then see what is happening. Also if you want add some details about other players in the contests and/or fight)<br><br>Aarons friends where sitting at a table in the inn back at the starter town. They had a screen at the center of their table watching their friend and a number of other players. They where all drinking something besides alcohol since they where all bellow age by a few years. The Tournament had only begun a few minutes ago. So far there have only been a few duels but it was starting to get even more interesting as entire groups began to face off against each other. <br><br>One of these groups was made up of two archers, two mages, three rouges, Five Knights and a cleric. They where a famous party to most of the beginners with the nick name of “the seekers of the land”. They where from the first heavenly training grounds and have been the only ones known to have explored the entire region and even discovered a small dungeon which is now famous for great monsters to fight and level up quickly.<br><br>They had come upon another group mainly made up of Knights, and Archers. They had a quick fight against the group. “The Seekers of the Land” staid in formation as the other group charged at them. The mage used six fireballs to damage them and make them disorganized while the archers where using pinpoint accuracy to take out a few of them. The group’s cleric was buffing the entire group until the disorganized group got close. Once they where in hand-to-hand combat the fight ended in seconds as the disorganized group was massacred with out having a single casualty on “The Seekers of the Lands” Group.<br><br>-Back at the Tavern-<br><br>The Blacksmith and Instructor came in and sat at the table near Aarons Friends. <br><br>Blacksmith, “I hope the young lad is doing well out there.”<br><br>Instructor, “Of course the Lads doing fine he was one of the best trainees I’ve ever had and he is the only one the stuck out with it this long compared to all the others just going out after they got their basics down.”<br><br>Blacksmith, “He also has the best maintained gear that I’ve seen in a quite a while. That lad sure is one of a kind.”<br><br>Instructor, “yes that is true that Aaron sure is one of a kind. I hope I’ll be able to see him once again.“<br><br>(Knight) overheard the two and turned to ask them, “You Know Aaron!”<br><br>The Two turned to look at the young man.<br><br>Instructor, “yes I’m proud to say that I am the one that has trained him a number of his skills.”<br><br>(Knight), “That’s amazing could I take some lessons. I am one of his friends and would love to improve my skills like his.”<br><br>Instructor, “I would love to have another student my teachings will do you well…”<br><br>(Archer), “I would also like to take some lessons!”<br><br>Instructor, “the more the better.”<br><br>Blacksmith, “you two might also like to come to help out at my shop as well to learn how to forge and maintain your weapons, plus I could use another helping hand like Aarons.”<br><br>They stopped talking as their screens changed from the previous seen and had Aaron hiding in a bush as a Archer was running by. He shot the person twice before walking up to him and slicing his throat. <br><br>(Archer), What amazing skill, his first shot knocked the guy off balance and his second shot to the leg to disable him!”<br><br>Instructor, “Those are very good tactics but could have been an almost instant kill if he aimed his first shot at the mans heart since his armor looks like it does hot have piercing resistance.”<br><br>Blacksmith, “I would have to disagree that armor is light but would have more protection at critical spots.”<br><br>Instructor, “True, I could never argue against you when it came to armors…”<br><br>They continued to watch the tournament on the screen.<br><br>They eventually saw Aaron again facing off the Knight and Cleric.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Editor </span>(Sam I’m not sure what else to add here if you could can you add some more here.)<br><br>The Next time the saw Aaron was when he was found by the knight and cleric.<br><br>They continued to watch as a few of them logged off and did a few things.<br><br>They where all logged back on watching when they saw the three players from the other day find Aaron.<br>___ _ ___<br><br>Aaron thought of as many ways that he could fight them but knew the only way was to escape or find a way to separate them from one another.<br>Aaron jumped up and ran back towards the clearing as the three ran after him. He heard one of them yell and turned to see the rouge get dragged into the air by one of his traps that he set. He continued to run out into the clearing and towards the other sides forest. He was almost there when a fireball arched over his head and hit the brush causing it to burst into a wall of fire.<br><br>Aaron halted in his steps looking for a way around when he looked back the mage was there and the knight. To his left was the cliff and to his right was more forest. He stood there for a moment with his back to the flames then ran for the forest to his right but stopped as a winded rouge came walking out of it. <br><br>The rouge stood there and laughed pulling what remained of the trap off his foot and looked at him. <br><br>“Looks like you are going no where my friend. This is going to be fun!”<br><br>Aaron drew his blades as he backed up to the center of the field. He looked back at the other two then at the rouge. The rouge laughed again.<br><br>“What do you think you are going to do with those? You are no match for the three of us.”<br><br>Aaron, “no I’m no match against the three of you but if I can get past you I still have a chance!”<br><br>The knight and Mage laughed at the thought of Aaron getting past.<br><br>Mage, “Do you think you could really get around a level 53 Rouge by yourself.”<br><br>Knight, “yah what he said you are a dead man!”<br><br>Aaron didn’t care what they said it was his only chance to get out of here in one piece. He ran forward but the mage fired a fireball right in front of him. As his steps carried him forward through flames and smoke he fell through a hole as the ground beneath him opened up into darkness. <br>? </div>

It was the day of the tournament and everyone was excited. The contestants All had to pass 2 requirements to participate. 1. All Participants must be at the end of their month in the heavens training grounds. 2. The minimum required level for participants is 40 Aaron passed both of these requirements. He also had repaired all of his equipment. He also had sold anything he did not need or want and purchased a number of potions. Status Window Name Aaron Primary Class N/A Gender Male Height 6'4" Health 860 Mana 430 Level 43 Health Regen/sec 4.3 Mana Regen/sec 4.3 Strength 28 Agility 32 Wisdom 17 Intelligence 18 Stamina 26 Vitality 20 Dexterity 26 Faith 0 Fame 0 Skills Precise shot-Basic Level 3, Blade Proficiency-basic level 5, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 6, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 4, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 3, Repair-Basic level 2, Handicraft-Basic Level 2,Blacksmith-Basic level 1, Carpenter-Basic Level 1, Stealth-Basic level 1,Traps-Basic Level 2, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 1, First Aid- Basic level 3, Identify- Basic Level 2, Cooking- basic Level 2 Weapon Forms Faint, Slash, Stab, Spells Language Common, Equipment Head N/A Neck Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4 Armor/Torso Light Leather armor: durability 30/30, Defense +10 Arms Warrior's Gloves: Durability 20/20, Defense +4 Pants/Legs Light Leather armor: durability 30/30, Defense +10 Feet Beginner Boots: Durability 10/10, Defense +5 Aaron was told to wait at Town Square when he had registered to enter the tournament. While he was waiting for the starting time his new friends where there to send him off. (Knight) “I cant wait to see you in action!” Aaron looked over at (Knight). Aaron, “what do you mean I haven’t heard anything . . ." (Mage) “There was a announcement for none competitors that they could watch from some screens at the inns and town squares.” Aaron, “really I didn’t hear-“ (Mage) “They also announced that it will be on the new virtual reality channel along with a number of gaming sites.” Aaron, “that’s surprising I did not expect that this game would get this much hype within a month!” (Knight) “Well this is the first Fantasy VRMMO who would not be excited about all of this.” (Cleric) “I’m sure you’ll win!” (Archer) “Of course he will win his ability’s are amazing.” Aaron rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. Aaron, “I’m not that amazing I’m only using a wide range of basic abilities.” (Knight) “but I have not seen anyone else yet being able to use all of them in combinations or to their full ability like you have.” (Mage) “Yes no one so far has thought to learn in multiple areas and usually select only what they need for their class.” Aaron, “well I’m not sure what class I should be since I like to have a range of things to do or use when needed.” (Cleric) “But that’s still amazing and what you did on the hunt the other day I don’t think that we could of done that ourselves.” Aaron, “I could not have done any of that without you guys. I most likely would not have even made it through that first wave of spiders.” (knight) “How about those wolves!” Aaron gave a short laugh. Aaron, “I’ve dealt with similar size packs about two times before that and was just lucky to even survive.” (Archer) “Did you kill all of them or run?” Aaron, “Well the first time I ran into a pack I was forced to climb into a tree and take them out with my bow . . .” The crowd in the square started to quiet down as three angels glided down out of the sky to land near the fountain. The village elder then slowly walked forward and gave the angels a bow. Elder, “Has the time of selection come again great ones?” A angel stepped forward, he had a white robe on with a tall cap on his head with a star emblem on it. Angel, “yes Elder the mortal realm has started to change once more with the movement of many factions and those that wish to destroy the order of the world.” Elder, “so the times have come again . . . we have many new brave souls ready to set out into the world and a number ready to be tested.” Angel, “those that wish to go to the world will be sent in do time but bring those that wish to be tested forward.” The elder motioned the Blacksmith Erick forward who now wore a piece of clothe over his shoulder making him a member of the council. Erick lowered his head to listen to the Elder then stepped back. Erick, “We now ask that any who are not participating in the tournament now leave the square and those who are please come forward.” (Cleric) “Aaron we’ll all be routing for you!” His new friends walked away towards one of the inns. Aaron then turned back to the elder and angels and walked forward with a number of other players. Everyone stopped short of the elder and angel to wait for what to do next. The angel looked out over the crowd of contestants. Angel, “We are all honored to have all of you participate in this great competition. We hope that you all act just and fairly within the rules of heaven!” For Editor (sam not sure if I should change or add to the angels speech?) A window popped up in front of Aaron. The Tournament This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle. For this contest the mark of the killer will not be given to any Competitor. Competitors: 2537 Rewards: ??? Titles: 1st Hand of the Creator top 10 – one of the hands to Tellus gods Top 100 – Promised ones Aaron closed the window and looked to the angel and elder again. Elder, “thanks for all your help in out town and we hope to see you all once again.” The elder and Erick walked back to town hall. Angel, “you will all be transported to the tournaments grounds in a few moments, once there you will wait until the horn sounds to mark the beginning of the tournament.” Another window popped up counting down. 10, 9, . . . 3, 2,1 The golden rings of light once again started to form around Aaron. Aaron appeared at a vast field with a forest close by. Other Competitors where also there but they where all spread out over the field. As Aaron looked around to get his barring’s he noticed that a few of the players near where drawing and readying their weapons. He then looked back at the near by forest where he had a clear shot to get to it . . . A loud horn sounded echoing across the area. Aaron ran for the forest as fast as he could. As he reached its edge he could start to hear yelling and weapons colliding behind him. He continued to run deeper while listening to any signs of a threat. Aaron continued to run deeper into the forest until his stamina bar told him he needed to rest. He grabbed out a piece of smoke dried meat and started to chew. He opened his quest window. Quests: The Tournament This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle. Competitors: Original 2537 Now 1872 Rewards: ??? Aaron looked at the screen noticing that the number of contestants had dropped over 600 in the last hour or so while he ran. Closing the window he thought about what he should do next. First he needed to find a source of water and a good hunting spot so he did not run out of food. As he was about to get moving again he heard someone running. He dropped down and slowly hid in a bush while drawing out his bow and an arrow. He waited, as the sound got louder. Soon a archer came into sight running as fast as he could. Aaron slowly drew back his arrow and aimed while slowing his breath. With one last exhale he released the arrow hitting the player in the left upper chest. The player staggered while grabbing at the arrow in his chest. Aaron had another arrow knocked and started to aim as the player started to run to the closest cover available to him. The next arrow flew just like the first and hit the players right thy throwing him to the ground. Aaron got up putting his bow away and drawing his swords. Walking up to the player he noticed him going for a knife. Aaron quickly stepped on the player’s hand as he started to pull his knife out. The player started to give out a cry as Aaron brought his blades to the player’s throat. The players health bar had dropped down to 20% Player, “please don’t . . . I’ll do anything!” Aaron hesitated for a moment and noticed a blade shoot out of the tip of the players boot. As the player lifted to kick him he cut the player’s head off having the player vanish. You have leveled Up! You have leveled Up! In the players place was his two arrows along with a few more, some coins, and a ring. He put the arrows in his sheath and the coins into one of his belt pouches. He then grabbed the ring and used Identify. Eagle eye: ring Durability: 14/20 Ring gives wearer the ability to see longer distances for 30 sec when activated. Costs 10 mana The ring could come in handy so he put it on his hand. Aaron then looked around to see if there was any new threat. Seeing and hearing nothing out of the ordinary he started to run deeper into the forest again but at a slower pace so he would not end up like the player he just took out. It was almost evening when he heard the sound of water. He slowed and walked towards the sound. Soon he cam upon a stream with its water clear and fish swimming through it. Grabbing his water bag he filled it up again and took a sip. You have just drank clear stream water, you are now refreshed. Aaron crossed the stream to scout the area. He found a decent size clearing with one side ending in a cliff and the rest surrounded by forest. He continued to scout the area finding nothing important or threatening. Having nothing better to do he started to set some traps and gather some items for a fire. He set up a tall ring of rocks and started to put the sticks in the center. Once all that was set he grabbed one of his knives and his flint stone out and started to strike it until he got the fire started. Aaron sat there staring at the fire a moment thinking about the day so far. He then called his Quest Window again. Quests: The Tournament This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle. Competitors: Original2537 1872 Now 1391 Rewards: ??? The Amount of Competitors had dropped again. He was amazed at how fast the amount of Competitors has dropped. The amount had dropped by almost half with what they started. Aaron closed the window and grabbed some food out to cook. He grabbed out his only pot and set it on the stones next to the fire. He pored some water in then some meat along with some herbs. He waited as it boiled and it started to give off a nice aroma. He pulled the pot off the rocks and set it down next to him. Then went to grabbed his wooden bowl out that he had carved. When he about to pick up the pot again to poor it into the bowl he heard something moving in the bushes. He set down everything and stood setting his hands on his swords. A tall man stumbled out of the woods and looked directly at him. The man wore the beginner knight armor set. He had both his longsword and shield in hand. He slowly started to walk forward. “you know it was easy to find you thanks to that fire you have.” I knew I should have just ate my dried food! This is not good. Aaron, “I was waiting for someone to come face me.” The man stood there for a moment. He said, “I highly doubt that it looked like you where shocked.” Ah great my only bluff didn’t work just great! Aaron drew his two swords out and readied himself and smiled under his scarf. Aaron, “Well then you will just have to face me then.” The mans face turned into a frown as he started to walk forward bringing his sword and shield up. Aaron stood his ground as the man came at him. The man raised his sword as if swing it down at him. Aaron stepped to his right and brought his swords up in an x as the blade came down blocking it. He brought up his foot and kicked out against the shield causing the man to take a few steps back. Aaron started to circle the man looking for an opening to get through. The man then came charging forward readying his blade to stab him. As the man got closer Aaron sidestepped and spun slicing the back of the mans leg near the nee. The men fell to one nee as his weight could not be supported. Aaron was about to step forward to stab the man from behind but the man suddenly began to glow. Aaron stepped back as the man got to his feet and turned to face him once again ready. Aaron was confused he did not see the man use a potion or hear any spell come from his mouth. Then he heard a man chanting a buff spell near the forest. He turned to see a male Cleric standing their waiving a rod and chanting with his eyes closed. Aaron put both his blades in one handed reached readied the blade from his sleeve as he started to run at the Cleric. The Night ran to cover his ally but stopped as Aaron throw his knife at him. As he got closer to the cleric he had his swords in both hands again. He knead the man and brought his blade around to his throat to face the Knight. The knight stopped in front of him with his sword pointed. Knight “stop being a coward using him as a shield.” Aaron, “well two against one is not quiet so fare is it but I guess you guys are to weak that you did this.” The knight got mad at that. “What’s wrong with teaming up. There was nothing in the rules . . . wait there really are no rules!” The knight laughed at that while the Cleric paled with each moment. While the knight was still laughing Aaron shoved the Cleric into him making them fall over one another. With that he jumped on to the knight stabbing and slicing all the vital points he could reach on the man. A moment later the man vanished and a few items dropped. Aaron turned to face the Cleric as he started to crawl away. He walked over to the cowering man. The Cleric started to scream, “mercy mercy please for heavens sake please.” Aaron got angry at this. “Mercy! You want mercy you would not have cared if you guys where winning so why should I care.” Cleric, “Please-“ Aaron stabbed one of his blades in the mans heart at the same time his other blade slit his throat. The man sat there gurgling for a second then vanished. You have leveled Up! You have leveled Up! You have leveled Up! You have leveled Up! Aaron stood there a moment then put his blades away as he exhaled. He picked up the items the cleric had dropped then went to get what the Knight had dropped and retrieves his thrown knife. Aaron then walked over to the fire and doused it with the water he had gotten from the stream. He pulled on his pack and ate his food that was now cold as he walked back to the forest. Once at the stream he cleaned his gear and pot and stowed them away. Aaron then looked for a place to hide for the night in the bushes. He found a nice spot and sat down pulling out a blanket to keep him warm in the cooling evening air. He then pulled out the items he had gotten from the two attackers. There was a pair of bracers, and coins from the Knight. Then from the Cleric there was a lot of coins and Carving with runes on it. Aaron put away everything away besides the bracers and used identify on them. Old Bracers: Some old worn bracers Durability 16/20 +6 Defense He repaired them and the ring from earlier then leaned against the tree to sleep. Through out the night there where sounds of animals and even wolves but nothing came near. When he woke up he stowed away his blanket and stretched. He pulled up his Quest window again. Quests: The Tournament This is a tournament meant to bring forward those that will have a great effect upon the World and other realms. This contest will be held on Heavens lost Isle. Competitors: 2537 1872 1391 546 Rewards: ??? There had been a lot more competitors removed from the game since dinner last night. He closed his window and thought about what his friends might be doing while he was sitting there. He waited a moment then went to the stream to fill his water back that he had forgot to do. As he was filling the bag he heard a voice call out to him. Rouge, “so what do we have here? Oh if it isn’t the fellow from the other day.” Aaron slowly looked up to see the Rouge, Knight, and Mage from the other day that was threatening him and his friends. \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ Editor(Sam can you add something about his friends/your characters as they thought about the other day then see what is happening. Also if you want add some details about other players in the contests and/or fight) Aarons friends where sitting at a table in the inn back at the starter town. They had a screen at the center of their table watching their friend and a number of other players. They where all drinking something besides alcohol since they where all bellow age by a few years. The Tournament had only begun a few minutes ago. So far there have only been a few duels but it was starting to get even more interesting as entire groups began to face off against each other. One of these groups was made up of two archers, two mages, three rouges, Five Knights and a cleric. They where a famous party to most of the beginners with the nick name of “the seekers of the land”. They where from the first heavenly training grounds and have been the only ones known to have explored the entire region and even discovered a small dungeon which is now famous for great monsters to fight and level up quickly. They had come upon another group mainly made up of Knights, and Archers. They had a quick fight against the group. “The Seekers of the Land” staid in formation as the other group charged at them. The mage used six fireballs to damage them and make them disorganized while the archers where using pinpoint accuracy to take out a few of them. The group’s cleric was buffing the entire group until the disorganized group got close. Once they where in hand-to-hand combat the fight ended in seconds as the disorganized group was massacred with out having a single casualty on “The Seekers of the Lands” Group. -Back at the Tavern- The Blacksmith and Instructor came in and sat at the table near Aarons Friends. Blacksmith, “I hope the young lad is doing well out there.” Instructor, “Of course the Lads doing fine he was one of the best trainees I’ve ever had and he is the only one the stuck out with it this long compared to all the others just going out after they got their basics down.” Blacksmith, “He also has the best maintained gear that I’ve seen in a quite a while. That lad sure is one of a kind.” Instructor, “yes that is true that Aaron sure is one of a kind. I hope I’ll be able to see him once again.“ (Knight) overheard the two and turned to ask them, “You Know Aaron!” The Two turned to look at the young man. Instructor, “yes I’m proud to say that I am the one that has trained him a number of his skills.” (Knight), “That’s amazing could I take some lessons. I am one of his friends and would love to improve my skills like his.” Instructor, “I would love to have another student my teachings will do you well…” (Archer), “I would also like to take some lessons!” Instructor, “the more the better.” Blacksmith, “you two might also like to come to help out at my shop as well to learn how to forge and maintain your weapons, plus I could use another helping hand like Aarons.” They stopped talking as their screens changed from the previous seen and had Aaron hiding in a bush as a Archer was running by. He shot the person twice before walking up to him and slicing his throat. (Archer), What amazing skill, his first shot knocked the guy off balance and his second shot to the leg to disable him!” Instructor, “Those are very good tactics but could have been an almost instant kill if he aimed his first shot at the mans heart since his armor looks like it does hot have piercing resistance.” Blacksmith, “I would have to disagree that armor is light but would have more protection at critical spots.” Instructor, “True, I could never argue against you when it came to armors…” They continued to watch the tournament on the screen. They eventually saw Aaron again facing off the Knight and Cleric. Editor (Sam I’m not sure what else to add here if you could can you add some more here.) The Next time the saw Aaron was when he was found by the knight and cleric. They continued to watch as a few of them logged off and did a few things. They where all logged back on watching when they saw the three players from the other day find Aaron. \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ Aaron thought of as many ways that he could fight them but knew the only way was to escape or find a way to separate them from one another. Aaron jumped up and ran back towards the clearing as the three ran after him. He heard one of them yell and turned to see the rouge get dragged into the air by one of his traps that he set. He continued to run out into the clearing and towards the other sides forest. He was almost there when a fireball arched over his head and hit the brush causing it to burst into a wall of fire. Aaron halted in his steps looking for a way around when he looked back the mage was there and the knight. To his left was the cliff and to his right was more forest. He stood there for a moment with his back to the flames then ran for the forest to his right but stopped as a winded rouge came walking out of it. The rouge stood there and laughed pulling what remained of the trap off his foot and looked at him. “Looks like you are going no where my friend. This is going to be fun!” Aaron drew his blades as he backed up to the center of the field. He looked back at the other two then at the rouge. The rouge laughed again. “What do you think you are going to do with those? You are no match for the three of us.” Aaron, “no I’m no match against the three of you but if I can get past you I still have a chance!” The knight and Mage laughed at the thought of Aaron getting past. Mage, “Do you think you could really get around a level 53 Rouge by yourself.” Knight, “yah what he said you are a dead man!” Aaron didn’t care what they said it was his only chance to get out of here in one piece. He ran forward but the mage fired a fireball right in front of him. As his steps carried him forward through flames and smoke he fell through a hole as the ground beneath him opened up into darkness. ?

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Soul-Link chapter 7<br><br>They appeared in a forest.<br><br>Xandit and Sanni both felt disorientated and got a major headache<br><br>"Let it pass through you Xandit, Sanni don't hold on to it release your ax."<br><br>After a few minute Xandit and Sanni no longer felt disorientated and no longer got a headache.<br><br>"Cliff what happened?" Sanni asked.<br><br>"You two got overwhelm by the ax of this place."<br><br>"you guys only been in the dungeon there is not much life there as a life form has the most ax. Here you guys got around 6 times more ax than in the dungeon. How about we stay here for 1 day to let you get accustom to the ax around you could also mediated and try to learn Aoxtz sense."<br><br>"Xandit what do you think? Go to the city or stay here and train?"<br><br>"Training is never a waste of time so let's train."<br><br>"Good luck." Cliff and Verefas said<br><br>Xandit and Sanni started meditating. After a lot of trial and error Sanni could finally sense everything around her in a 1 meter radius it was like watching through a camera with option of infrared turned on but then for ax it's a beautiful sight to see. <br><br><blockquote><cite>Quote:</cite>*Ting <br><br>you have learned Skill Aoxtz sense<br><br>Range limited by your own concentration.</blockquote><br><br>Sanni noticed that her range of sensing increasing slowly as time passed it started to expend even more as her range was now almost 170 meters. Xandit`s range was not that far not by a long shot his range was a joke compared to Sanni it was 15 meters.<br><br>"Cliff, Xandit, Verefas, a group of 40 people are chasing a little girl and they are coming toward us. Lets ambush them and help her."<br><br>Only Xandit and Sanni need to hide as cliff and Verefas were still in the weapons.<br>Xandit jumped in a tree, Sanni did the same. After some time the girl ran underneath them followed by 40 people that looked like bandits. Xandit scanned them in an instant there level's were 30 to 50 and one level 70. Xandit jumped down right in front of their leader and killed the level 70 bandit with one slash of his blade followed by releasing a small part of his killing intent. resulting in their health slowly dropping they did not dare to move, even if they wanted to they could`t overcome their fear.<br><br>"Turn around and walk away and you will live, you don`t want to find out what will happened if you won`t."<br><br>Xandit deactivated his killing intent. <br><br>The bandits said: "we will get you for this mark my word as they ran away (very fast)."<br><br>When they were gone Xandit said: "I always wanted to say that once."<br><br>As the little girl came out of her hiding place. Xandit and Sanni looked at her they noticed that she was wearing high quality clothes the kind nobles would wear. so they came to the conclusion that the bandits were probably going to kidnap her and ask ransom from her parents.<br><br>"I saw what you did and I thank you."<br><br>"You're welcome."<br><br>"I would request your help once again to get me home."<br><br><blockquote><cite>Quote:</cite>*Ting<br><br>Quest<br>Bring the little girl home.<br>Difficulty: D<br>Reward: depends on actions taken during escort</blockquote><br>"What is your name?"<br><br>"Fyona."<br><br>"Of course we will help you Fyona."<br><br>Quest accepted.<br><br>"I'm Sanni and he is Xandit, so Fyona where do you live? "<br><br>"In the city Rosenheim. "<br><br>"Good we are also heading that way. "<br><br>***<br><br>Mean will in the bandit base.<br><br>KNOK KNOK.<br><br>"Come in. " <br><br>"Good you’re here but where is Alec. "<br><br>"We good some bad news boss.. "<br><br>[moment of silence 1/2 minutes]<br><br>"Out with it! "<br><br>"Uhhh.. Well…… He was killed and…. we failed to capture the girl. "<br><br>The boss said: "You incompetent piece of sh!t". While throwing a knife.<br><br>One of the two bandit’s died.<br><br>"You’re in command now take some more man and get me the girl and DON’T FAIL ME! Or you’ll suffer the same consequences as you former commander. "<br><br>"Yes boss. "<br><br>***<br><br>[half way through the forest]<br><br>"Xandit we are being surrounded by 87 bandit’s I’m guessing they are around level 50. This time we will not let them get away. "<br><br>"Of course I gave them a chance to run away and live but they choice to come back again so I will have to keep myself to my word and kill them. "<br><br>"Well then I will start with a few fireballs "<br><br>[Fireball, Fireball, Fireball, Fireball, Fireball!]<br><br>In a instant 2/3 of the bandits were killed.<br><br>"I told yeah you should not have comeback! "<br><br>"KILL HIM! Get the GIRL! "<br><br>Xandit had not released his killing intend so the bandit’s whent on and attacked him. Xandit dodged the first 2 and then took two of them out and let two live and this went on till he killed half of them. Now Xandit released all his killing intent and drained away all their health.<br><br>"That doesn’t even come close to a warm-up but EXP is EXP. "<br><br>"The problem may be a boss that will be a lot stronger Xandit". I do hope so not much of a challenge other ways. After the fight (slaughter) Fyona ran Crying in to Sanni arms.<br><br>"I’m scared. "<br><br>"You don’t have to be scared of them Fyona as long as you are with us we will protect you. "<br><br>"Mom…"<br><br><blockquote><cite>Quote:</cite>*Ting <br><br>Because of your motherly actions you’ve gained to full trust of Fyona she sees you as her mother that has passed away. <br><br>Relationship with Fyona max and will not drop as long as your guarding over her.</blockquote><br><br>"We will get you to your home I promise. "<br><br>"Snik t-t-th-ank you. "<br><br>***<br><br> [At the gate of Rosenheim]<br><br>"Halt! State your business. "<br><br>"We are here to bring her back to her home” pointing at Fyona.<br><br>"The city is in lockdown no excepti-" while saying this the guard noticed the patterns of the little girl clothes. "Open the gates!"<br><br>Inside there was a platoon of guards waiting. <br>"Why are you opening the gate guardsman. "<br><br>"See for yourself commander". pointing at the little girl.<br><br>"We will escort you to the palace follow us. "<br><br>They were escorted through the residential district, town square, marked district and noble district on their way to the palace while being watch by everyone NPC and player alike. <br><br>Inside the palace they were brought to audience chamber where they meet the king.<br><br>"I welcome you to the palace travelers."<br><br>Shocked the king looked at Sanni after a few second he continued <br><br>"I thank you for getting my grandchild back to me I’m very grateful of you service to the royal family"<br><br><blockquote><cite>Quote:</cite>*Ting <br><br>Quest complete <br><br>Reward: the kings gratitude</blockquote><br><br>"Call in the head maid. "<br><br>"You call for me my liege? "<br><br>"Yes, can you take Fyona to her chambers. "<br><br>After a pause of a few seconds she said: "Of course my liege. " While looking at Sanni<br><br>"Come with me Fyona"<br><br>"NO I’m staying with mommy. "<br><br>"I had hoped it did not come to this every one leave this room only the head maid and Sir Edwin are to stay. "<br><br>"My liege that would`nt be wise. "<br><br>"I know Edwin but you know I have no choice you know why"<br><br>Sanni guessed it had something to do with the strange flow of AX in the room everything was being drawn in by the king.<br><br>When everyone except Sanni, Xandit, Fyona, Head maid, Edwin and the King were gone.<br><br>"What I’m about to tell you is a close guarded secret of the royal family if I ever find out you have told what I’m about to tell you, I will hunt you down to the end of the world. "<br><br>"We will never tell anyone. "<br><br>"Good then I will start. " <br><br>[Once upon a time around 10 years ago]<br><br>In front of Sanni and Xandit a video started playing<br><br>Aaaahhhhh. Ahhhhhhhh push push. AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHaa<br>*baby crying<br><br>"I want to hold her Julia" (now head maid)<br><br>"Here you go lady Sandra."<br><br>"She is beautiful he had wanted to call her Fyona so that will be her name.”<br><br>"Yes he had but he is not here that god dam traveler. "<br><br>"Father! (now still the king) let it go it was my decision to make. "<br><br>"But. "<br><br>"He made me the happiest person in the world. I know this would happen before all this began he told me he had to go someday. "<br><br>[6 years latter]<br><br>Sandra was reading a letter when she was done she burnt it and asked Julia (now head maid) "can you watch over Fyona for the night I have some business to take care of."<br><br>"Of course my lady."<br><br>[next day]<br><br>"My lady you have to attended to conference. "<br><br>"My lady?"<br><br>No one was in the room. <br><br>[Sandra was never seen again. Until…]<br><br>The video ended.<br><br>"Now you know a bit of backstory but you’re probably no longer wondering about why I’m telling you this. "<br><br>"Because I look exactly the same as your daughter that disappeared. "<br><br>"That is partly correct first is your appearance, second my daughter is probably dead, third I’m dying, fourth my grandchild is too young to take over the throne and if give my power to the other nobles. my grandchild will never get see the age of 25 to ascend the throne they will kill her first. I will protect my grandchild in any way possible."<br><br>"I want you two to act like my daughter and son-in-law and be the parents of Fyona. And after I’m gone govern the kingdom and when my grandchild is of age to take over the throne from you. "<br><br><blockquote><cite>Quote:</cite>*Ting <br><br>Quest become parents. (chain quest part 1.)<br><br>After death of the king of Rosenheim you will become king and queen of Rosenheim once Fyona is of age you will give the throne to her.<br><br>Quest requirement:<br>Have the appeared of Sandra.<br>Trust of the King.<br>Have the full trust of Fyona. <br>Have to be a with two people and of gender man and women.<br>Have saved Fyona from bandits.<br>Have brought Fyona back home without a scratch.<br>Quest secondary objective:<br>Gain Sir Edwin’s trust<br><br>Reward:<br>None, Quest itself is the reward<br><br>Quest Difficulty: S <br><br>Quest will complete on Fyona successfully taking over the throne.<br><br>Time limed: 16 Years.<br><br>Quest will fail:<br>Refuse to let Fyona ascend the throne.<br>Fyona dies.<br><br>Unique quest situation:<br>Sanni nickname changes to Sandra<br><br>Fail penalty:<br>If you fail to complete the quest your character will be deleted.<br>If you are gone without a word the kingdom will be split up by the nobles and will result in the order to kill all travelers on sight and a never ending civil war will be started.</blockquote><br>“But if the real Sandra comes back won’t that be a problem you are saying you think she is dead be you don’t know for sure.”<br><br>“I know she is dead because 2 days before she disappeared I told this story to one of my political allies or at least I thought allied. One and one so now you know.”<br><br>“Do you accept?”<br><br>Yes / No<br><br>-END Chapter-<br><br>-profreader xion930- i was thinking aren`t xandit a bit too bad at sensing aoxtz?<br><br>-Zapper- nah Sanni just has a better understanding in aoxtz Xandit just has to unlock his potential </div>

Soul-Link chapter 7 They appeared in a forest. Xandit and Sanni both felt disorientated and got a major headache "Let it pass through you Xandit, Sanni don't hold on to it release your ax." After a few minute Xandit and Sanni no longer felt disorientated and no longer got a headache. "Cliff what happened?" Sanni asked. "You two got overwhelm by the ax of this place." "you guys only been in the dungeon there is not much life there as a life form has the most ax. Here you guys got around 6 times more ax than in the dungeon. How about we stay here for 1 day to let you get accustom to the ax around you could also mediated and try to learn Aoxtz sense." "Xandit what do you think? Go to the city or stay here and train?" "Training is never a waste of time so let's train." "Good luck." Cliff and Verefas said Xandit and Sanni started meditating. After a lot of trial and error Sanni could finally sense everything around her in a 1 meter radius it was like watching through a camera with option of infrared turned on but then for ax it's a beautiful sight to see. > Quote:*Ting > > you have learned Skill Aoxtz sense > > Range limited by your own concentration. Sanni noticed that her range of sensing increasing slowly as time passed it started to expend even more as her range was now almost 170 meters. Xandit`s range was not that far not by a long shot his range was a joke compared to Sanni it was 15 meters. "Cliff, Xandit, Verefas, a group of 40 people are chasing a little girl and they are coming toward us. Lets ambush them and help her." Only Xandit and Sanni need to hide as cliff and Verefas were still in the weapons. Xandit jumped in a tree, Sanni did the same. After some time the girl ran underneath them followed by 40 people that looked like bandits. Xandit scanned them in an instant there level's were 30 to 50 and one level 70. Xandit jumped down right in front of their leader and killed the level 70 bandit with one slash of his blade followed by releasing a small part of his killing intent. resulting in their health slowly dropping they did not dare to move, even if they wanted to they could`t overcome their fear. "Turn around and walk away and you will live, you don`t want to find out what will happened if you won`t." Xandit deactivated his killing intent. The bandits said: "we will get you for this mark my word as they ran away (very fast)." When they were gone Xandit said: "I always wanted to say that once." As the little girl came out of her hiding place. Xandit and Sanni looked at her they noticed that she was wearing high quality clothes the kind nobles would wear. so they came to the conclusion that the bandits were probably going to kidnap her and ask ransom from her parents. "I saw what you did and I thank you." "You're welcome." "I would request your help once again to get me home." > Quote:*Ting > > Quest > Bring the little girl home. > Difficulty: D > Reward: depends on actions taken during escort "What is your name?" "Fyona." "Of course we will help you Fyona." Quest accepted. "I'm Sanni and he is Xandit, so Fyona where do you live? " "In the city Rosenheim. " "Good we are also heading that way. " *** Mean will in the bandit base. KNOK KNOK. "Come in. " "Good you’re here but where is Alec. " "We good some bad news boss.. " [moment of silence 1/2 minutes] "Out with it! " "Uhhh.. Well…… He was killed and…. we failed to capture the girl. " The boss said: "You incompetent piece of sh!t". While throwing a knife. One of the two bandit’s died. "You’re in command now take some more man and get me the girl and DON’T FAIL ME! Or you’ll suffer the same consequences as you former commander. " "Yes boss. " *** [half way through the forest] "Xandit we are being surrounded by 87 bandit’s I’m guessing they are around level 50. This time we will not let them get away. " "Of course I gave them a chance to run away and live but they choice to come back again so I will have to keep myself to my word and kill them. " "Well then I will start with a few fireballs " [Fireball, Fireball, Fireball, Fireball, Fireball!] In a instant 2/3 of the bandits were killed. "I told yeah you should not have comeback! " "KILL HIM! Get the GIRL! " Xandit had not released his killing intend so the bandit’s whent on and attacked him. Xandit dodged the first 2 and then took two of them out and let two live and this went on till he killed half of them. Now Xandit released all his killing intent and drained away all their health. "That doesn’t even come close to a warm-up but EXP is EXP. " "The problem may be a boss that will be a lot stronger Xandit". I do hope so not much of a challenge other ways. After the fight (slaughter) Fyona ran Crying in to Sanni arms. "I’m scared. " "You don’t have to be scared of them Fyona as long as you are with us we will protect you. " "Mom…" > Quote:*Ting > > Because of your motherly actions you’ve gained to full trust of Fyona she sees you as her mother that has passed away. > > Relationship with Fyona max and will not drop as long as your guarding over her. "We will get you to your home I promise. " "Snik t-t-th-ank you. " *** [At the gate of Rosenheim] "Halt! State your business. " "We are here to bring her back to her home” pointing at Fyona. "The city is in lockdown no excepti-" while saying this the guard noticed the patterns of the little girl clothes. "Open the gates!" Inside there was a platoon of guards waiting. "Why are you opening the gate guardsman. " "See for yourself commander". pointing at the little girl. "We will escort you to the palace follow us. " They were escorted through the residential district, town square, marked district and noble district on their way to the palace while being watch by everyone NPC and player alike. Inside the palace they were brought to audience chamber where they meet the king. "I welcome you to the palace travelers." Shocked the king looked at Sanni after a few second he continued "I thank you for getting my grandchild back to me I’m very grateful of you service to the royal family" > Quote:*Ting > > Quest complete > > Reward: the kings gratitude "Call in the head maid. " "You call for me my liege? " "Yes, can you take Fyona to her chambers. " After a pause of a few seconds she said: "Of course my liege. " While looking at Sanni "Come with me Fyona" "NO I’m staying with mommy. " "I had hoped it did not come to this every one leave this room only the head maid and Sir Edwin are to stay. " "My liege that would`nt be wise. " "I know Edwin but you know I have no choice you know why" Sanni guessed it had something to do with the strange flow of AX in the room everything was being drawn in by the king. When everyone except Sanni, Xandit, Fyona, Head maid, Edwin and the King were gone. "What I’m about to tell you is a close guarded secret of the royal family if I ever find out you have told what I’m about to tell you, I will hunt you down to the end of the world. " "We will never tell anyone. " "Good then I will start. " [Once upon a time around 10 years ago] In front of Sanni and Xandit a video started playing Aaaahhhhh. Ahhhhhhhh push push. AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHaa *baby crying "I want to hold her Julia" (now head maid) "Here you go lady Sandra." "She is beautiful he had wanted to call her Fyona so that will be her name.” "Yes he had but he is not here that god dam traveler. " "Father! (now still the king) let it go it was my decision to make. " "But. " "He made me the happiest person in the world. I know this would happen before all this began he told me he had to go someday. " [6 years latter] Sandra was reading a letter when she was done she burnt it and asked Julia (now head maid) "can you watch over Fyona for the night I have some business to take care of." "Of course my lady." [next day] "My lady you have to attended to conference. " "My lady?" No one was in the room. [Sandra was never seen again. Until…] The video ended. "Now you know a bit of backstory but you’re probably no longer wondering about why I’m telling you this. " "Because I look exactly the same as your daughter that disappeared. " "That is partly correct first is your appearance, second my daughter is probably dead, third I’m dying, fourth my grandchild is too young to take over the throne and if give my power to the other nobles. my grandchild will never get see the age of 25 to ascend the throne they will kill her first. I will protect my grandchild in any way possible." "I want you two to act like my daughter and son-in-law and be the parents of Fyona. And after I’m gone govern the kingdom and when my grandchild is of age to take over the throne from you. " > Quote:*Ting > > Quest become parents. (chain quest part 1.) > > After death of the king of Rosenheim you will become king and queen of Rosenheim once Fyona is of age you will give the throne to her. > > Quest requirement: > Have the appeared of Sandra. > Trust of the King. > Have the full trust of Fyona. > Have to be a with two people and of gender man and women. > Have saved Fyona from bandits. > Have brought Fyona back home without a scratch. > Quest secondary objective: > Gain Sir Edwin’s trust > > Reward: > None, Quest itself is the reward > > Quest Difficulty: S > > Quest will complete on Fyona successfully taking over the throne. > > Time limed: 16 Years. > > Quest will fail: > Refuse to let Fyona ascend the throne. > Fyona dies. > > Unique quest situation: > Sanni nickname changes to Sandra > > Fail penalty: > If you fail to complete the quest your character will be deleted. > If you are gone without a word the kingdom will be split up by the nobles and will result in the order to kill all travelers on sight and a never ending civil war will be started. “But if the real Sandra comes back won’t that be a problem you are saying you think she is dead be you don’t know for sure.” “I know she is dead because 2 days before she disappeared I told this story to one of my political allies or at least I thought allied. One and one so now you know.” “Do you accept?” Yes / No -END Chapter- -profreader xion930- i was thinking aren`t xandit a bit too bad at sensing aoxtz? -Zapper- nah Sanni just has a better understanding in aoxtz Xandit just has to unlock his potential

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The elemental brawler</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 5: Let’s be spirited!</span><br><br>part 1<br><br>You are proposed a new job.<br>Accept: Yes/no<br>“Yes!”<br> You have accepted a secret profession, congratulation!<br>!class change!<br>You are now an Elemental* Brawler.<br>STR+20 Agi+20 Wis+20 Int+20 Vit+20 Concentration+20 Endurance(dmg mitigation and boost hp)+20 Sustenance(lessening of stamina consumption)+20<br>Possibility of spell casting being interrupted while moving or fighting -50% (does not apply to stuns, mute or wavering, be it skills or spells).<br>Effect of resilience and endurance is increased by 25%.<br>Limitations:<br>All combat skills are capped by the skill: brawling.<br>Can't learn any advanced magic spell either by teaching, spell books or quest reward.<br>All current magic mastery must be at intermediate level before being able to learn a new magic mastery.<br>Before learning a second major magic mastery, the others must be at advanced level.<br>Advantages:<br>Can learn every fighting skills.<br>The more advanced the brawling skill is, the fastest you can learn a new fighting skill.<br>The more fighting skills you already know, the fastest you can learn a new one up to the level of the lowest one.<br>Can learn up to ten "element" magic masteries and their spells up to the intermediate level. Magic mastery not included to this limit.<br>The versatile magical capabilities of the class allow you to create mixed spells form the one already know. Limitation applies. (magic masteries must be at least at intermediate level, source spells must be at intermediate level).<br>Effect of fame on leadership is doubled:<br>As you are known for your fighting prowess, individuals are more prone to follow you in combat.<br>Each winning pvp fight may present reward in the form of stats increase. Each losing pvp fight may cost you in the form of stats decrease.<br>!New skill: Brawling<br>"Element" magic mastery already learned:<br>Fire mastery: intermediate 2 (29%)<br>Ice/water mastery: intermediate 1 (51%)<br>Wind/air mastery: intermediate 1 (17%)<br>Earth mastery: intermediate 1 (84%)<br>"skill information: brawling."<br>!brawling: the aptitude to fight with whatever mean available. Everything can be used as a weapon. This skill enable you to use all fighting skills. All fighting skills are capped by the brawling skill. Skill already learned stop rising till brawling skill catch to them. All new fighting skills are easier to learn and rise. Brawling skill only rise when fighting other brawlers. The rise is slow against npc brawlers and fast against pvp brawler. All pvp fights are considered brawl for your class. As long a pvp fight is mutual and not a one sided murder, killing another player doesn't earn you the murder mark. As long as you fight when another player attack you, if he kill you, he doesn't earn the murder mark. The same rules apply to npc's attacking you without aggression. If you attack a “city npc”, even if he fight back, you will earn the murder mark. In all cases, arena fights don't earn anybody a murder mark.<br>Brawling: beginner 1 (0%)<br>taking in account previous recent pvp fights and know fighting’s skills: brawling skill rise dramatically.<br>Brawling: beginner 5 (98%)<br>After carefully reading everything in the information windows that popped, Cilerius, who had let some wince show on is face while reading, asked:<br>"System call: elemental* magic mastery list."<br>Another window opened and ten entries were listed.<br>-Mineral/metal magic<br>-Fire magic<br>-Ice/water magic<br>-Wind/air magic<br>-Earth magic<br>-Life/blood magic<br>-Light magic<br>-Dark magic<br>-Nature magic<br>-Spirit Magic<br>Reading that, Cilerius had to ask for more information:<br>"system call: mineral, light, dark, spirit, nature and life magic information."<br>!mineral magic: one of the major magic, governing over fire, water, air and earth magic. Reign over all the mineral/no life magic. Allow metal magic.<br>!light magic: one of the life magic. Allow blessing, heals and buffs. Based on the holly sacred arts and linked to the Gods. Usually mastered by priests.<br>!Dark magic: one of the life magic. Allow curses and unholy manipulations such as undead summoning and demons pacts. Usually mastered by necromancers and warlocks.<br>!Spirit magic: one of the life magic. Allow to tap in the spirit realm to enhances, cure and heal. Can call spirits to aid. Usually mastered by Shamans.<br>!Nature magic: one of the life magic. Allow seek the nature aid. Another line of buffs, cures and heals. Can call to living realm for aid. Usually mastered by Druids.<br>!Life magic: one of the major magic, governing over light, dark, nature and spirit magic’s. reign over all the life magic. Allow blood magic.<br>As he was reading that, Cilerius was deep in his thoughts.<br>'a lot of possibilities but that call for a lot of work if I want to be efficient.'<br>"us!"<br>'I don't want to be just another Jack of all trade master of none... that would suck for the group... and to endure their scoff.'<br>"lerius!"<br>'And the fighting skills... damn... I'm caught between the magic and the melee realm. if I don't gain bonus stats one way or another, no way I will be able to stay level with specialized professions.'<br>"Cilerius!"<br>"uh? hu? what?"<br>"You're some damn deep in your own thoughts that you didn't answer us for over ten minutes." that was Desmond talking.<br>"We thought you were so amazed by our gift that you were out." added Sigismund.<br>"gift? hell! All you did is take me there to bet on my fights!" retorted Cilerius faking anger.<br>"no, seriously, I was wondering how I would manage with this class. It's interesting, but the work needed to make it efficient will be extensive. And how will I find someone to teach me other magic masteries?" Continued Cilerius.<br>"we know you're a hard worker." Answered first Figras.<br>"as for magic masteries, you seem to forget something, Cilerius." answered Sigismund.<br>"I'm part of the of the elemental mages friendship and yourself made some work for us. I could guide you to one of my fellow member who could train you in his trade."<br>"oh... right! the elemental mages friendship... but... I already know the four elements."<br>"don't take the word "element" too literally in our association name. Elements are all kind of magic."<br>"so... you will introduce me to some of your friends who could teach me the others elemental magic?"<br>"yes, of course... but the decision to teach you remain theirs. And I can only think of one right now. Lucky for you, he reside on the way you have to head next."<br>"the way I have to head next? Ah, yes... damn, I almost forgot that part. I have to show in two month time in Hartburg. Well, at least there will be occasion to train my new annoying skill." Cilerius thought of the brawling skill as annoying, since its proficiency capped the other fighting skills.<br>"yes, Hartburg... too bad, we will not be able to accompany you there to support you. But I'll give you a letter for a friend who live on the way there."<br>"supporting me? You mean bet on my fights."<br>"well, if we bet on you, it's all the same as supporting you!" exclaimed the three friends at the same moment.<br>"hmmmf... if you say so" answered Cilerius, unconvinced.<br>At least, he wasn't trapped in a dead end. You could even say, to progress further, he had to live like he did up to now. Just, this lifestyle was now mandatory if he wanted to become efficient.<br>"Listen, you have a two months limit to show there. I need to contact my acquaintance so you don't show there unannounced. He's a bit associable so he might welcome you with scary stuff, else."<br>"ok... so, how long?"<br>"let's say 1 month... that will leave you 1 month to travel, knowing the travel to Hartburg require 10 days. The travel to my friend place require 5 days. Expect 5 days there to learn the ropes of his specialty if everything goes well. If not, well... just be sure to show to Hartburg in time."<br>"If everything goes well? Damn, Sigismund, You are really reassuring. And you seriously think I could learn your friend magic in just 5 days?"<br>"no, but as I told you, he can teach you the ropes. And you can train on the way. I know you can do it. Hell, you did the same for 4 elements at the same time."<br>"this is this and that's that... ok... now to find something to do for 1 month."<br>"Here I can help you, Cilerius" said Figras. "I figure you need to do some more physical training with your new class."<br>"well, yes, that's a given. I was thinking about it, but the city doesn't have mines. I figured that would be the best place to train my body."<br>"Sure, the city doesn't have mines, but we have something better, our harbor. They're always hiring strong men to load and unload the freight."<br>"Dockers? that could do it."<br>With his immediate concerns resolved, Cilerius took his leave from the three friends and teachers after agreeing of a meeting date with Sigismund. He still had to do some things before going to the harbor. Searching in his bags, he got was he was seeking. Checking the vouchers he had in hands and a map, he planned the visits he has to do.<br>At the different places he show, he could learn some skills and due to his new reputation, more than what was promised at first. At the thieves guild, he learned the sneak skill, that, they assured him, would allow him to walk egg shells, without even a noise once the skill was enough. He even could ask them for another training and got to learn the basics of the disarm skill. Knowing how to disarm an opponent was an usefull skill.<br>At the assassins guild, as promised, he was taught more about traps making and the counterpart, trap disarming. They showed him how to apply poisons on weapons and gave him a poisons recipe book. Then, figuring that was the best place to do so, he asked to be taught how to fight with daggers. The assassins were happy to oblige and made a display of their skill for him.<br>The alchemist, as promised, taught him the basics of his trade and, because it would be a necessity, the skill to detect herbs and gather them. He was given a book with the basics of both and told that if he wanted to know more, he had to be of use with the alchemist community, as he wasn't one.<br>At the warrior guild, he learned both one and two handed sword skill, the use of shield and even of maces and hammers. As he was about to leave, a thought came to him and asked the trainer if there was a skill to provoke the enemy. At that, the old warrior facing him looked at him with wide open eyes.<br>"Of course... but to do so, you need an open mind and extensive vocabulary." Cilerius soon learned that in fact, he needed to be proficient in throwing profanities at the face of an opponent, to taunt him.<br>"easy enough, I guess"<br>The last place in his list for fighting’s skills, was the knights barrack. Since he had a dubious reputation, he wasn't warmly welcomed, but he still had a voucher so they were obliged by their honor to teach him something. Of course they didn't present him with more than what was promised, so he left the barracks after learning the polearm skill.<br>Done with all the fighting’s guilds that were indebted with him, he headed to the restaurants and there, learned some rare recipes that he couldn't even cook yet with his skill, but that would be nice later. More useful, he was taught how to recognize edible food in the wild and how to cook it efficiently. That was a little perk of the herb gathering he learned just before and the fact that one of the cooks had an adventuring life in his young days. He was especially warned about poison mushrooms. If you think about it the other way, he was taught how to recognize poison mushrooms and their dangerousness. That knowledge would go hand in hand with poison making.<br>Cilerius had used the whole night and half of the next day to complete the favors reclaims. He then headed to the docks. There, he looked for the foreman who was indeed, constantly in need of capable men to do hard work. In fact, he was giving repetitive quests to load or unload some ship. The quest difficulty was stated E with really low cash compensation and an unknown reward.<br>Cilerius wasn't in for the money gain but to train. The game mechanics were well set and once one knew them, he could always use them to rise some stats, the same as he did at the training hall. In this case, the work was to carry huge hessian bags or roll barrels. Since he had to walk on narrow plank to get on and out of boat, he had to concentrate and make use of all his balance.<br>As a result of this hard work, his endurance and sustenance raised, slowly but surely. Sometimes, in rare occurrence, he even gained 1 point in str or dex. When done loading the first boat, he returned to the foreman to conclude the quest and received minor xp, 1 silver piece and here was the perk of this unexplored work, 1 point gain in either str, dex or vit, alternatively.<br>Clearly, not many people knew of this reward or the foreman wouldn't have problem to get workers. Maybe many tried to do this quest, but few finished it and knew of the reward because they grow tired too fast. And the few in the know didn't divulge this trick.<br>Doing his part, Cilerius needed half a day to carry the freight of one boat. He could so do the repeat quest three times a day, only keeping half a night to rest. At first, that was really tiring, but the efforts, the pain and even the exhaustion were becoming addictive in some way and he could carry on. As his strength grow, he was able to carry more weight and finish his work even earlier. He had to carry more weight, since else, he wouldn't get the endurance or sustenance gain. The gains are closely related to the difficulty of the task. When 50kg become easy to carry, you will not gain as much endurance as when it was hard to do.<br>At the end of the month, he had done the quest 93 times, raised his endurance and sustenance a lot and even gained 10 additional str and dex while working. He also increase his fortune by a whole 93 silver pieces... not even 1 gold piece. That would be laughable if he only looked at the monetary gain but he was here for the side gains. On his stay at the docks, he could see many times other players, low or high level, getting the quest and drudge under their load, only to throw the towel when, tired, they saw the meager 1 silver piece rewarded to Cilerius by the foreman, as he finished earlier than them. Of course, most noticed an endurance or a sustenance gain, maybe even, some noticed the strength gain, but they discarded this way to raise their stats and preferred to head out of the city, kill some mobs, gain xp and rise level, so allocating 5 points in their stats. That was a lot easier.<br>Looking at Cilerius, most thought or spoke one to another along the line:<br>"what a fool... is he a masochist to keep doing that work for only 1 silver piece? Maybe he has secret class, slave..."<br>Looking at them, Cilerius thought:<br>'the fools, they don't even think about the future but only on immediate gain... the way I am and I'm doing, I'll have soon almost and advantage equivalent of 40 levels on them if I count the training hall gains. If I keep doing that, I won't have to worry about how to allocate my level-up stats points.'<br>Cilerius was driven by the Need, with a big N, to have physical and intellectual balanced stats. Doing that with only the level-up stats points would mean soon lagging behind the specialized classes. Cilerius wanted to be a complete character, but not only with wide area of expertise and balanced stats. He wanted to be at the top. That was maybe the only place where his ambition show openly.<br>He didn't tell his gang what he was up to, even what he became, wanting to shock them when they would gather. JB and the gang only shared information’s on their current level or advices to resolve some quests.<br>As promised, the month passed, he headed to see Sigismund. They had planned to meet at the library since Cilerius was far from welcome at the magician building.<br>Getting there, Cilerius could see Desmond as his usual place, the desk at the entrance. They exchanged greeting and Cilerius told him what he did at the docks this whole month.<br>"I can see the results. You could carry the whole encyclopedia Versaillis in one go, with muscles like those."<br>"I fear the weight wouldn't pose problem, but the volume to carry... I'd have to carry the shelf at the same time to do that Hahaha."<br>"Yes, indeed, you would have to do that. So, Cilerius, did you think about the next step on your way to knowledge?"<br>"Only a little... but I think I may have an idea of "Where" to look. By the way, since Sigismund isn't here yet, I will go to the reserve, read a little and retrieve something."<br>"Do that... I'll call you when he come."<br>At this reply, Cilerius headed to the door and using his key, opened "his" reserve. What a change since the last time he came here. Books were tidied on their shelves, not moving. Calm... that's the word describing this place now. The atmosphere was now worthy of a library. Cilerius walked past the first three rooms and could see in the fourth, the door to the little office open. As he walked in, he could hear a strange sound, like if someone was sawing wood. That was a snore. on the table, a very thick book was laying on some sort of fabric, its cover slowly rising and lowering and emitting the snore.<br>Folding his arms, Cilerius stood for a little while, observing the scene then, as the book didn't seem to react to his presence, shout:<br>"Bok!"<br>At this cry, the book suddenly opened wide and hurriedly raised in the air, hovering while mumbling:<br>"uh? what? no, no, I wasn't drinking the ink and I for sure didn't break the pen!!"<br>"Bok... is that the way you pass your time? Don't you like knowledge? Why don't you read some other books to educate yourself?"<br>"oh!!! Master! welcome home. No, reading other books will do me no good. I can only learn new things if it's written in my blank pages."<br>"Is that so? okay... are you at least capable to tell me if you already know about something?"<br>"of course, Master. What are you looking in my immense knowledge for?"<br>"well... at first I would ask if you know the meaning of modesty but that's not really what I'm looking for. Do you know about the class "elemental* brawler"?"<br>"euuuuhhhh, no I never heard of this class."<br>"what about the elemental magic’s, not restricted to the actuals classics four elements?"<br>"Ah, on those I have information, though they're basics for some and I would love precisions on the subject."<br>"okay... that will be done in time. Hmmm, what about the gnolls?"<br>"the gnolls are usually a secretive race. Few information’s are known as for now. Though, some of their tribes are known to carry and spread diseases."<br>"Do you know about the clan living close of this city?"<br>"there is one? no, I don't know about it. But if that's true, it may be dangerous. the city could be in danger."<br>"no... they've been taken care of, for now. And they didn't seem to carry diseases, those ones. Okay, lay on the table, I have new knowledge to write."<br>"sure thing, Master. I love knowledge."<br>And Bok landed on the table, fully open to a blank page. We talk about "sweet tooth" for peoples who like sweet things, but what could we call someone who love letters, words and knowledge? Ink addict? Well, you see the point. Bok was a maniac when knowledge was concerned. the "taming" process couldn't fully explain how he was so obedient right now. He was looking for that part and didn't feel oppressed at this moment.Cilerius sat on the chair, got his material out and prepared the ink. Ready, he began to write some words with the best writing he could. That was the title: On the "Pride Blood pack", their settlement and force and their fall to the status of "Pack of the Westerner gnolls".<br>Done with the title, Cilerius began to write on the page, everything he could remember of those gnolls. The different kind, their level and equipment, how they were packed. He listed the spells and skills each used. For each kind, he draw how they were looking. He even draw a map of the region locating where the burrow was and then, another describing the burrow itself. Just as he finished the last picture, a system window opened, warning about his learning of a new skill.<br>!ding! You have acquired the skill painting through your efforts to draw an accurate representation of yours thoughts.<br>'oooookay... and yet another skill. I hope it will have an use.'<br>As he was done writing, another system window opened.<br>!ding! Bok has leveled up.<br>The extensive information gained allow him to reach the next level of knowledge.<br>For writing previously unknown information’s, you gain +3 Wis, +3 Int, +3 Concentration and +3 insight.<br>The beautiful writing style is a work of art and testament of your skill. A fine work.<br>Calligraphy skill rise significantly. +2 Dex +10 Art.<br>Just as he closed the popped windows, he could see the text he just wrote, move on the external side of the pages, ink letters sliding. He followed their movement through the book and could see his text settle in the race part, at the letter G. Bok, once new knowledge acquired, arranged it for practical use.<br>'nice, this book is nice. I can work on my skill and gain stats at the same time. I like that. I just need to be sure to keep him close.'<br>Looking at the time, Cilerius figured Sigismund wouldn't be long now. He packed his writing tools then, told Bok:<br>"Bok, You will come with me to explore the world. But as I don't have, yet, a proper protection and since kids would probably throw stones at a flying book, you will enter my bag. I'll look for something more practical later."<br>"Okay master... I always wanted to see the world. But child are indeed scary creatures. I'll enter your bag."<br>And he did so. Cilerius had his own version of what practical device he would make, but he didn't share his thoughts with Bok, as he would have been then reluctant to enter the bag and go to the open world with his Master.<br>As Cilerius exited the reserve and approached Desmond desk, Sigismund came in.<br>"Cilerius! I'm happy to see you."<br>"Sigismund, I'm delighted to see you. So, were you able to contact your acquaintance?"<br>"yes, of course. He was even happy to hear of me, since he'd like some furniture’s delivered."<br>"I suppose I could do that, since it's on my way."<br>"yes, and that will make him in good disposition when he welcome you. But you will need a cart."<br>"is that so..." Cilerius thought he may need a horse too but on the upside, he could rest in the cart whenever exhausted after exercising.<br>"by the way, I didn't ask before, but what is his "element"?"<br>"spirits... the guy is a shaman and deal with the olds spirits. That's why he live alone and far from habitations. Normal peoples don't usually like when spirits wander too close."<br>"spirits? okay... that could be a good option for now."<br>"yes... hazard deal you a good hand in this case."<br>"so, when am I supposed to leave?"<br>"as soon as possible. I already wrote the introduction letter, here, take it. And here is the list of the furniture’s he ask for."<br>Sigismund presented him with a paper scroll, that, at the moment he opened it, popped a quest window:<br>!ding! You are asked to collect the furniture’s on the list under and deliver them to the lone spirit master in the forest 5 days to the east.<br>Difficulty: E<br>Reward: rise of reputation with the elemental mages friendship.<br>Small monetary reward.<br>"I'll do the delivery."<br>You have accepted the delivery quest. Time limit to completion: 10 days.<br>Cilerius answer was obvious. he didn't think that would be a quest, but knowing the game mechanics, that wasn't unexpected. The time limit could have been tricky if he wasn't prepared to leave.<br>There were quite a few items listed on the paper. And Cilerius had to pay for them so he was lucky to have earned much money so early in the game. Of course, what he had before the bets would have sufficed, but only because he cleared a dungeon solo and so could amass a nice savings.<br>It was just after noon, so Cilerius bid his two present friends farewell and left to go see the different merchants he needed to visit to get the items on the list. At the same time, He did buy in bulk, furniture’s for himself. Things such as spices for his cooking, ropes or clothes. When he was done gathering everything, the amount of freight was enough to fill a full cart.<br>Cilerius asked the merchants to hold his buying and he headed to a horse merchant to buy one. He chose a sturdy horse called a percheron, as he needed at least that to pull the heavily loaded cart. A cart he buy just next door, as the two merchants deemed useful to be close one of the other.<br>Now with his cart and horse and lighter by 100 gold pieces, he headed to each merchant and slowly, filled the cart. At the end of the day, his cart full, one could have think he was a merchant ready for a trade trip.<br>As Cilerius made his cart move through the streets of the Nivese, heading to the east gates, some npc's saluted him. He was, since both the lost object retrieval and the arena event, well appreciated by all the city peoples... that is if you exclude the mage guild and the knights. The mage guild, we know why. The knight guild... well, knights despise anyone who has even a bit of infamy. Were they not indebted to him for objects he retrieved for them, he couldn't even have walked a step in their barracks.<br>The sun was setting as he crossed the east gate, saluted by the soldiers on guard duty. Just like that, Cilerius left his starting city. One could think he was leaving late, since his level was 71, but as he did find ways to level-up in or near the city, it wasn't that late.<br>'Okay, even with the sun set, I still have enough light to advance for 1 or 2 hours. And the moon will be full in 2 nights, so that mean I can advance days and nights.'<br>His original purpose was to shorten the time needed to get to the shaman's house, since that would mean more time to work on the magic learned there. In addition, very few humanoids were out at night and monsters usually didn't come too close of the road.<br>As he planned, Cilerius used the traveling time to work on his skills and spells. Constantly using the wind walk and even the fire steps, he was casting every now and then, the other spells, targeting roadsides, rocks or trees. When he was low on mana, he would train his skills, slashing or piercing at a log he had attached to the cart, with low level sword, dagger, lance, mace and other weapons. He had buy those debutant weapon from player coming back from hunt. they were happy since he was paying more than the npc merchants, but he was too since the price was lower than what he would pay to a merchant.<br>Progress were slow, of course, but way faster than usual, thanks to his class specificities. He had buy 5 of each because he knew their durability would fall fast, given his strength. Even with 5 of each, he was soon left with weapon almost broken. That was a good time to use a skill he didn't use up to now, since he didn't have time and need. Climbing on the cart, he set the weapons on one side and a "portable" anvil on his front. He had specifically buy a large cart to have space left. By doing so, he could manage a king of blacksmithing workshop. Of course, only small work could be done with the tools he had. But, thanks to his fires spells, he didn't need much to heat the metal in the furnace.<br>All set, he took the first weapon, freed the blade from the handle and put it in the furnace. He then casted a fireball to ignite a small amount of coal, then more to heat at very high temperature. In this case, the coal was only used as an agent, the main heat coming from his magic. Once the blade turned from dark red to a yellowish, he picked it up with a pliers and set it on the anvil. He then took the hammer and started the work needed to repair the blade. When done with the hammering, as coolant, he was using a water bucket where he put his hand with the ice palm spell. He planned to use the spell directly on the heated metal when he would feel more confident about it. Burning his hand wasn't a good way to improve one’s fighting abilities.<br>The first and even the second try weren't very successful, but his skill still raised a little. With the knowledge of experience, his next attempts were more resulted. To repair all the weapons, it took him one hour and he reached beginner 2 (15%). Done with this work, he got down of the cart and resumed the abuse on the log.<br>And the travel proceeded the same, day and night while he was awake. Spell casting, fighting skill rising against an innocent log and weapon repair. This way, even without rest time, he was replenishing stamina while spell casting and mana while exercising fighting skills and using moderately both while repairing.<br>On the third day, at noon, Cilerius saw a little track going from the way he was traveling, into the forest. From Sigismund explications, he understood that it was the track he had to continue on to get to the shaman house. He was just done with repairs, once again and decided to pack for now. The uneven and narrow path wasn't adequate for those activities.<br>In three days, he had gained even more sustenance and endurance, thanks to his hard work, both while exercising and while repairing, 2 points of strength, 1 of Int and 5, good surprise, of concentration, as casting from a tossed cart wasn't really stable and so, needed more attention.<br>The repair skill raised to beginner 4 (56%) and he raised the fighting’s skills in a balanced manner, to beginner 4 (90%) each. Rising even more those skills proved hard if by only hitting a log. On the magic part, he was at intermediate 3 (10%) at least for all, the higher being his fire finger spell at 30% because of the intensive use for repair.<br>After 1 hour advancing on this side path, he arrived at a clearing where, clearly, spirits gathered. Already on the path, some crossed the road from one side to the other, exiting and entering the surrounding forest.<br>In middle of the clearing, a low house was there. Its door seemed half buried but when looking more closely, Cilerius could see steps that were going down and explained that. In front of the house, there was a pyre. On one side, a bog while on the other, a pond. On the roof, a mast with many mobile parts. There was, in the back, some kind of... a cemetery? Many small pits, with apparent bones, were dig there.<br>Stopping his horse, Cilerius waited, still, for a moment and when he saw no reaction, he climbed down the cart and walked to the door. He walked climbed down the steps and, facing the door, knocked it.<br>Nothing. The silence... He knocked again. Then some noise could be heard. The noise grow, slowly. That could mean something was coming closer. The noise was now coming from right behind the door. Then a huge voice resounded:<br>"I don't want to subscribe to the Versaille gazette nor to get an insurance contract. Go away!"<br>"uhm... errr, mister, I'm send by Sigismund".<br>At those words, the lock made a opening sound and the door opened slightly.<br>"Sigismund send you?"<br>"Yes. I have some furnitures you asked for and a letter."<br>The door opened wide. Facing Cilerius was a big man, both in height and width. He was probably 2m high for 160kg. Dressed in brown tunic and pant with some sort of rope as belt. His face was accorded to the rest of his body, big. Big mouth, big nose, bigs eyes overcome by bushy eyebrow. His hairs, same as his beard, were long, wavy and matted, with a grey color that showed evolve to the white. This big guy was apparently in his 60’s, even if his body condition could be of a 40’s man.<br>"hmmmf... let's see if you have everything." he told Cilerius, first looking at him from toes to hairs then behind, to the cart.<br>"So, according to the list, here are 3 barrels of molasses, 5 bag of rice ... " Cilerius was indicating items in the cart as he was reading the list.<br>"hmmm... okay... you did good. Everything is here and i was expecting you at least 2 days later. How much do I own you for the purchases?"<br>Cilerius told him the right price, without adding a commission fee.<br>"you are a honest fellow... thank you for your work." Said the man facing him.<br>!ding!, delivery is completed in time.<br>Quest completed.<br>You gain 1 gold piece for your work.<br>You gain some xp.<br>Your reputation with the elemental mages friendship increase.<br>Your Intimacy with Gurdianson raise.<br>As you didn't try to rip him off, your intimacy with him raise.<br>You are now in good terms with Gurdianson.<br>Level-up<br>Cilerius, given the 93 quest he did at the harbor, even with the very little xp it rewarded, was close to raise a level. The little push from this quest was enough to get to level 72.<br>"My name is Gurdianson... here are the buying cost I own you." he continued while giving Cilerius a little pouch.<br>"you told me you had a letter from Sigismund for me?"<br>"yes. Here it is." Answered Cilerius while taking out the letter from inside in tunic and reaching out to the shaman. He took it, watched the seal as to verify its autenticity and if it was intact, then broke it and opened the letter. While reading, his eyebrows raised a few times and he even looked at the occasional postman facing him.<br>"hmmm... it seem Sigismund like you. That speak great length about you. And you displeased Bragarthon? Even better. So... Sigismund write me you'd like to learn a little about the spirit realm? Do you intend to become a shaman? I certainly could train you."<br>"To be perfectly honest, even if the spirit realm seem to be of a formidable interest, I can't only focus on it. I don't know how Sigismund described it, but I learned some spells from the mage academy, but now, I need to look for many other kind of magic. So, if it isn't too much pain, I'd like you to teach me as much as you can to an "outsider"."<br>"honest... good... spirits usually dislike shroud persons. That's a start... and he tell me you're a hard worker. That could do... I may accept to teach you a little of my art. But first, I must see if you're worthy of it. Show me your what's your made of."<br>That was an npc way to ask to show the status windows.<br>"status window, open look for Gurdianson." Said Cilerius, and his status window opened, apparent for him and his interlocutor.<br><br><br>Name: Cilerius Level: 72 Class: Elemental* Brawler<br>Title: Scourge of the westerner gnolls<br>HP: 15391 Mana: 18372<br>Fame: 1601 Infamy: 202<br>Str: 253 Dex: 233 Vit: 183<br>Int: 255 Wis: 251 Concentration: 126<br>Endurance: 192 Sustenance: 157<br>Insight: 10 Art: 35 Luck: 20 Leadership: 20<br>Resist: Fire: 24 Light: 4<br> Ice: 14 Dark: 14<br> Earth: 14 Poison: 14<br> Air: 14 Disease: 4<br> Spirit: 4<br>Magic mastery: I3 (25%) Magical restriction: I3 (11%) Magic missile: I3 (12%)<br>Mana preservation: I3 (17%) Meditation: I3 (12%) Identification: I1 (%)<br>Fire mastery: I3 (25%) Fire finger: I3 (31%) Fire walk: I3 (10%)<br>Ice mastery: I3 (19%) Ice palm: I3 (23%) Ice shield: I3 (13%)<br>Earth mastery: I3 (12%) Mineral needles: I3 (17%) Soil alteration: I3 (12%)<br>Wind mastery: I3 (11%) Zephyr restriction: I3 (12%) Wind walk: I3 (11%)<br><br>Brawling: B5 (98%) Pankration: B7 (35%) 1H blunt: B6 (23%) 2H blunt: B6 (20%)<br>Piercing: B4 (90%) 1H slash: B4 (90%) 2H slash: B4 (90%) Polearm: B4 (90%)<br>1H mace: B4 (90%) 2H mace: B4 (90%) Dodging: B7 (88%) Disarm: B1 (5%)<br>Tracking: B3 (34%) Hunting: B4 (21%) Trapping: B4 (67%) Cooking: B4 (12%)<br>Tailoring: B3 (2%) Mining: B2 (89%) Repair: B4 (56%) Throwing: B1 (1%)<br>Trap disarm: B1 (1%) Calligraphy: B6 (67%)Drawing: B1 ( 78%) Apply poison: B1 (1%)<br>Alchemy: B1 (1%) Herbalism: B1 (1%) Foraging: B1 (1%) Taunt: B1 (1%)<br>Sneak: B1 (1%) Shield use: B1 (1%) Ambidexterity: B9(89%) Handicraft B7 (42%)<br><br>(B=beginner, I=intermediate, A=advanced, M=master, GM= grand master)<br>“hmmm, that’s quite the extensive collection of skills. And some are… nice.” Gurdianson said with an appreciative look.<br>“Sigismund wasn’t lying when he wrote you were an hard worker. Those stats, for your level. Mark me impressed. Listen, I now understand what you told me and that you can’t concentrate on only one element. Seeing how you worked with the hand dealt to you, I really feel like teaching you. But nothing can exempt you from the test each and every of my apprentice candidates must pass. Do you want to try the test?”<br>Cilerius didn’t answer immediately, Not that he hesitated, but an immediate and rash decision wasn’t probably what this shaman wanted. Shamans must take time to consult the spirits.<br>“yes, I want to try and pass your test.”<br>“good… may you not regret this decision.”<br>Cilerius was already prepared for a tough test. The way Sigismund spoke about his friend and from what he saw since his arrival, Gurdianson wasn’t one to let just anyone pass. One would have to convince him of his worth, whatever that meant.<br>“For now, come inside and undress. Just keep a loin cloth.”<br>And Cilerius did so, getting in the same attire he had in the arena.<br>“drink that and eat those.” added Gurdianson, presenting him with a sticky liquid in a cup and a plate with dessicated mushrooms.<br>Taking a sip of the drink and a bite of the mushrooms, Cilerius asked:<br>“what are those for?”<br>“anyone who want to deal with the spirits must open some gates in his mind. Sometimes, it does happen naturally or by accident. Else, you need to set some condition for the same result.”<br>Nodding in agreement, Cilerius gulped down the rest of the drink then the remaining mushrooms and waited for Gurdianson next direction.<br>“come with me.” He said while opening the way for Cilerius down some stairs leading to a cave. The cave was excavated in the rock and on the walls, primitives drawings represented many animals and some other things not immediately discernable. Even less by Cilerius who’s mind and eyes were becoming cloudy.<br>“here, sit down in the middle of the stone room. Open your mind as much as you can. Your potential at shamanic magic will be decided by how many spirits will come to visit you and may decide to stay.” </div>

The elemental brawler Chapter 5: Let’s be spirited! part 1 You are proposed a new job. Accept: Yes/no “Yes!” You have accepted a secret profession, congratulation! !class change! You are now an Elemental* Brawler. STR+20 Agi+20 Wis+20 Int+20 Vit+20 Concentration+20 Endurance(dmg mitigation and boost hp)+20 Sustenance(lessening of stamina consumption)+20 Possibility of spell casting being interrupted while moving or fighting -50% (does not apply to stuns, mute or wavering, be it skills or spells). Effect of resilience and endurance is increased by 25%. Limitations: All combat skills are capped by the skill: brawling. Can't learn any advanced magic spell either by teaching, spell books or quest reward. All current magic mastery must be at intermediate level before being able to learn a new magic mastery. Before learning a second major magic mastery, the others must be at advanced level. Advantages: Can learn every fighting skills. The more advanced the brawling skill is, the fastest you can learn a new fighting skill. The more fighting skills you already know, the fastest you can learn a new one up to the level of the lowest one. Can learn up to ten "element" magic masteries and their spells up to the intermediate level. Magic mastery not included to this limit. The versatile magical capabilities of the class allow you to create mixed spells form the one already know. Limitation applies. (magic masteries must be at least at intermediate level, source spells must be at intermediate level). Effect of fame on leadership is doubled: As you are known for your fighting prowess, individuals are more prone to follow you in combat. Each winning pvp fight may present reward in the form of stats increase. Each losing pvp fight may cost you in the form of stats decrease. !New skill: Brawling "Element" magic mastery already learned: Fire mastery: intermediate 2 (29%) Ice/water mastery: intermediate 1 (51%) Wind/air mastery: intermediate 1 (17%) Earth mastery: intermediate 1 (84%) "skill information: brawling." !brawling: the aptitude to fight with whatever mean available. Everything can be used as a weapon. This skill enable you to use all fighting skills. All fighting skills are capped by the brawling skill. Skill already learned stop rising till brawling skill catch to them. All new fighting skills are easier to learn and rise. Brawling skill only rise when fighting other brawlers. The rise is slow against npc brawlers and fast against pvp brawler. All pvp fights are considered brawl for your class. As long a pvp fight is mutual and not a one sided murder, killing another player doesn't earn you the murder mark. As long as you fight when another player attack you, if he kill you, he doesn't earn the murder mark. The same rules apply to npc's attacking you without aggression. If you attack a “city npc”, even if he fight back, you will earn the murder mark. In all cases, arena fights don't earn anybody a murder mark. Brawling: beginner 1 (0%) taking in account previous recent pvp fights and know fighting’s skills: brawling skill rise dramatically. Brawling: beginner 5 (98%) After carefully reading everything in the information windows that popped, Cilerius, who had let some wince show on is face while reading, asked: "System call: elemental* magic mastery list." Another window opened and ten entries were listed. -Mineral/metal magic -Fire magic -Ice/water magic -Wind/air magic -Earth magic -Life/blood magic -Light magic -Dark magic -Nature magic -Spirit Magic Reading that, Cilerius had to ask for more information: "system call: mineral, light, dark, spirit, nature and life magic information." !mineral magic: one of the major magic, governing over fire, water, air and earth magic. Reign over all the mineral/no life magic. Allow metal magic. !light magic: one of the life magic. Allow blessing, heals and buffs. Based on the holly sacred arts and linked to the Gods. Usually mastered by priests. !Dark magic: one of the life magic. Allow curses and unholy manipulations such as undead summoning and demons pacts. Usually mastered by necromancers and warlocks. !Spirit magic: one of the life magic. Allow to tap in the spirit realm to enhances, cure and heal. Can call spirits to aid. Usually mastered by Shamans. !Nature magic: one of the life magic. Allow seek the nature aid. Another line of buffs, cures and heals. Can call to living realm for aid. Usually mastered by Druids. !Life magic: one of the major magic, governing over light, dark, nature and spirit magic’s. reign over all the life magic. Allow blood magic. As he was reading that, Cilerius was deep in his thoughts. 'a lot of possibilities but that call for a lot of work if I want to be efficient.' "us!" 'I don't want to be just another Jack of all trade master of none... that would suck for the group... and to endure their scoff.' "lerius!" 'And the fighting skills... damn... I'm caught between the magic and the melee realm. if I don't gain bonus stats one way or another, no way I will be able to stay level with specialized professions.' "Cilerius!" "uh? hu? what?" "You're some damn deep in your own thoughts that you didn't answer us for over ten minutes." that was Desmond talking. "We thought you were so amazed by our gift that you were out." added Sigismund. "gift? hell! All you did is take me there to bet on my fights!" retorted Cilerius faking anger. "no, seriously, I was wondering how I would manage with this class. It's interesting, but the work needed to make it efficient will be extensive. And how will I find someone to teach me other magic masteries?" Continued Cilerius. "we know you're a hard worker." Answered first Figras. "as for magic masteries, you seem to forget something, Cilerius." answered Sigismund. "I'm part of the of the elemental mages friendship and yourself made some work for us. I could guide you to one of my fellow member who could train you in his trade." "oh... right! the elemental mages friendship... but... I already know the four elements." "don't take the word "element" too literally in our association name. Elements are all kind of magic." "so... you will introduce me to some of your friends who could teach me the others elemental magic?" "yes, of course... but the decision to teach you remain theirs. And I can only think of one right now. Lucky for you, he reside on the way you have to head next." "the way I have to head next? Ah, yes... damn, I almost forgot that part. I have to show in two month time in Hartburg. Well, at least there will be occasion to train my new annoying skill." Cilerius thought of the brawling skill as annoying, since its proficiency capped the other fighting skills. "yes, Hartburg... too bad, we will not be able to accompany you there to support you. But I'll give you a letter for a friend who live on the way there." "supporting me? You mean bet on my fights." "well, if we bet on you, it's all the same as supporting you!" exclaimed the three friends at the same moment. "hmmmf... if you say so" answered Cilerius, unconvinced. At least, he wasn't trapped in a dead end. You could even say, to progress further, he had to live like he did up to now. Just, this lifestyle was now mandatory if he wanted to become efficient. "Listen, you have a two months limit to show there. I need to contact my acquaintance so you don't show there unannounced. He's a bit associable so he might welcome you with scary stuff, else." "ok... so, how long?" "let's say 1 month... that will leave you 1 month to travel, knowing the travel to Hartburg require 10 days. The travel to my friend place require 5 days. Expect 5 days there to learn the ropes of his specialty if everything goes well. If not, well... just be sure to show to Hartburg in time." "If everything goes well? Damn, Sigismund, You are really reassuring. And you seriously think I could learn your friend magic in just 5 days?" "no, but as I told you, he can teach you the ropes. And you can train on the way. I know you can do it. Hell, you did the same for 4 elements at the same time." "this is this and that's that... ok... now to find something to do for 1 month." "Here I can help you, Cilerius" said Figras. "I figure you need to do some more physical training with your new class." "well, yes, that's a given. I was thinking about it, but the city doesn't have mines. I figured that would be the best place to train my body." "Sure, the city doesn't have mines, but we have something better, our harbor. They're always hiring strong men to load and unload the freight." "Dockers? that could do it." With his immediate concerns resolved, Cilerius took his leave from the three friends and teachers after agreeing of a meeting date with Sigismund. He still had to do some things before going to the harbor. Searching in his bags, he got was he was seeking. Checking the vouchers he had in hands and a map, he planned the visits he has to do. At the different places he show, he could learn some skills and due to his new reputation, more than what was promised at first. At the thieves guild, he learned the sneak skill, that, they assured him, would allow him to walk egg shells, without even a noise once the skill was enough. He even could ask them for another training and got to learn the basics of the disarm skill. Knowing how to disarm an opponent was an usefull skill. At the assassins guild, as promised, he was taught more about traps making and the counterpart, trap disarming. They showed him how to apply poisons on weapons and gave him a poisons recipe book. Then, figuring that was the best place to do so, he asked to be taught how to fight with daggers. The assassins were happy to oblige and made a display of their skill for him. The alchemist, as promised, taught him the basics of his trade and, because it would be a necessity, the skill to detect herbs and gather them. He was given a book with the basics of both and told that if he wanted to know more, he had to be of use with the alchemist community, as he wasn't one. At the warrior guild, he learned both one and two handed sword skill, the use of shield and even of maces and hammers. As he was about to leave, a thought came to him and asked the trainer if there was a skill to provoke the enemy. At that, the old warrior facing him looked at him with wide open eyes. "Of course... but to do so, you need an open mind and extensive vocabulary." Cilerius soon learned that in fact, he needed to be proficient in throwing profanities at the face of an opponent, to taunt him. "easy enough, I guess" The last place in his list for fighting’s skills, was the knights barrack. Since he had a dubious reputation, he wasn't warmly welcomed, but he still had a voucher so they were obliged by their honor to teach him something. Of course they didn't present him with more than what was promised, so he left the barracks after learning the polearm skill. Done with all the fighting’s guilds that were indebted with him, he headed to the restaurants and there, learned some rare recipes that he couldn't even cook yet with his skill, but that would be nice later. More useful, he was taught how to recognize edible food in the wild and how to cook it efficiently. That was a little perk of the herb gathering he learned just before and the fact that one of the cooks had an adventuring life in his young days. He was especially warned about poison mushrooms. If you think about it the other way, he was taught how to recognize poison mushrooms and their dangerousness. That knowledge would go hand in hand with poison making. Cilerius had used the whole night and half of the next day to complete the favors reclaims. He then headed to the docks. There, he looked for the foreman who was indeed, constantly in need of capable men to do hard work. In fact, he was giving repetitive quests to load or unload some ship. The quest difficulty was stated E with really low cash compensation and an unknown reward. Cilerius wasn't in for the money gain but to train. The game mechanics were well set and once one knew them, he could always use them to rise some stats, the same as he did at the training hall. In this case, the work was to carry huge hessian bags or roll barrels. Since he had to walk on narrow plank to get on and out of boat, he had to concentrate and make use of all his balance. As a result of this hard work, his endurance and sustenance raised, slowly but surely. Sometimes, in rare occurrence, he even gained 1 point in str or dex. When done loading the first boat, he returned to the foreman to conclude the quest and received minor xp, 1 silver piece and here was the perk of this unexplored work, 1 point gain in either str, dex or vit, alternatively. Clearly, not many people knew of this reward or the foreman wouldn't have problem to get workers. Maybe many tried to do this quest, but few finished it and knew of the reward because they grow tired too fast. And the few in the know didn't divulge this trick. Doing his part, Cilerius needed half a day to carry the freight of one boat. He could so do the repeat quest three times a day, only keeping half a night to rest. At first, that was really tiring, but the efforts, the pain and even the exhaustion were becoming addictive in some way and he could carry on. As his strength grow, he was able to carry more weight and finish his work even earlier. He had to carry more weight, since else, he wouldn't get the endurance or sustenance gain. The gains are closely related to the difficulty of the task. When 50kg become easy to carry, you will not gain as much endurance as when it was hard to do. At the end of the month, he had done the quest 93 times, raised his endurance and sustenance a lot and even gained 10 additional str and dex while working. He also increase his fortune by a whole 93 silver pieces... not even 1 gold piece. That would be laughable if he only looked at the monetary gain but he was here for the side gains. On his stay at the docks, he could see many times other players, low or high level, getting the quest and drudge under their load, only to throw the towel when, tired, they saw the meager 1 silver piece rewarded to Cilerius by the foreman, as he finished earlier than them. Of course, most noticed an endurance or a sustenance gain, maybe even, some noticed the strength gain, but they discarded this way to raise their stats and preferred to head out of the city, kill some mobs, gain xp and rise level, so allocating 5 points in their stats. That was a lot easier. Looking at Cilerius, most thought or spoke one to another along the line: "what a fool... is he a masochist to keep doing that work for only 1 silver piece? Maybe he has secret class, slave..." Looking at them, Cilerius thought: 'the fools, they don't even think about the future but only on immediate gain... the way I am and I'm doing, I'll have soon almost and advantage equivalent of 40 levels on them if I count the training hall gains. If I keep doing that, I won't have to worry about how to allocate my level-up stats points.' Cilerius was driven by the Need, with a big N, to have physical and intellectual balanced stats. Doing that with only the level-up stats points would mean soon lagging behind the specialized classes. Cilerius wanted to be a complete character, but not only with wide area of expertise and balanced stats. He wanted to be at the top. That was maybe the only place where his ambition show openly. He didn't tell his gang what he was up to, even what he became, wanting to shock them when they would gather. JB and the gang only shared information’s on their current level or advices to resolve some quests. As promised, the month passed, he headed to see Sigismund. They had planned to meet at the library since Cilerius was far from welcome at the magician building. Getting there, Cilerius could see Desmond as his usual place, the desk at the entrance. They exchanged greeting and Cilerius told him what he did at the docks this whole month. "I can see the results. You could carry the whole encyclopedia Versaillis in one go, with muscles like those." "I fear the weight wouldn't pose problem, but the volume to carry... I'd have to carry the shelf at the same time to do that Hahaha." "Yes, indeed, you would have to do that. So, Cilerius, did you think about the next step on your way to knowledge?" "Only a little... but I think I may have an idea of "Where" to look. By the way, since Sigismund isn't here yet, I will go to the reserve, read a little and retrieve something." "Do that... I'll call you when he come." At this reply, Cilerius headed to the door and using his key, opened "his" reserve. What a change since the last time he came here. Books were tidied on their shelves, not moving. Calm... that's the word describing this place now. The atmosphere was now worthy of a library. Cilerius walked past the first three rooms and could see in the fourth, the door to the little office open. As he walked in, he could hear a strange sound, like if someone was sawing wood. That was a snore. on the table, a very thick book was laying on some sort of fabric, its cover slowly rising and lowering and emitting the snore. Folding his arms, Cilerius stood for a little while, observing the scene then, as the book didn't seem to react to his presence, shout: "Bok!" At this cry, the book suddenly opened wide and hurriedly raised in the air, hovering while mumbling: "uh? what? no, no, I wasn't drinking the ink and I for sure didn't break the pen!!" "Bok... is that the way you pass your time? Don't you like knowledge? Why don't you read some other books to educate yourself?" "oh!!! Master! welcome home. No, reading other books will do me no good. I can only learn new things if it's written in my blank pages." "Is that so? okay... are you at least capable to tell me if you already know about something?" "of course, Master. What are you looking in my immense knowledge for?" "well... at first I would ask if you know the meaning of modesty but that's not really what I'm looking for. Do you know about the class "elemental* brawler"?" "euuuuhhhh, no I never heard of this class." "what about the elemental magic’s, not restricted to the actuals classics four elements?" "Ah, on those I have information, though they're basics for some and I would love precisions on the subject." "okay... that will be done in time. Hmmm, what about the gnolls?" "the gnolls are usually a secretive race. Few information’s are known as for now. Though, some of their tribes are known to carry and spread diseases." "Do you know about the clan living close of this city?" "there is one? no, I don't know about it. But if that's true, it may be dangerous. the city could be in danger." "no... they've been taken care of, for now. And they didn't seem to carry diseases, those ones. Okay, lay on the table, I have new knowledge to write." "sure thing, Master. I love knowledge." And Bok landed on the table, fully open to a blank page. We talk about "sweet tooth" for peoples who like sweet things, but what could we call someone who love letters, words and knowledge? Ink addict? Well, you see the point. Bok was a maniac when knowledge was concerned. the "taming" process couldn't fully explain how he was so obedient right now. He was looking for that part and didn't feel oppressed at this moment.Cilerius sat on the chair, got his material out and prepared the ink. Ready, he began to write some words with the best writing he could. That was the title: On the "Pride Blood pack", their settlement and force and their fall to the status of "Pack of the Westerner gnolls". Done with the title, Cilerius began to write on the page, everything he could remember of those gnolls. The different kind, their level and equipment, how they were packed. He listed the spells and skills each used. For each kind, he draw how they were looking. He even draw a map of the region locating where the burrow was and then, another describing the burrow itself. Just as he finished the last picture, a system window opened, warning about his learning of a new skill. !ding! You have acquired the skill painting through your efforts to draw an accurate representation of yours thoughts. 'oooookay... and yet another skill. I hope it will have an use.' As he was done writing, another system window opened. !ding! Bok has leveled up. The extensive information gained allow him to reach the next level of knowledge. For writing previously unknown information’s, you gain +3 Wis, +3 Int, +3 Concentration and +3 insight. The beautiful writing style is a work of art and testament of your skill. A fine work. Calligraphy skill rise significantly. +2 Dex +10 Art. Just as he closed the popped windows, he could see the text he just wrote, move on the external side of the pages, ink letters sliding. He followed their movement through the book and could see his text settle in the race part, at the letter G. Bok, once new knowledge acquired, arranged it for practical use. 'nice, this book is nice. I can work on my skill and gain stats at the same time. I like that. I just need to be sure to keep him close.' Looking at the time, Cilerius figured Sigismund wouldn't be long now. He packed his writing tools then, told Bok: "Bok, You will come with me to explore the world. But as I don't have, yet, a proper protection and since kids would probably throw stones at a flying book, you will enter my bag. I'll look for something more practical later." "Okay master... I always wanted to see the world. But child are indeed scary creatures. I'll enter your bag." And he did so. Cilerius had his own version of what practical device he would make, but he didn't share his thoughts with Bok, as he would have been then reluctant to enter the bag and go to the open world with his Master. As Cilerius exited the reserve and approached Desmond desk, Sigismund came in. "Cilerius! I'm happy to see you." "Sigismund, I'm delighted to see you. So, were you able to contact your acquaintance?" "yes, of course. He was even happy to hear of me, since he'd like some furniture’s delivered." "I suppose I could do that, since it's on my way." "yes, and that will make him in good disposition when he welcome you. But you will need a cart." "is that so..." Cilerius thought he may need a horse too but on the upside, he could rest in the cart whenever exhausted after exercising. "by the way, I didn't ask before, but what is his "element"?" "spirits... the guy is a shaman and deal with the olds spirits. That's why he live alone and far from habitations. Normal peoples don't usually like when spirits wander too close." "spirits? okay... that could be a good option for now." "yes... hazard deal you a good hand in this case." "so, when am I supposed to leave?" "as soon as possible. I already wrote the introduction letter, here, take it. And here is the list of the furniture’s he ask for." Sigismund presented him with a paper scroll, that, at the moment he opened it, popped a quest window: !ding! You are asked to collect the furniture’s on the list under and deliver them to the lone spirit master in the forest 5 days to the east. Difficulty: E Reward: rise of reputation with the elemental mages friendship. Small monetary reward. "I'll do the delivery." You have accepted the delivery quest. Time limit to completion: 10 days. Cilerius answer was obvious. he didn't think that would be a quest, but knowing the game mechanics, that wasn't unexpected. The time limit could have been tricky if he wasn't prepared to leave. There were quite a few items listed on the paper. And Cilerius had to pay for them so he was lucky to have earned much money so early in the game. Of course, what he had before the bets would have sufficed, but only because he cleared a dungeon solo and so could amass a nice savings. It was just after noon, so Cilerius bid his two present friends farewell and left to go see the different merchants he needed to visit to get the items on the list. At the same time, He did buy in bulk, furniture’s for himself. Things such as spices for his cooking, ropes or clothes. When he was done gathering everything, the amount of freight was enough to fill a full cart. Cilerius asked the merchants to hold his buying and he headed to a horse merchant to buy one. He chose a sturdy horse called a percheron, as he needed at least that to pull the heavily loaded cart. A cart he buy just next door, as the two merchants deemed useful to be close one of the other. Now with his cart and horse and lighter by 100 gold pieces, he headed to each merchant and slowly, filled the cart. At the end of the day, his cart full, one could have think he was a merchant ready for a trade trip. As Cilerius made his cart move through the streets of the Nivese, heading to the east gates, some npc's saluted him. He was, since both the lost object retrieval and the arena event, well appreciated by all the city peoples... that is if you exclude the mage guild and the knights. The mage guild, we know why. The knight guild... well, knights despise anyone who has even a bit of infamy. Were they not indebted to him for objects he retrieved for them, he couldn't even have walked a step in their barracks. The sun was setting as he crossed the east gate, saluted by the soldiers on guard duty. Just like that, Cilerius left his starting city. One could think he was leaving late, since his level was 71, but as he did find ways to level-up in or near the city, it wasn't that late. 'Okay, even with the sun set, I still have enough light to advance for 1 or 2 hours. And the moon will be full in 2 nights, so that mean I can advance days and nights.' His original purpose was to shorten the time needed to get to the shaman's house, since that would mean more time to work on the magic learned there. In addition, very few humanoids were out at night and monsters usually didn't come too close of the road. As he planned, Cilerius used the traveling time to work on his skills and spells. Constantly using the wind walk and even the fire steps, he was casting every now and then, the other spells, targeting roadsides, rocks or trees. When he was low on mana, he would train his skills, slashing or piercing at a log he had attached to the cart, with low level sword, dagger, lance, mace and other weapons. He had buy those debutant weapon from player coming back from hunt. they were happy since he was paying more than the npc merchants, but he was too since the price was lower than what he would pay to a merchant. Progress were slow, of course, but way faster than usual, thanks to his class specificities. He had buy 5 of each because he knew their durability would fall fast, given his strength. Even with 5 of each, he was soon left with weapon almost broken. That was a good time to use a skill he didn't use up to now, since he didn't have time and need. Climbing on the cart, he set the weapons on one side and a "portable" anvil on his front. He had specifically buy a large cart to have space left. By doing so, he could manage a king of blacksmithing workshop. Of course, only small work could be done with the tools he had. But, thanks to his fires spells, he didn't need much to heat the metal in the furnace. All set, he took the first weapon, freed the blade from the handle and put it in the furnace. He then casted a fireball to ignite a small amount of coal, then more to heat at very high temperature. In this case, the coal was only used as an agent, the main heat coming from his magic. Once the blade turned from dark red to a yellowish, he picked it up with a pliers and set it on the anvil. He then took the hammer and started the work needed to repair the blade. When done with the hammering, as coolant, he was using a water bucket where he put his hand with the ice palm spell. He planned to use the spell directly on the heated metal when he would feel more confident about it. Burning his hand wasn't a good way to improve one’s fighting abilities. The first and even the second try weren't very successful, but his skill still raised a little. With the knowledge of experience, his next attempts were more resulted. To repair all the weapons, it took him one hour and he reached beginner 2 (15%). Done with this work, he got down of the cart and resumed the abuse on the log. And the travel proceeded the same, day and night while he was awake. Spell casting, fighting skill rising against an innocent log and weapon repair. This way, even without rest time, he was replenishing stamina while spell casting and mana while exercising fighting skills and using moderately both while repairing. On the third day, at noon, Cilerius saw a little track going from the way he was traveling, into the forest. From Sigismund explications, he understood that it was the track he had to continue on to get to the shaman house. He was just done with repairs, once again and decided to pack for now. The uneven and narrow path wasn't adequate for those activities. In three days, he had gained even more sustenance and endurance, thanks to his hard work, both while exercising and while repairing, 2 points of strength, 1 of Int and 5, good surprise, of concentration, as casting from a tossed cart wasn't really stable and so, needed more attention. The repair skill raised to beginner 4 (56%) and he raised the fighting’s skills in a balanced manner, to beginner 4 (90%) each. Rising even more those skills proved hard if by only hitting a log. On the magic part, he was at intermediate 3 (10%) at least for all, the higher being his fire finger spell at 30% because of the intensive use for repair. After 1 hour advancing on this side path, he arrived at a clearing where, clearly, spirits gathered. Already on the path, some crossed the road from one side to the other, exiting and entering the surrounding forest. In middle of the clearing, a low house was there. Its door seemed half buried but when looking more closely, Cilerius could see steps that were going down and explained that. In front of the house, there was a pyre. On one side, a bog while on the other, a pond. On the roof, a mast with many mobile parts. There was, in the back, some kind of... a cemetery? Many small pits, with apparent bones, were dig there. Stopping his horse, Cilerius waited, still, for a moment and when he saw no reaction, he climbed down the cart and walked to the door. He walked climbed down the steps and, facing the door, knocked it. Nothing. The silence... He knocked again. Then some noise could be heard. The noise grow, slowly. That could mean something was coming closer. The noise was now coming from right behind the door. Then a huge voice resounded: "I don't want to subscribe to the Versaille gazette nor to get an insurance contract. Go away!" "uhm... errr, mister, I'm send by Sigismund". At those words, the lock made a opening sound and the door opened slightly. "Sigismund send you?" "Yes. I have some furnitures you asked for and a letter." The door opened wide. Facing Cilerius was a big man, both in height and width. He was probably 2m high for 160kg. Dressed in brown tunic and pant with some sort of rope as belt. His face was accorded to the rest of his body, big. Big mouth, big nose, bigs eyes overcome by bushy eyebrow. His hairs, same as his beard, were long, wavy and matted, with a grey color that showed evolve to the white. This big guy was apparently in his 60’s, even if his body condition could be of a 40’s man. "hmmmf... let's see if you have everything." he told Cilerius, first looking at him from toes to hairs then behind, to the cart. "So, according to the list, here are 3 barrels of molasses, 5 bag of rice ... " Cilerius was indicating items in the cart as he was reading the list. "hmmm... okay... you did good. Everything is here and i was expecting you at least 2 days later. How much do I own you for the purchases?" Cilerius told him the right price, without adding a commission fee. "you are a honest fellow... thank you for your work." Said the man facing him. !ding!, delivery is completed in time. Quest completed. You gain 1 gold piece for your work. You gain some xp. Your reputation with the elemental mages friendship increase. Your Intimacy with Gurdianson raise. As you didn't try to rip him off, your intimacy with him raise. You are now in good terms with Gurdianson. Level-up Cilerius, given the 93 quest he did at the harbor, even with the very little xp it rewarded, was close to raise a level. The little push from this quest was enough to get to level 72. "My name is Gurdianson... here are the buying cost I own you." he continued while giving Cilerius a little pouch. "you told me you had a letter from Sigismund for me?" "yes. Here it is." Answered Cilerius while taking out the letter from inside in tunic and reaching out to the shaman. He took it, watched the seal as to verify its autenticity and if it was intact, then broke it and opened the letter. While reading, his eyebrows raised a few times and he even looked at the occasional postman facing him. "hmmm... it seem Sigismund like you. That speak great length about you. And you displeased Bragarthon? Even better. So... Sigismund write me you'd like to learn a little about the spirit realm? Do you intend to become a shaman? I certainly could train you." "To be perfectly honest, even if the spirit realm seem to be of a formidable interest, I can't only focus on it. I don't know how Sigismund described it, but I learned some spells from the mage academy, but now, I need to look for many other kind of magic. So, if it isn't too much pain, I'd like you to teach me as much as you can to an "outsider"." "honest... good... spirits usually dislike shroud persons. That's a start... and he tell me you're a hard worker. That could do... I may accept to teach you a little of my art. But first, I must see if you're worthy of it. Show me your what's your made of." That was an npc way to ask to show the status windows. "status window, open look for Gurdianson." Said Cilerius, and his status window opened, apparent for him and his interlocutor. Name: Cilerius Level: 72 Class: Elemental* Brawler Title: Scourge of the westerner gnolls HP: 15391 Mana: 18372 Fame: 1601 Infamy: 202 Str: 253 Dex: 233 Vit: 183 Int: 255 Wis: 251 Concentration: 126 Endurance: 192 Sustenance: 157 Insight: 10 Art: 35 Luck: 20 Leadership: 20 Resist: Fire: 24 Light: 4 Ice: 14 Dark: 14 Earth: 14 Poison: 14 Air: 14 Disease: 4 Spirit: 4 Magic mastery: I3 (25%) Magical restriction: I3 (11%) Magic missile: I3 (12%) Mana preservation: I3 (17%) Meditation: I3 (12%) Identification: I1 (%) Fire mastery: I3 (25%) Fire finger: I3 (31%) Fire walk: I3 (10%) Ice mastery: I3 (19%) Ice palm: I3 (23%) Ice shield: I3 (13%) Earth mastery: I3 (12%) Mineral needles: I3 (17%) Soil alteration: I3 (12%) Wind mastery: I3 (11%) Zephyr restriction: I3 (12%) Wind walk: I3 (11%) Brawling: B5 (98%) Pankration: B7 (35%) 1H blunt: B6 (23%) 2H blunt: B6 (20%) Piercing: B4 (90%) 1H slash: B4 (90%) 2H slash: B4 (90%) Polearm: B4 (90%) 1H mace: B4 (90%) 2H mace: B4 (90%) Dodging: B7 (88%) Disarm: B1 (5%) Tracking: B3 (34%) Hunting: B4 (21%) Trapping: B4 (67%) Cooking: B4 (12%) Tailoring: B3 (2%) Mining: B2 (89%) Repair: B4 (56%) Throwing: B1 (1%) Trap disarm: B1 (1%) Calligraphy: B6 (67%)Drawing: B1 ( 78%) Apply poison: B1 (1%) Alchemy: B1 (1%) Herbalism: B1 (1%) Foraging: B1 (1%) Taunt: B1 (1%) Sneak: B1 (1%) Shield use: B1 (1%) Ambidexterity: B9(89%) Handicraft B7 (42%) (B=beginner, I=intermediate, A=advanced, M=master, GM= grand master) “hmmm, that’s quite the extensive collection of skills. And some are… nice.” Gurdianson said with an appreciative look. “Sigismund wasn’t lying when he wrote you were an hard worker. Those stats, for your level. Mark me impressed. Listen, I now understand what you told me and that you can’t concentrate on only one element. Seeing how you worked with the hand dealt to you, I really feel like teaching you. But nothing can exempt you from the test each and every of my apprentice candidates must pass. Do you want to try the test?” Cilerius didn’t answer immediately, Not that he hesitated, but an immediate and rash decision wasn’t probably what this shaman wanted. Shamans must take time to consult the spirits. “yes, I want to try and pass your test.” “good… may you not regret this decision.” Cilerius was already prepared for a tough test. The way Sigismund spoke about his friend and from what he saw since his arrival, Gurdianson wasn’t one to let just anyone pass. One would have to convince him of his worth, whatever that meant. “For now, come inside and undress. Just keep a loin cloth.” And Cilerius did so, getting in the same attire he had in the arena. “drink that and eat those.” added Gurdianson, presenting him with a sticky liquid in a cup and a plate with dessicated mushrooms. Taking a sip of the drink and a bite of the mushrooms, Cilerius asked: “what are those for?” “anyone who want to deal with the spirits must open some gates in his mind. Sometimes, it does happen naturally or by accident. Else, you need to set some condition for the same result.” Nodding in agreement, Cilerius gulped down the rest of the drink then the remaining mushrooms and waited for Gurdianson next direction. “come with me.” He said while opening the way for Cilerius down some stairs leading to a cave. The cave was excavated in the rock and on the walls, primitives drawings represented many animals and some other things not immediately discernable. Even less by Cilerius who’s mind and eyes were becoming cloudy. “here, sit down in the middle of the stone room. Open your mind as much as you can. Your potential at shamanic magic will be decided by how many spirits will come to visit you and may decide to stay.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> After 3 days of nothing but simple cleaning work, running errands and delivering medicine, but as Will ran across the town he was able to increase his dexterity by 3 stats, Will finally reaches the Old Sages shack the sun just about to sink down the horizon and enters, finding the Old Sage brewing something.<br><br>Old Sage: Good timing there, come here let me teach you few things.<br><br>Several hours pass with the Old Sage showing the correct brewing method, explaining several important properties of common herbs, extracting essence and several more things.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill: You have learned Alchemy.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Wisdom increased by 1 (+1 Wis.)<br><br>Old Sage: Now that you know the basics, I will leave you to brew the rest of the herbs. <br><br>Will lets out a small sigh as he examines all the herbs left for brewing. Several hours pass as will sits in the huts and keeps an eye on the brewing every once a while collecting the essence and adding new herbs. Upon adding a new patch Will decides to stretch a bit, walking around the shabby shack, stopping at a shelf filled to the brim with different books, picking out several of them and moving back to the seat. Handful hours pass again as the sun starts to slowly rise while Will still patiently takes care of the brewing and continues to read one of the books. The Old Sage awake and comes to inspect how Will fared the night, the Old Sage was quite pleased with his perfomance and finally allowed Will to go rest, before Will was able to get any decent rest the Old Sage woke him up. Will still half asleep but trying his best to pay focus as the Old Sage finished the last patch of herbs and now showing Will exactly how to produce a simple detoxin potion, Will repeats the exact same steps as the Old Sage.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have produced a Simple Detoxin Potion.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Doses: 1-3.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Effect: Cures common poison.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>[/tbody]<br><br>You have raised the skill Alchemy by 10%.<br><br><br>The Old Sage: Good Good, now study these recipes make sure you know them by heart. I will finish the rest of potions.<br>Will studies the scrolls patiently in the room, reading them carefully and doing best to memorize them.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have learned Simple Health Potion.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Doses: 1-2.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Effect: Restores 30 Health points.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>[/tbody]<br><br>You have raised the skill Alchemy by 5%.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have learned Simple Mana Potion.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Doses: 1-3.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Effect: Restores 40 Mana points.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>[/tbody]<br><br><br>You have raised the skill Alchemy by 5%.<br><br><br>Once Will finishes with the scrolls, returning them to the Old Sage and once again Will is sent to deliver the potions, after finishing the delivery task Will returns to the shack and finally gets the well earned rest. Later that night Will is woken up by the Old Sage, chased into the workshop to brew herbs again but tonight Will has to produce the required potions. The night passes quite swiftly since Will was so busy, did not have time to finish the book he was reading the other night, but alas Will was quite enjoying all the pop up windows during the night.<br><ul><br><li>Your Alchemy level has reached beginner 2<br>Increased effect of produced potions.<br></li></ul><br><br><ul><br><li>Your Alchemy level has reached beginner 3<br>Reduced production time.<br></li></ul><br><br>Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis).<br><br><br>Finishing all the required potions Will decides to finish the book before resting, a bit over an hour later.<br><br><br>You have completed the book: “Parables from Nature.”<br><br>Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis).<br><br>Earth Affinity Acquired.<br>This skill represents the infusion of an essence of elemental earth into the substance of one's body, reducing the harm caused by such forces, potentially even to the point where exposure becomes restorative. <br>Affinity: 1% </div>

After 3 days of nothing but simple cleaning work, running errands and delivering medicine, but as Will ran across the town he was able to increase his dexterity by 3 stats, Will finally reaches the Old Sages shack the sun just about to sink down the horizon and enters, finding the Old Sage brewing something. Old Sage: Good timing there, come here let me teach you few things. Several hours pass with the Old Sage showing the correct brewing method, explaining several important properties of common herbs, extracting essence and several more things. | Skill: You have learned Alchemy. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Wisdom increased by 1 (+1 Wis.) Old Sage: Now that you know the basics, I will leave you to brew the rest of the herbs. Will lets out a small sigh as he examines all the herbs left for brewing. Several hours pass as will sits in the huts and keeps an eye on the brewing every once a while collecting the essence and adding new herbs. Upon adding a new patch Will decides to stretch a bit, walking around the shabby shack, stopping at a shelf filled to the brim with different books, picking out several of them and moving back to the seat. Handful hours pass again as the sun starts to slowly rise while Will still patiently takes care of the brewing and continues to read one of the books. The Old Sage awake and comes to inspect how Will fared the night, the Old Sage was quite pleased with his perfomance and finally allowed Will to go rest, before Will was able to get any decent rest the Old Sage woke him up. Will still half asleep but trying his best to pay focus as the Old Sage finished the last patch of herbs and now showing Will exactly how to produce a simple detoxin potion, Will repeats the exact same steps as the Old Sage. | You have produced a Simple Detoxin Potion. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Doses: 1-3. | | Effect: Cures common poison. | [/tbody] You have raised the skill Alchemy by 10%. The Old Sage: Good Good, now study these recipes make sure you know them by heart. I will finish the rest of potions. Will studies the scrolls patiently in the room, reading them carefully and doing best to memorize them. | You have learned Simple Health Potion. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Doses: 1-2. | | Effect: Restores 30 Health points. | [/tbody] You have raised the skill Alchemy by 5%. | You have learned Simple Mana Potion. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Doses: 1-3. | | Effect: Restores 40 Mana points. | [/tbody] You have raised the skill Alchemy by 5%. Once Will finishes with the scrolls, returning them to the Old Sage and once again Will is sent to deliver the potions, after finishing the delivery task Will returns to the shack and finally gets the well earned rest. Later that night Will is woken up by the Old Sage, chased into the workshop to brew herbs again but tonight Will has to produce the required potions. The night passes quite swiftly since Will was so busy, did not have time to finish the book he was reading the other night, but alas Will was quite enjoying all the pop up windows during the night. * Your Alchemy level has reached beginner 2 Increased effect of produced potions. * Your Alchemy level has reached beginner 3 Reduced production time. Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis). Finishing all the required potions Will decides to finish the book before resting, a bit over an hour later. You have completed the book: “Parables from Nature.” Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis). Earth Affinity Acquired. This skill represents the infusion of an essence of elemental earth into the substance of one's body, reducing the harm caused by such forces, potentially even to the point where exposure becomes restorative. Affinity: 1%

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Fanfic Title: The Legend of Weed<br><br>Summary: AU Lee Hyuna is the player behind the legendary Weed from the Continent of Magick. In that world, she used her male avatar to achieve feats that were marveled by players all over Korea. Now, in Royal Road, she paves her way through poverty and carves her name onto the history of a whole new world... as a female. Fem!LeeHyun <br><br><br>0o0o0o0<br><br>Prologue: The Female Legend<br><br>Lee Hyuna wished she was not born a female.<br><br>After her parents passed away in an accident, Hyuna started taking up odd jobs in order to support her grandmother and younger sister.<br><br>To be honest, things would be a lot easier if she had been born a male. A male’s body is a lot more resilient. Many employers took one look at her gender and immediately turned her away, despite the fact that she was willing to try harder than most of the workers there.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">“She’s just a girl. What if she falls sick and dies?”</span><br><br>Such whispers follow her everywhere. Most illegal employers prefer to hire boys simply because they can take harder jobs. Girls on the other hand are seen to be fragile and delicate.<br><br>In the end, in order to keep her family fed and her grandmother from worrying, Hyuna took to binding her chest and lying about her gender. ‘Lee Hyun’ was the name she used.<br><br>It was not really difficult to pull the wool over their eyes as they hardly cared about the kids they hired, just as long as none of them died while working for them. Lee Hyuna was not exceptionally pretty – unlike her younger sister Hayan – neither did she look feminine, and this only made things easier.<br><br>Hyuna sat in front of her computer, one that she reassembled from parts scavenged from other computers that were thrown out by their neighbors. The words ‘Continent of Magick’ flashed on the screen. The character that she spent so much time training, cultivating, stood in front of her.<br><br>He was the only selfish thing that she allowed herself to do. Weed was a character she wished to be. A male. And as long as she put the time and effort into training her character, it grows, and in return, she was able to kill higher leveled monsters and kill harder dungeons. What was so hard about that?<br><br>As long as you are willing to work hard, the game would reward you with better equipment and stats points. Unlike the game, the real world does not work that way. No matter how hard she worked or how many jobs she took… There never seem to be enough money to pay for everything.<br><br>With her grandmother being admitted to hospital recently, money was even tighter. And even with the three jobs that she’s juggling now, it is no longer sufficient.<br><br>Her cursor hovered over the delete button. One click and all the work she put into this character would be gone.<br><br>Hyuna hesitated.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘I think I remember something about people selling their characters online… Any money would be better than nothing.’</span><br><br>Opening a browser, she started searching on how to selling a game character.<br><br>It did not take long for her to find a trading site and to create an account on it. With a few clicks on her mouse, she quickly took a couple of screenshots of her character and equipment and uploaded it.<br><br>To begin with, she set a beginning bid of 50,000 won and the auction is set to end in 24 hours.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Hopefully this price isn’t too outrageous and someone would bid.’</span><br><br>Turning away from the table, Hyuna put on a coat and decided that it was time to go get her identity card and then drop by the hospital to pay a visit to her grandmother.<br><br>0o0o0o0<br><br>Rapping on the door thrice, Hyuna poked her head into the room. “Grandma?”<br><br>“Hyuna! Come in my child,” the old lady lying on the bed patted on the side of the bed with an empty chair. “Where have you been? I would have thought that you would have dropped by before lunch.”<br><br>“Sister is probably busy playing that game of hers that she likes so much grandma,” Hayan commented faux-sneakily before tossing a teasing smirk at Hyuna.<br><br>An eyebrow lifted, “Hayan, I’ve just been to the agency to collect my identity card. So grandma, don’t listen to her,” Hyuna replied as she made her way to the seat beside the bed.<br>“Don’t worry, now that I have my card, I’ll be sure to get better jobs so that none of you have to worry about food anymore.” She smiled happily to her family.<br><br>“Sister, you know I can always—” Hayan was cut off before she could complete what she wanted to say.<br><br>Frowning at her younger sister, Hyuna leaned across the bed and started, “Hayan. All you need to worry about now is your grades and whether you are able to get into a good university. Leave everything else to me and focus on your studies.”<br><br>Hayan just shot a look at her grandmother, who instantly knew what her youngest granddaughter wanted her to say. “Lee Hyuna!” Softening her tone, a wrinkled hand reached out to cup her granddaughter’s face. “Don’t overwork your body Hyuna. Remember that although money is important, your health is even more important to us, your family.”<br><br>“I won’t,” Hyuna promised.<br><br>Pushing back her chair, she reached out to ruffle her sister’s hair. “I’ll go to the employment agency to look for a better paying job,” pausing for just a moment to look at her sister in the eye, she continued, “Look after grandma for me Hayan.”<br><br>With a grin and a wave, she quickly stepped out of the room and left the hospital, her mind bubbling with the different jobs and the pay for each of them. She mentally planned out the rest of the day, and eventually decided to drop by the employment agency for the available jobs before cooking dinner for Hayan and sleeping early.<br><br>She will have a long day ahead of her tomorrow.<br><br>‘I’m sorry for lying, grandma.’<br><br>0o0o0o0o0<br><br>Hyuna would never have expected that while she was away, news that the well-known – or infamous – character ‘Weed’ from the game ‘Continent of Magick’ was being auctioned went viral even while she tossed and turned in bed, dreaming about the jobs she applied for and the money she desperately needed for her grandmother’s hospital fees.<br><br>The next morning, Hyuna was abruptly woken from her sleep by the insistent ringing sound coming from the house phone.<br><br>“…Hello?”<br><br>“Hello, I’m Yoon Nahee from CTS Media Incorporated. May I speak to the owner of ‘Weed’?” A light tilting voice came ringing from the other end of the phone call.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘…CTS Media Incorporated? Did something happen to my character?’</span> Hyuna’s eyes widened as her mind raced to form all sorts of conclusions.<br><br>“…yes. I’m the owner behind the character ‘Weed’. Is anything the matter?”<br><br>“…” The speaker on the other end fell silent for a moment, before quickly resuming the conversation; her professional tone hid the shock she felt over the sudden realization.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Weed is female?’</span><br><br>“Ah, right. We have deposited the amount for the final bid into your account this morning. Please confirm the transaction on the item trading site and do not hesitate to contact us if there is any issue.”<br><br>“…I understand, thank you.” Hyuna replied automatically. For a moment, she actually forgot to ask about the price of the bid. The moment a ‘click’ was heard over the phone; she quickly placed it back onto the cradle and ran for the computer.<br><br>The glow of the screen illuminated her face as she navigated the item trading site. Her mouse cursor hovered over the table where the final bid was clearly shown, Hyuna could not help but freeze, before she snatched the phone and dialed the number to the local bank her family patronizes.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘3,090,000,000 won.'</span><br><br>It was all Hyuna could do to keep herself conscious. <span style="font-style: italic;">‘Am I dreaming?’</span><br><br>Despite the fact that the news caught her by surprise, it did not take long before her mind started calculating the amount she needed to set aside for her sister’s education, her grandmother’s hospital fees and the monthly household expenses.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘At this rate, we will be able to afford a house of our own, and not have to worry about our landlord chasing us out anymore,’</span> Hyuna thought grimly.<br><br>Ten minutes later, she was prepared and made her way to the bank to make the necessary payments.<br><br>0o0o0o0o0<br><br>Note: Hopefully, I didn't miss out anything {[999abd}] </div>

Fanfic Title: The Legend of Weed Summary: AU Lee Hyuna is the player behind the legendary Weed from the Continent of Magick. In that world, she used her male avatar to achieve feats that were marveled by players all over Korea. Now, in Royal Road, she paves her way through poverty and carves her name onto the history of a whole new world... as a female. Fem!LeeHyun 0o0o0o0 Prologue: The Female Legend Lee Hyuna wished she was not born a female. After her parents passed away in an accident, Hyuna started taking up odd jobs in order to support her grandmother and younger sister. To be honest, things would be a lot easier if she had been born a male. A male’s body is a lot more resilient. Many employers took one look at her gender and immediately turned her away, despite the fact that she was willing to try harder than most of the workers there. “She’s just a girl. What if she falls sick and dies?” Such whispers follow her everywhere. Most illegal employers prefer to hire boys simply because they can take harder jobs. Girls on the other hand are seen to be fragile and delicate. In the end, in order to keep her family fed and her grandmother from worrying, Hyuna took to binding her chest and lying about her gender. ‘Lee Hyun’ was the name she used. It was not really difficult to pull the wool over their eyes as they hardly cared about the kids they hired, just as long as none of them died while working for them. Lee Hyuna was not exceptionally pretty – unlike her younger sister Hayan – neither did she look feminine, and this only made things easier. Hyuna sat in front of her computer, one that she reassembled from parts scavenged from other computers that were thrown out by their neighbors. The words ‘Continent of Magick’ flashed on the screen. The character that she spent so much time training, cultivating, stood in front of her. He was the only selfish thing that she allowed herself to do. Weed was a character she wished to be. A male. And as long as she put the time and effort into training her character, it grows, and in return, she was able to kill higher leveled monsters and kill harder dungeons. What was so hard about that? As long as you are willing to work hard, the game would reward you with better equipment and stats points. Unlike the game, the real world does not work that way. No matter how hard she worked or how many jobs she took… There never seem to be enough money to pay for everything. With her grandmother being admitted to hospital recently, money was even tighter. And even with the three jobs that she’s juggling now, it is no longer sufficient. Her cursor hovered over the delete button. One click and all the work she put into this character would be gone. Hyuna hesitated. ‘I think I remember something about people selling their characters online… Any money would be better than nothing.’ Opening a browser, she started searching on how to selling a game character. It did not take long for her to find a trading site and to create an account on it. With a few clicks on her mouse, she quickly took a couple of screenshots of her character and equipment and uploaded it. To begin with, she set a beginning bid of 50,000 won and the auction is set to end in 24 hours. ‘Hopefully this price isn’t too outrageous and someone would bid.’ Turning away from the table, Hyuna put on a coat and decided that it was time to go get her identity card and then drop by the hospital to pay a visit to her grandmother. 0o0o0o0 Rapping on the door thrice, Hyuna poked her head into the room. “Grandma?” “Hyuna! Come in my child,” the old lady lying on the bed patted on the side of the bed with an empty chair. “Where have you been? I would have thought that you would have dropped by before lunch.” “Sister is probably busy playing that game of hers that she likes so much grandma,” Hayan commented faux-sneakily before tossing a teasing smirk at Hyuna. An eyebrow lifted, “Hayan, I’ve just been to the agency to collect my identity card. So grandma, don’t listen to her,” Hyuna replied as she made her way to the seat beside the bed. “Don’t worry, now that I have my card, I’ll be sure to get better jobs so that none of you have to worry about food anymore.” She smiled happily to her family. “Sister, you know I can always—” Hayan was cut off before she could complete what she wanted to say. Frowning at her younger sister, Hyuna leaned across the bed and started, “Hayan. All you need to worry about now is your grades and whether you are able to get into a good university. Leave everything else to me and focus on your studies.” Hayan just shot a look at her grandmother, who instantly knew what her youngest granddaughter wanted her to say. “Lee Hyuna!” Softening her tone, a wrinkled hand reached out to cup her granddaughter’s face. “Don’t overwork your body Hyuna. Remember that although money is important, your health is even more important to us, your family.” “I won’t,” Hyuna promised. Pushing back her chair, she reached out to ruffle her sister’s hair. “I’ll go to the employment agency to look for a better paying job,” pausing for just a moment to look at her sister in the eye, she continued, “Look after grandma for me Hayan.” With a grin and a wave, she quickly stepped out of the room and left the hospital, her mind bubbling with the different jobs and the pay for each of them. She mentally planned out the rest of the day, and eventually decided to drop by the employment agency for the available jobs before cooking dinner for Hayan and sleeping early. She will have a long day ahead of her tomorrow. ‘I’m sorry for lying, grandma.’ 0o0o0o0o0 Hyuna would never have expected that while she was away, news that the well-known – or infamous – character ‘Weed’ from the game ‘Continent of Magick’ was being auctioned went viral even while she tossed and turned in bed, dreaming about the jobs she applied for and the money she desperately needed for her grandmother’s hospital fees. The next morning, Hyuna was abruptly woken from her sleep by the insistent ringing sound coming from the house phone. “…Hello?” “Hello, I’m Yoon Nahee from CTS Media Incorporated. May I speak to the owner of ‘Weed’?” A light tilting voice came ringing from the other end of the phone call. ‘…CTS Media Incorporated? Did something happen to my character?’ Hyuna’s eyes widened as her mind raced to form all sorts of conclusions. “…yes. I’m the owner behind the character ‘Weed’. Is anything the matter?” “…” The speaker on the other end fell silent for a moment, before quickly resuming the conversation; her professional tone hid the shock she felt over the sudden realization. ‘Weed is female?’ “Ah, right. We have deposited the amount for the final bid into your account this morning. Please confirm the transaction on the item trading site and do not hesitate to contact us if there is any issue.” “…I understand, thank you.” Hyuna replied automatically. For a moment, she actually forgot to ask about the price of the bid. The moment a ‘click’ was heard over the phone; she quickly placed it back onto the cradle and ran for the computer. The glow of the screen illuminated her face as she navigated the item trading site. Her mouse cursor hovered over the table where the final bid was clearly shown, Hyuna could not help but freeze, before she snatched the phone and dialed the number to the local bank her family patronizes. ‘3,090,000,000 won.' It was all Hyuna could do to keep herself conscious. ‘Am I dreaming?’ Despite the fact that the news caught her by surprise, it did not take long before her mind started calculating the amount she needed to set aside for her sister’s education, her grandmother’s hospital fees and the monthly household expenses. ‘At this rate, we will be able to afford a house of our own, and not have to worry about our landlord chasing us out anymore,’ Hyuna thought grimly. Ten minutes later, she was prepared and made her way to the bank to make the necessary payments. 0o0o0o0o0 Note: Hopefully, I didn't miss out anything {[999abd}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Aaron slowly looked back around once again to process a few thoughts and noticed he was once again himself.<br><br>Aaron, “Sure is a sad domain to have with there being nothing around here.”<br><br>Enea looked sad after hearing that looking down at the ground before speaking.<br><br>Enea, “I have lost much since I was sealed away. Well for now this place can once again become something thanks to you.“<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have been given partial control over Enea’s Domain!</span><br><br>After that message popped up he opened a new control panel from his menu. Many of the controls where blocked or he did not have enough Faith to use or purchase them. He noticed he could still create a basic lobby area still so he selected it and his surroundings began to change.<br><br>They both watched as the area around them became a cross between a courtyard and Garden.<br><br>Enea, “Ah it’s a nice change from those old ruins.”<br><br>Enea walked over to a bush and crouched down to cup a flower in her hand. She slowly sniffed it then plucking it as she got up.<br><br>Enea, “This was once my favorite flower. It was once named after me but alas they are almost extinct and have been given a new name.”<br><br>Aaron slowly walked over to her as she turned to him.<br><br>Aaron, “that is a beautiful flower suited for a goddess such as yourself.”<br><br>She gave a soft laugh.<br><br>Enea, “Thanks, though we should get on our way.”<br><br>Aaron, “why is that, I would like to rest for a bit after a long fight like that.”<br><br>Enea shook her head, “this world has not fully materialized yet and can not truly affect the mortal realms. “ <br><br>Aaron, “alright so where shall we go for now then?”<br><br>Enea, “I have found that one of my temples still has a connection to my domain. We can use the teleportation circle to get there.”<br><br>Aaron, “well when ever you are ready we can head out.”<br><br>They walked over to the Circle again and began to recite the teleportation spell. Soon they where once again surrounded by light.<br><br>Once the light was gone Aaron looked around to see their new location. He was once again in Enae’s form. Looking around he seemed to be in a small temple standing in front of Enea’s statue. As he continued to turn he saw five priests and priestesses stand starring at him with their mouths agape. Three of them seemed to be elders while the other two seemed to be in their early twenty’s.<br><br>Aaron, “Um hello sorry to disturb you.”<br><br>The elders quickly walked forward and bowed to him.<br><br>Elder priestess, “It is an honor to be in your presence great one.”<br><br>First Elder Priest, “ have you finally come to answer our prayers.”<br><br>Aaron felt nerves and took a step back but stopped before he ran into the statue.<br><br>Aaron, “I’m sorry I am not Enea Elders though I am her Chosen.”<br><br>Second Priest, “Ah so another one of our six gods have returned to us in their chosen vassals.”<br><br>Aaron, “What do you mean by another are there others out there like me?”<br><br>Second Priest, “Yes there is other chosen though we only know of one that is in the area. She was also chosen at birth and grew to look just like the god that has chosen her.”<br><br>[Anea, “Aaron we must gather the others together as soon as possible. If the Priest is correct we are all in a weakened state and can be destroyed by any of the current ruling gods.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I will search for them I promise Anea.”]<br><br>Aaron, “Is there a way to meet with her soon?”<br><br>Elder Priestess, “We will try to send word to here but times as of late have been very dangers to adventure out beyond our walls.”<br><br>Aaron, “Then if its possible can you tell me about the area and if there is anything I can do to help out around here.”<br><br>First Priest, “we would be very honored to receive your help. If you would like we could have one of our young clerics in Training to help you while you are in town.”<br><br>Aaron, “I would appreciate it elders, thank you.” <br><br>As Aaron finished talking he began to glow again and turn back into himself.<br><br>Aaron, “ah its nice to back to my old self.”<br><br>Elder Priestess, “Ah, you are certainly different from the other chosen. You also seem to look like one of Enea’s old right hands that is described in her old teachings.”<br><br>Aaron paused at that and was confused. The elders waved one of the priestesses over from the group of people that have been gathering. She quickly stepped forward and listened to the elders before bowing and walking up to Aaron.<br><br>As she bowed she said, “The elders have instructed me to help to in any way I can while you are in town.”<br><br>Aaron, “Thank you. Ah can you tell me about this area and show me around?”<br><br>Priestess, “I would gladly help you great one.”<br><br>Aaron rubbed the back of his head.<br><br>Aaron, “You can just call me Aaron.”<br><br>Priestess, “As you wish… Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron, “May I know your name?”<br><br>Priestess, “Oh sorry I did not introduce myself. My name Is April… April Rosland, I’m one of the Clerics in training here at the temple.”<br><br>Aaron, “that’s a nice name.”<br><br>[Enea, “stop being so formal it’s irritating.]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’m trying to make it a good first meeting without upsetting them.”]<br><br>April blushed after he said that.<br><br>April, “um right this way Great… Aaron.”<br><br>They slowly walked out of the temple as she talked about the area. They where one of the small towns on one of the Islands in the Deathly Isles. This region really did not have any countries and was made up of multiple outcast groups of the continents countries and races. <br><br>Before the exited the temple she grabbed a map from one of the tables and handed it to him. She pointed to an Island off the to the south west of the main landmass making up the deathly hollows saying that that was where they currently were. There were a number of villages and towns on the Island along with one coastal city.<br><br>After that they left the temple and walked around town. The town had a few stores, a blacksmith, a tavern, but not much else. As they walked around Aaron began to sell most of the loot he got from the tournament and Ruins.<br>He kept his weapons along with the ones he found. He also kept a belt, his scarf, the ring, and all of his kits and equipment from before the tournament. With that he had managed to earn just over 200 gold coins. He decided to purchase more tools and kits to work on his weapons and to make new Items. He also had all of his equipment repaired that was almost at its limit from the damage that was taken. After that he began to work on all the fetch quests that he could find along with the ones on the towns and temples posting boards. <br><br>While he was on his way to deliver an item to the town’s blacksmith he heard some one talking that was not there.<br><br>Kevril, “hay Aaron… Aaron are you there.”<br><br>Aaron then noticed that Kevril was whispering to him. <br><br>Aaron, “Hay how are you guys?<br><br>Kevril, “Is that all you have to say we where watching the tournament and you just disappeared. Then after that the whole tournament went to hell with undead rising all over the place.”<br><br>Aaron, “sorry I’ve just been busy. Well where to begin.. Did you see I fell through a hole that that mage caused.”<br>Kevril, “yes and that was the last time anyone has seen you.”<br><br>Aaron, “Well I feel in to some ruins…”<br><br>Aaron continued to explain what had happened to him from in the ruins.<br><br>Kevril, “that is just amazing and wait did you just say you where in the deathly Isles?”<br><br>Aaron, “yes have you heard of them.”<br><br>Kevril, “yes though not much is known about them even from the beta test. All that is known is that it was once the center of three great empires a long time ago but fell in some forgotten war. They also say that the entire region is filled with overpowered monsters. It’s not even a place you can select as a starting area.”<br><br>Aaron, “I can understand that, when I went outside the walls to gather some furs a bit ago the lowest level rabbit I could find was at 14.”<br>Kevril, “Man you are screwed if the creatures and monsters are comparable to the levels in the heavens training grounds or starting towns. Their lowest levels that can be found are at level one.”<br><br>Aaron, “That just means I can level up faster instead of looking for a specific level range.”<br><br>Aaron finished walking to the blacksmith and handed him the item to finish his quest earning a few silvers and an old hammer.<br><br>Kevril, “Well that’s true since you are a monster yourself being able to survive the undead and even all those other times you’ve hunted alone.”<br><br>Aaron, “hay I was just lucky all those times!”<br><br>Kevril, “Yah well…”<br><br>Alimore, “Is thing working… Aaron are you there?”<br><br>Aaron gave out an irritated breath and stopped next to the town’s bulletin board. <br><br>Aaron, “I’m here Alimore.”<br><br>Alimore, “Kevril just told us a bit ago that you made it.”<br><br>Aaron, “yes I’m great and on the continent in a region called the Deathly Isles.”<br><br>Alimore, “That sounds like a bad place to be just from the name.”<br><br>Kevril, “well talk to you later I’m going to go Let the Instructor and Blacksmith NPCs here know that you are alright since they are worried that you did not come back with the other contestants.”<br><br>Aaron, “thanks Kevril talk to you later.”<br><br>Alimore, “Aaron you still there.”<br><br>Aaron, “yes sorry I was just finished talking to Kevril.”<br><br>Alimore, “well how is it down there on the continent.”<br><br>Aaron, “Its nice down here not much different then it was in the Heavenly training grounds.”<br><br>Alimore, “that’s nice to hear…”<br><br>Marcella, “Hey man I heard you made it!”<br><br>Aaron leaned against the posts board while he was listening.<br><br>Aaron, “yep, and had a hard time for it.”<br><br>Marcella, “at least you lasted longer then the three stooges they where taken out right after you vanished.”<br><br>Aaron, “well I’m glad they got what was coming to them even though the undead versions of them where just as irritating as the living.”<br><br>Alimore, “well I’m going to go now need to work on some homework.”<br><br>Aaron, “Later then.”<br><br>Marcella, “Well merlin off trying to get some last minute things before everyone’s sent to the continent.”<br><br>Aaron, “Why are they all being sent to the continent now? I thought the heavenly training grounds was suppose to be the starting location.”<br><br>Marcella, “well there has been something going on with the angels and the towns Fouke up here. They are all worried that something’s going to be starting again. Besides that the Game Masters said there was now enough players to fully open up the continent and will have everyone move over there though the Heavenly training grounds can still be accessed in the future though not much is known right now.”<br><br>Aaron, “that’s still weird, maybe the event that happened was not expected or was not suppose to happen for a while. “<br><br>Marcella, “well who knows. Oh I need to get going sorry.”<br><br>Aaron, “later.”<br><br>Aaron walked around to face the board again to see if there was any more low-level quest he could do to raise the intimacy with the NPCs of the town. He didn’t see much left so he looked at the ones to clear the monsters form the area. He accepted a number of them and headed out.<br><br>[Enea, “who where those people you where talking to a bit ago?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh those where my friends that I meet a while ago.”]<br><br>[Enea, “they seemed like interesting people.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “yah they are a nice bunch… wait you could hear that discussion.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Well of course I did I am in your head after all.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “well I still would like some kind of privacy or is that something that’s impossible to ask for?”]<br><br>[Enea, “well that’s hard to say since I can hear anything to think but yes you do have some privacy, though it is fun to listen to what you are thinking.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “well thanks.”]<br><br>Aaron began to head out of town.<br><br>Aaron, “Time to loot, and explore.” </div>

Aaron slowly looked back around once again to process a few thoughts and noticed he was once again himself. Aaron, “Sure is a sad domain to have with there being nothing around here.” Enea looked sad after hearing that looking down at the ground before speaking. Enea, “I have lost much since I was sealed away. Well for now this place can once again become something thanks to you.“ You have been given partial control over Enea’s Domain! After that message popped up he opened a new control panel from his menu. Many of the controls where blocked or he did not have enough Faith to use or purchase them. He noticed he could still create a basic lobby area still so he selected it and his surroundings began to change. They both watched as the area around them became a cross between a courtyard and Garden. Enea, “Ah it’s a nice change from those old ruins.” Enea walked over to a bush and crouched down to cup a flower in her hand. She slowly sniffed it then plucking it as she got up. Enea, “This was once my favorite flower. It was once named after me but alas they are almost extinct and have been given a new name.” Aaron slowly walked over to her as she turned to him. Aaron, “that is a beautiful flower suited for a goddess such as yourself.” She gave a soft laugh. Enea, “Thanks, though we should get on our way.” Aaron, “why is that, I would like to rest for a bit after a long fight like that.” Enea shook her head, “this world has not fully materialized yet and can not truly affect the mortal realms. “ Aaron, “alright so where shall we go for now then?” Enea, “I have found that one of my temples still has a connection to my domain. We can use the teleportation circle to get there.” Aaron, “well when ever you are ready we can head out.” They walked over to the Circle again and began to recite the teleportation spell. Soon they where once again surrounded by light. Once the light was gone Aaron looked around to see their new location. He was once again in Enae’s form. Looking around he seemed to be in a small temple standing in front of Enea’s statue. As he continued to turn he saw five priests and priestesses stand starring at him with their mouths agape. Three of them seemed to be elders while the other two seemed to be in their early twenty’s. Aaron, “Um hello sorry to disturb you.” The elders quickly walked forward and bowed to him. Elder priestess, “It is an honor to be in your presence great one.” First Elder Priest, “ have you finally come to answer our prayers.” Aaron felt nerves and took a step back but stopped before he ran into the statue. Aaron, “I’m sorry I am not Enea Elders though I am her Chosen.” Second Priest, “Ah so another one of our six gods have returned to us in their chosen vassals.” Aaron, “What do you mean by another are there others out there like me?” Second Priest, “Yes there is other chosen though we only know of one that is in the area. She was also chosen at birth and grew to look just like the god that has chosen her.” [Anea, “Aaron we must gather the others together as soon as possible. If the Priest is correct we are all in a weakened state and can be destroyed by any of the current ruling gods.”] [Aaron, “I will search for them I promise Anea.”] Aaron, “Is there a way to meet with her soon?” Elder Priestess, “We will try to send word to here but times as of late have been very dangers to adventure out beyond our walls.” Aaron, “Then if its possible can you tell me about the area and if there is anything I can do to help out around here.” First Priest, “we would be very honored to receive your help. If you would like we could have one of our young clerics in Training to help you while you are in town.” Aaron, “I would appreciate it elders, thank you.” As Aaron finished talking he began to glow again and turn back into himself. Aaron, “ah its nice to back to my old self.” Elder Priestess, “Ah, you are certainly different from the other chosen. You also seem to look like one of Enea’s old right hands that is described in her old teachings.” Aaron paused at that and was confused. The elders waved one of the priestesses over from the group of people that have been gathering. She quickly stepped forward and listened to the elders before bowing and walking up to Aaron. As she bowed she said, “The elders have instructed me to help to in any way I can while you are in town.” Aaron, “Thank you. Ah can you tell me about this area and show me around?” Priestess, “I would gladly help you great one.” Aaron rubbed the back of his head. Aaron, “You can just call me Aaron.” Priestess, “As you wish… Aaron.” Aaron, “May I know your name?” Priestess, “Oh sorry I did not introduce myself. My name Is April… April Rosland, I’m one of the Clerics in training here at the temple.” Aaron, “that’s a nice name.” [Enea, “stop being so formal it’s irritating.] [Aaron, “I’m trying to make it a good first meeting without upsetting them.”] April blushed after he said that. April, “um right this way Great… Aaron.” They slowly walked out of the temple as she talked about the area. They where one of the small towns on one of the Islands in the Deathly Isles. This region really did not have any countries and was made up of multiple outcast groups of the continents countries and races. Before the exited the temple she grabbed a map from one of the tables and handed it to him. She pointed to an Island off the to the south west of the main landmass making up the deathly hollows saying that that was where they currently were. There were a number of villages and towns on the Island along with one coastal city. After that they left the temple and walked around town. The town had a few stores, a blacksmith, a tavern, but not much else. As they walked around Aaron began to sell most of the loot he got from the tournament and Ruins. He kept his weapons along with the ones he found. He also kept a belt, his scarf, the ring, and all of his kits and equipment from before the tournament. With that he had managed to earn just over 200 gold coins. He decided to purchase more tools and kits to work on his weapons and to make new Items. He also had all of his equipment repaired that was almost at its limit from the damage that was taken. After that he began to work on all the fetch quests that he could find along with the ones on the towns and temples posting boards. While he was on his way to deliver an item to the town’s blacksmith he heard some one talking that was not there. Kevril, “hay Aaron… Aaron are you there.” Aaron then noticed that Kevril was whispering to him. Aaron, “Hay how are you guys? Kevril, “Is that all you have to say we where watching the tournament and you just disappeared. Then after that the whole tournament went to hell with undead rising all over the place.” Aaron, “sorry I’ve just been busy. Well where to begin.. Did you see I fell through a hole that that mage caused.” Kevril, “yes and that was the last time anyone has seen you.” Aaron, “Well I feel in to some ruins…” Aaron continued to explain what had happened to him from in the ruins. Kevril, “that is just amazing and wait did you just say you where in the deathly Isles?” Aaron, “yes have you heard of them.” Kevril, “yes though not much is known about them even from the beta test. All that is known is that it was once the center of three great empires a long time ago but fell in some forgotten war. They also say that the entire region is filled with overpowered monsters. It’s not even a place you can select as a starting area.” Aaron, “I can understand that, when I went outside the walls to gather some furs a bit ago the lowest level rabbit I could find was at 14.” Kevril, “Man you are screwed if the creatures and monsters are comparable to the levels in the heavens training grounds or starting towns. Their lowest levels that can be found are at level one.” Aaron, “That just means I can level up faster instead of looking for a specific level range.” Aaron finished walking to the blacksmith and handed him the item to finish his quest earning a few silvers and an old hammer. Kevril, “Well that’s true since you are a monster yourself being able to survive the undead and even all those other times you’ve hunted alone.” Aaron, “hay I was just lucky all those times!” Kevril, “Yah well…” Alimore, “Is thing working… Aaron are you there?” Aaron gave out an irritated breath and stopped next to the town’s bulletin board. Aaron, “I’m here Alimore.” Alimore, “Kevril just told us a bit ago that you made it.” Aaron, “yes I’m great and on the continent in a region called the Deathly Isles.” Alimore, “That sounds like a bad place to be just from the name.” Kevril, “well talk to you later I’m going to go Let the Instructor and Blacksmith NPCs here know that you are alright since they are worried that you did not come back with the other contestants.” Aaron, “thanks Kevril talk to you later.” Alimore, “Aaron you still there.” Aaron, “yes sorry I was just finished talking to Kevril.” Alimore, “well how is it down there on the continent.” Aaron, “Its nice down here not much different then it was in the Heavenly training grounds.” Alimore, “that’s nice to hear…” Marcella, “Hey man I heard you made it!” Aaron leaned against the posts board while he was listening. Aaron, “yep, and had a hard time for it.” Marcella, “at least you lasted longer then the three stooges they where taken out right after you vanished.” Aaron, “well I’m glad they got what was coming to them even though the undead versions of them where just as irritating as the living.” Alimore, “well I’m going to go now need to work on some homework.” Aaron, “Later then.” Marcella, “Well merlin off trying to get some last minute things before everyone’s sent to the continent.” Aaron, “Why are they all being sent to the continent now? I thought the heavenly training grounds was suppose to be the starting location.” Marcella, “well there has been something going on with the angels and the towns Fouke up here. They are all worried that something’s going to be starting again. Besides that the Game Masters said there was now enough players to fully open up the continent and will have everyone move over there though the Heavenly training grounds can still be accessed in the future though not much is known right now.” Aaron, “that’s still weird, maybe the event that happened was not expected or was not suppose to happen for a while. “ Marcella, “well who knows. Oh I need to get going sorry.” Aaron, “later.” Aaron walked around to face the board again to see if there was any more low-level quest he could do to raise the intimacy with the NPCs of the town. He didn’t see much left so he looked at the ones to clear the monsters form the area. He accepted a number of them and headed out. [Enea, “who where those people you where talking to a bit ago?”] [Aaron, “Oh those where my friends that I meet a while ago.”] [Enea, “they seemed like interesting people.”] [Aaron, “yah they are a nice bunch… wait you could hear that discussion.”] [Enea, “Well of course I did I am in your head after all.”] [Aaron, “well I still would like some kind of privacy or is that something that’s impossible to ask for?”] [Enea, “well that’s hard to say since I can hear anything to think but yes you do have some privacy, though it is fun to listen to what you are thinking.”] [Aaron, “well thanks.”] Aaron began to head out of town. Aaron, “Time to loot, and explore.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> It has been a few days since the attack and everyone was preparing to kick the bandit out of the region or even exterminate them. The town’s militia was preparing by making more leather armor and arrows for their forces. The town’s militia was made mainly of archers with a few axe men. <br><br>Aaron had also called for aid from the other near by village. They were sending a number of their towns guards made up of swordsmen, they where also sending a number of archers and axe men as well along with a handful of skilled Rangers. The temple dedicated to Enea and Laee where sending a number of their clerics to help heal the wounded and to help if there where any Necromancers. The make shift army numbered just over 200.<br><br>Jonathan had told them that the bandit’s base of operations was an old abandoned fort to the west. Jonathan had also mentioned that the bandit’s forces where three times the ones we’ve seen all together. So the bandits numbered around 300.<br><br>Laee, “So our plan is to draw out a number of the bandits out with fake caravans and attack the fort while they are distracted.”<br><br>Aaron, “that is the basic Idea but even best of plans are not perfect in battle.”<br><br>Jonathan, “That is an interesting plan since they raid almost anything that goes down the roads near their forts.”<br><br>Aaron, “So that’s settled but we are going to need to find a way to sneak into their fort.”<br><br>Jonathan, “there is a passage from the nearby woods that could be used but they have it guarded and trapped.“<br><br>Aaron, “then that’s the path that we are taking. The people that make up that group are Laee, Jonathan, April, two of the rangers, 4 swordsmen, and myself will use the tunnel.”<br><br>Laee, “Are you sure we can trust him?”<br><br>[Enea, “I’m the one that told Aaron to trust in the man.”]<br><br>Jonathan, “I will stay back if you wish.”<br><br>Aaron, “no we need you to show us the way and if anyone does not trust you the best place is for you to be near Laee or me to calm them.”<br><br>Laee, “You are right Aaron I will follow yours and Enea’s judgment on this.”<br><br>Aaron, “ok with that settled the remaining forces will be waiting in the forest near the fort until we give them the signal to attack.“<br><br>Laee, “All right when should we attack?”<br><br>Aaron, “we will attack the tunnel shortly before dawn while the decoys will head out at first light to draw away a number of the bandits.”<br><br>With the meeting ending Aaron went over with laee to the tavern for a meal before heading out in the night.<br><br>Laee, “You are surprisingly a good strategist.”<br><br>Aaron laughed, “well I do like reading war stores and the like.”<br><br>Laee, “Does that mean you like war?”<br><br>Aaron, “No I do not like real war but I do like to read the story’s made to try and prevent them but they still happen.”<br><br>Laee, “many of the youngsters think of what it would be like to be a hero of those wars.”<br><br>Aaron, “kids do dream of that I even dreamt of it and in a way am living it out but in no way can someone really imagine what its like.”<br><br>Laee, “It sound like you’ve been a war.”<br><br>Aaron, “no I’ve never been in a war but a number of my family members have been and they have never been the same since.”<br><br>Laee, “I’m sorry.”<br><br>Aaron, “Don’t worry about it.”<br><br>Enea, “Will we ever meet your family?”<br><br>Aaron, “who knows maybe.”<br><br>Aaron orders a soap and some water while Laee like usual orders her drink of mead and the days meat. <br><br>Aaron, “Do you ever eat anything besides that.”<br><br>Laee, “On rare occasions but no I always have the same thing.”<br><br>Enea, “told you so.”<br><br>Aaron, “Well in my opinion a diversity in meals is always nice.”<br><br>Laee, “You better watch what you eat later because someone might poison it.”<br><br>Aaron, “why is that?”<br><br>Laee, “well you are a chosen representing the Goddess Enea and if you do unite the Deathly Isles you will make a lot of enemy’s.”<br><br>Aaron, “Ah great even more worries to come.”<br><br>They continued on with their meal then headed out to their positions for the attack. Aarons group followed Jonathan through the forest to the tunnel. They where attacked by wolves once along the way and where dealt with very quickly. <br><br>Once they where near the entrance they hid themselves and moved up slowly. Once they where close enough they could see a guard sitting on a barrel at the side of the entrance. Laee quickly cast a spell to put the guard to sleep. Aaron went up to him at slit the mans throat before the spell could wear off. He then quickly picked up the loot before calling the rest of the group forward.<br><br>The entered the tunnel with the rangers first then Aaron Followed by Jonathan with Laee and April with the four swordsmen in tow. They continued slowly avoiding the traps the Rangers pointed out or disarmed. <br><br>Soon the reached a chamber area with a small underground pond. As they continued forward 4 giant spiders dropped from the ceiling. The rangers went after one while the swordsmen went after another. <br><br>Aaron ran to the closest one and began to cut at the creature’s legs while Jonathan came up with his war hammer and crushed the creature with three swings before it vanished. Laee and April took out the last one. The swordsmen had overpowered the one with shear numbers while the rangers used pinpoint accuracy with arrows to blind it before moving in for the kill. <br><br>After the fight they gathered the loot and continued on down the tunnel until they reached a door. Slowly they pushed it open to find themselves in a cellar. One end seemed to have had a cave in but the stairwell was still in working condition. They slowly worked their way up into a long hall with multiple doors. They crept forward passing closed doors.<br><br>They came upon a door that was open Aaron looked in and saw about twenty-five bandits sleeping in their bunks. <br><br> Aaron whispered, “Laee do you think you could cast a timed fireball or explosion on the doors and on the floors of the open rooms?”<br><br>Laee, “I can but it would be to dangerous to do every room.”<br><br>Aaron, “that’s fine we need to move fast without being spotted anyway.”<br><br>Laee, “Ok I’ll set them but keep an eye out.”<br><br>Aaron and the rangers slowly moved forward checking the rooms and grabbing some loot. Eventually they came to an intersection as Aaron looked around a corner he spotted a bandit walking down the hall going away from them. He waited for the man to enter a room then motioned the rest of the group forward while still casting a few timed spells. <br><br>Finally they reached a section of the fort where they could see outside. The sky was lit by the early morning light, As they continued to looked out they could see a large amount of bandits moving out on horseback through the gates.<br>Aaron, “looks like they have taken the bait.”<br><br>Laee, “sure does.”<br><br>April, “I hope everyone will be ok.”<br><br>Aaron, “All we can do is wish for the best of them. <br><br>They waited for the gaits to close and the courtyard to clear before quickly moving forward to one of the side doors to go outside. Aaron quickly motioned the Swordsmen, Jonathan, Laee, and April to the Guardhouse and gate. He took the rangers up the wall. Aaron slowly worked his way down the wall shooting arrows at unsuspecting guards posted on the wall.<br><br>Soon he could hear a commotion from the gatehouse. He quickly ran down the last section of wall to the gatehouse. He took out the guards who where beginning to look down into a trap door. Moving forward he looked down to see Laee’s group finishing off the last guard inside.<br><br>As Laee was heading for the Ladder up The timed explosions began to go off inside. Laee rushed up the ladder and cast the signal for the main force while the swordsmen opened up the gate.<br><br>The makeshift force quickly ran out of the forest heading for the gates. As the first of the force was about to enter the gate bandits began to poor out of the forts main building. They noticed the gates where open and the makeshift force beginning to poor in. Aaron began to pick targets at random firing at the bandits while the archers either climbed the walls for a better advantage or fired from a distance at the oncoming bandits. <br><br>Laee was casting fireballs like crazy and an occasional Lightning bolt. With the increasing assault the bandits where being slotared in large numbers. Soon the bandits where running back in to the fort to hide from the storm of arrows. <br><br>Aaron and laee’s group quickly ran for the side door again attacking the bandits in the main hall from the side. The bandits soon where pinned from the attack at the front and Aaron's group. He continued to fire arrows at them until some bandits came down the hall on his level.<br><br>He quickly drew his swords and activated Fire Blade while charging at the bandits. He quickly hacked his way through them one after another slowly working his way back into the maze of halls.<br><br>Laee continued to fire fireballs and lightning bolts at large groups but soon stopped at the groups became to mingled and chaotic. She stuck to Aaron’s side firing at bandits as they came at Aaron at a distance.<br><br>Aaron finally came upon a finally dressed Bandit who seemed to be giving the commands. He quickly moved forward dispatching a number of the bandits before reaching the Bandit.<br><br>The man drew a great sword and turned to Aaron.<br><br>Bandit Leader, “so you are the one that’s been causing all the trouble.”<br><br>He brought his sword down at Aaron while he blocked it with both his blades.<br><br>Aaron, “so what of it you guys are scum.”<br><br>The bandit readied his blade for another strike.<br><br>Bandit leader, “this is our way of life.”<br><br>Aaron quickly attacked aiming for one of the mans arms but was blocked.<br><br>Aaron, “so your way of life is to take from the weak!”<br><br>Bandit leader, “it’s the worlds way with people taking from others.”<br><br>Aaron nocked the mans sword far out to the side.<br><br>Aaron, “you are wrong if you thing the world is that way.”<br><br>He quickly attacked the man while he was open and struck the mans right shoulder making him drop his sword. The next strike took out the mans legs out from under him. Aaron quickly finished him with a final stab to the heart. <br><br>Aaron walked away as the man disintegrated going after the next bandit keeping his eye out for Crazed. As Aaron got deeper he finally reached the cellar where he had entered. A few of the bandits where running out the tunnel.<br><br>Aaron posted a few of his force to guard the cellar entrance and worked his way back through the halls taken out a bandit here and there or taking those that surrendered prisoner. <br><br>Laee, “the Battle is over Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron stopped took a deep breath then turned to Laee who had been fallowing Aaron through the whole assault.<br><br>[Enea, “you did a good job Aaron.”]<br><br>Aaron, “I couldn’t find Crazed!”<br><br>Laee, “he may have been killed or escaped.”<br><br>Aaron, “He is to sly to be killed and he never likes to leave fights.”<br><br>[Enea, “stop Aaron you need to rest.”]<br><br>Aaron closed his eyes.<br><br>Aaron, “you are right.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have captured an abandoned fort!<br><br>You now have access to the regions control panel!<br><br>You have gained +200 fame<br><br>You have gained +30 Faith<br><br>Level Up!<br><br>Level Up!</span><br><br>Aaron smiled for a moment.<br><br>“it is finally over at least for now.”<br><br>Laee, “come on lets go have a drink.”<br><br>Aaron, “we first need to help the wounded and secure the area so there is no more chance of an attack from those that escaped.”<br><br>Laee, “we can deal with that but we need to celebrate this for the peoples sake.”<br><br>Aaron looked at her.<br><br>She continued, “They have been suffering for a long time from the bandits and the Monster attacks.”<br><br>Aaron then looked at the men who were all either cheering or concentrating on their tasks. <br><br>Aaron, “you are right Laee. I think everyone has earned a round of drinks on me.”<br><br>Laee, “yes I have the coin and with what we have captured here we have enough to organize and improve this region.”<br><br>[Enea, “don’t waste to much of it and plan out what you are going to do with it.”]<br><br>Aaron, “you don’t have to tell me I am better with money than many I know especially one.”<br><br>Aaron looked back at Laee again.<br><br>[Enea, “you are right there.”]<br><br>Laee, “what is that supposed to mean.”<br><br>Both Aaron and Enea laughed at Laee.<br><br>Aaron and his makeshift force began to secure the fort and a number of the men returned to their villages to spread the news and heal their wounds. Word spread across the Island in the days that followed about the chosen hero’s who have eliminated the regions bandits.<br><br>Later after things had calmed down Aaron found out that Crazed had led one of the groups that attacked the decoy convoys. After the bandits initial attack on the convoy having the militia that had been hidden in the wagons come out of hiding he had his men retreat. From what people have seen Crazed had gathered the Bandit remnants and headed west.<br><br>Now it was time for Aaron to help improve the region under his control before heading out to find the next chosen. </div>

It has been a few days since the attack and everyone was preparing to kick the bandit out of the region or even exterminate them. The town’s militia was preparing by making more leather armor and arrows for their forces. The town’s militia was made mainly of archers with a few axe men. Aaron had also called for aid from the other near by village. They were sending a number of their towns guards made up of swordsmen, they where also sending a number of archers and axe men as well along with a handful of skilled Rangers. The temple dedicated to Enea and Laee where sending a number of their clerics to help heal the wounded and to help if there where any Necromancers. The make shift army numbered just over 200. Jonathan had told them that the bandit’s base of operations was an old abandoned fort to the west. Jonathan had also mentioned that the bandit’s forces where three times the ones we’ve seen all together. So the bandits numbered around 300. Laee, “So our plan is to draw out a number of the bandits out with fake caravans and attack the fort while they are distracted.” Aaron, “that is the basic Idea but even best of plans are not perfect in battle.” Jonathan, “That is an interesting plan since they raid almost anything that goes down the roads near their forts.” Aaron, “So that’s settled but we are going to need to find a way to sneak into their fort.” Jonathan, “there is a passage from the nearby woods that could be used but they have it guarded and trapped.“ Aaron, “then that’s the path that we are taking. The people that make up that group are Laee, Jonathan, April, two of the rangers, 4 swordsmen, and myself will use the tunnel.” Laee, “Are you sure we can trust him?” [Enea, “I’m the one that told Aaron to trust in the man.”] Jonathan, “I will stay back if you wish.” Aaron, “no we need you to show us the way and if anyone does not trust you the best place is for you to be near Laee or me to calm them.” Laee, “You are right Aaron I will follow yours and Enea’s judgment on this.” Aaron, “ok with that settled the remaining forces will be waiting in the forest near the fort until we give them the signal to attack.“ Laee, “All right when should we attack?” Aaron, “we will attack the tunnel shortly before dawn while the decoys will head out at first light to draw away a number of the bandits.” With the meeting ending Aaron went over with laee to the tavern for a meal before heading out in the night. Laee, “You are surprisingly a good strategist.” Aaron laughed, “well I do like reading war stores and the like.” Laee, “Does that mean you like war?” Aaron, “No I do not like real war but I do like to read the story’s made to try and prevent them but they still happen.” Laee, “many of the youngsters think of what it would be like to be a hero of those wars.” Aaron, “kids do dream of that I even dreamt of it and in a way am living it out but in no way can someone really imagine what its like.” Laee, “It sound like you’ve been a war.” Aaron, “no I’ve never been in a war but a number of my family members have been and they have never been the same since.” Laee, “I’m sorry.” Aaron, “Don’t worry about it.” Enea, “Will we ever meet your family?” Aaron, “who knows maybe.” Aaron orders a soap and some water while Laee like usual orders her drink of mead and the days meat. Aaron, “Do you ever eat anything besides that.” Laee, “On rare occasions but no I always have the same thing.” Enea, “told you so.” Aaron, “Well in my opinion a diversity in meals is always nice.” Laee, “You better watch what you eat later because someone might poison it.” Aaron, “why is that?” Laee, “well you are a chosen representing the Goddess Enea and if you do unite the Deathly Isles you will make a lot of enemy’s.” Aaron, “Ah great even more worries to come.” They continued on with their meal then headed out to their positions for the attack. Aarons group followed Jonathan through the forest to the tunnel. They where attacked by wolves once along the way and where dealt with very quickly. Once they where near the entrance they hid themselves and moved up slowly. Once they where close enough they could see a guard sitting on a barrel at the side of the entrance. Laee quickly cast a spell to put the guard to sleep. Aaron went up to him at slit the mans throat before the spell could wear off. He then quickly picked up the loot before calling the rest of the group forward. The entered the tunnel with the rangers first then Aaron Followed by Jonathan with Laee and April with the four swordsmen in tow. They continued slowly avoiding the traps the Rangers pointed out or disarmed. Soon the reached a chamber area with a small underground pond. As they continued forward 4 giant spiders dropped from the ceiling. The rangers went after one while the swordsmen went after another. Aaron ran to the closest one and began to cut at the creature’s legs while Jonathan came up with his war hammer and crushed the creature with three swings before it vanished. Laee and April took out the last one. The swordsmen had overpowered the one with shear numbers while the rangers used pinpoint accuracy with arrows to blind it before moving in for the kill. After the fight they gathered the loot and continued on down the tunnel until they reached a door. Slowly they pushed it open to find themselves in a cellar. One end seemed to have had a cave in but the stairwell was still in working condition. They slowly worked their way up into a long hall with multiple doors. They crept forward passing closed doors. They came upon a door that was open Aaron looked in and saw about twenty-five bandits sleeping in their bunks. Aaron whispered, “Laee do you think you could cast a timed fireball or explosion on the doors and on the floors of the open rooms?” Laee, “I can but it would be to dangerous to do every room.” Aaron, “that’s fine we need to move fast without being spotted anyway.” Laee, “Ok I’ll set them but keep an eye out.” Aaron and the rangers slowly moved forward checking the rooms and grabbing some loot. Eventually they came to an intersection as Aaron looked around a corner he spotted a bandit walking down the hall going away from them. He waited for the man to enter a room then motioned the rest of the group forward while still casting a few timed spells. Finally they reached a section of the fort where they could see outside. The sky was lit by the early morning light, As they continued to looked out they could see a large amount of bandits moving out on horseback through the gates. Aaron, “looks like they have taken the bait.” Laee, “sure does.” April, “I hope everyone will be ok.” Aaron, “All we can do is wish for the best of them. They waited for the gaits to close and the courtyard to clear before quickly moving forward to one of the side doors to go outside. Aaron quickly motioned the Swordsmen, Jonathan, Laee, and April to the Guardhouse and gate. He took the rangers up the wall. Aaron slowly worked his way down the wall shooting arrows at unsuspecting guards posted on the wall. Soon he could hear a commotion from the gatehouse. He quickly ran down the last section of wall to the gatehouse. He took out the guards who where beginning to look down into a trap door. Moving forward he looked down to see Laee’s group finishing off the last guard inside. As Laee was heading for the Ladder up The timed explosions began to go off inside. Laee rushed up the ladder and cast the signal for the main force while the swordsmen opened up the gate. The makeshift force quickly ran out of the forest heading for the gates. As the first of the force was about to enter the gate bandits began to poor out of the forts main building. They noticed the gates where open and the makeshift force beginning to poor in. Aaron began to pick targets at random firing at the bandits while the archers either climbed the walls for a better advantage or fired from a distance at the oncoming bandits. Laee was casting fireballs like crazy and an occasional Lightning bolt. With the increasing assault the bandits where being slotared in large numbers. Soon the bandits where running back in to the fort to hide from the storm of arrows. Aaron and laee’s group quickly ran for the side door again attacking the bandits in the main hall from the side. The bandits soon where pinned from the attack at the front and Aaron's group. He continued to fire arrows at them until some bandits came down the hall on his level. He quickly drew his swords and activated Fire Blade while charging at the bandits. He quickly hacked his way through them one after another slowly working his way back into the maze of halls. Laee continued to fire fireballs and lightning bolts at large groups but soon stopped at the groups became to mingled and chaotic. She stuck to Aaron’s side firing at bandits as they came at Aaron at a distance. Aaron finally came upon a finally dressed Bandit who seemed to be giving the commands. He quickly moved forward dispatching a number of the bandits before reaching the Bandit. The man drew a great sword and turned to Aaron. Bandit Leader, “so you are the one that’s been causing all the trouble.” He brought his sword down at Aaron while he blocked it with both his blades. Aaron, “so what of it you guys are scum.” The bandit readied his blade for another strike. Bandit leader, “this is our way of life.” Aaron quickly attacked aiming for one of the mans arms but was blocked. Aaron, “so your way of life is to take from the weak!” Bandit leader, “it’s the worlds way with people taking from others.” Aaron nocked the mans sword far out to the side. Aaron, “you are wrong if you thing the world is that way.” He quickly attacked the man while he was open and struck the mans right shoulder making him drop his sword. The next strike took out the mans legs out from under him. Aaron quickly finished him with a final stab to the heart. Aaron walked away as the man disintegrated going after the next bandit keeping his eye out for Crazed. As Aaron got deeper he finally reached the cellar where he had entered. A few of the bandits where running out the tunnel. Aaron posted a few of his force to guard the cellar entrance and worked his way back through the halls taken out a bandit here and there or taking those that surrendered prisoner. Laee, “the Battle is over Aaron.” Aaron stopped took a deep breath then turned to Laee who had been fallowing Aaron through the whole assault. [Enea, “you did a good job Aaron.”] Aaron, “I couldn’t find Crazed!” Laee, “he may have been killed or escaped.” Aaron, “He is to sly to be killed and he never likes to leave fights.” [Enea, “stop Aaron you need to rest.”] Aaron closed his eyes. Aaron, “you are right.” You have captured an abandoned fort! You now have access to the regions control panel! You have gained +200 fame You have gained +30 Faith Level Up! Level Up! Aaron smiled for a moment. “it is finally over at least for now.” Laee, “come on lets go have a drink.” Aaron, “we first need to help the wounded and secure the area so there is no more chance of an attack from those that escaped.” Laee, “we can deal with that but we need to celebrate this for the peoples sake.” Aaron looked at her. She continued, “They have been suffering for a long time from the bandits and the Monster attacks.” Aaron then looked at the men who were all either cheering or concentrating on their tasks. Aaron, “you are right Laee. I think everyone has earned a round of drinks on me.” Laee, “yes I have the coin and with what we have captured here we have enough to organize and improve this region.” [Enea, “don’t waste to much of it and plan out what you are going to do with it.”] Aaron, “you don’t have to tell me I am better with money than many I know especially one.” Aaron looked back at Laee again. [Enea, “you are right there.”] Laee, “what is that supposed to mean.” Both Aaron and Enea laughed at Laee. Aaron and his makeshift force began to secure the fort and a number of the men returned to their villages to spread the news and heal their wounds. Word spread across the Island in the days that followed about the chosen hero’s who have eliminated the regions bandits. Later after things had calmed down Aaron found out that Crazed had led one of the groups that attacked the decoy convoys. After the bandits initial attack on the convoy having the militia that had been hidden in the wagons come out of hiding he had his men retreat. From what people have seen Crazed had gathered the Bandit remnants and headed west. Now it was time for Aaron to help improve the region under his control before heading out to find the next chosen.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter Six – A Stab-for-All in the Town Square<br><br>A/N: Skills Appearing in &lt;&lt;--&gt;&gt; are skills used with "Path of Silence" (meaning he is not saying them aloud) <br><br>Glowing coals illuminated the tunnel as Knox walked toward a large opening ahead. The boss room. Two months had passed in game and he’d practiced until he’d been forced to log out from lack of sleep. Finally the time had come to test his skills and leave this place. It would be nice to think that this was his decision... but in truth it was the three baby pictures that had already appeared on facebook!<br><br>Knox had completely forgotten about Sher! He had gotten too absorbed in clearing this dungeon and he’d been stuck out of game when the alarm was supposed to remind him. A suicidal act. Sher was not the forgiving type, and as promised naked baby pictures had begun to appear one after another! He had enough experience with Sher to know deleting them would just make things much worse... Better to give in! <br><br>He had already sent her a PM telling her he’d be there in three days game time. If he died during the boss fight... well, let god have mercy on his soul. Thus, motivated, he strode into the boss room without hesitation. There are far worse things than Salamandra Lords!<br><br>Knox didn’t wait for an invitation. He slammed a vicious kick into the knee of the first Salamandra Guard to reach him, a casual movement that betrayed its difficulty. As it fell, Knox’s drove his dagger into its eye socket. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Introductions, complete.’</span><br><br>A sword swing whistled toward his right side and he swayed, smoothly to the left. As the sword went past, he stepped forward and grabbed the wrist, slashing the tendons in the arm just above the elbow. Then he yanked the Salamandra Guard toward him and used its body to block a fire ball from the boss. He could have dodged the boss’ attack but why bother when such a convenient meatshield was available?<br><br>Cutting the crippled Salamandra Guard's throat, he let go of the body and engaged the remaining two Salamandra. He rolled past the legs of the Salamandra on the right and hamstrung it. He came back to his feet in time to parry a blow from the fourth Salamandra. With a rapid torque of his body, he spun inside the Salamandra’s defense and slipped his dagger into its heart. <br><br>*squelch*<br><br>As he pulled his dagger free, he jumped backwards to avoid the fire ball that crashed into his previous location. He walked past the remaining Salamandra, who was now crawling on its knees and stabbed it in the base of the skull, before continuing toward the boss.<br><br>“Alright Scaly... Round 2.”<br><br>Knox managed to close the distance in an instant and began slashing. Aiming for the sides of the body, his slashes seemed little more than flickering red sparks, as his daggers reflected light from the surrounding coals. <br><br>The Salamandra Lord stabbed with its spear and swung its tail like a battering ram but none of the attacks came close to landing. To Knox it felt like The Salamandra Lord was in slow motion... He could see the shoulder motion that gave away a spear thrust. The shifting of its lower body that signaled the tail trying to blind side him... He could see it all. Every time the Salamandra Lord moved to attack, Knox dodged with the minimal movement possible to maximize the amount of damage he could do.<br><br>When the tail would swipe across the floor, Knox leaped nimbly over, leaving a growing number of red cuts on the appendage. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘This... Is way easier than I thought it would be... No! Mustn’t lose focus like last time!’</span> <br><br>At 75% HP the boss got its first boost yet even so Knox only received the occasional graze! The boss slammed its spear against the ground and a wave of fire exploded outwards but Knox was ready. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Burst!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He easily cleared the upper edge of the fire wave and triggered the first stage...<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Stage One: Burst Whirl</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When the skill triggered, a black energy cloaked Knox’s body as his speed jumped into another dimension. He moved so fast that a veritable wall of blades sliced into the Salamandra Lord’s lower body. Crimson droplets flew in every direction as the slashing combo, designed for speed, carved away.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Burst effect fades away.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>HP: 4795/4830</td></tr><tr><td>MP: 730/730</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina: 350/440</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox slammed the pummels of his daggers into a large wound on the Salamandra Lord’s side.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Rupture!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Target is bleeding.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">HP and Stamina will decrease rapidly.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Regeneration abilities are negated.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>More blood poured from all the wounds that Knox had inflicted and the boss’ HP dropped to almost 55%... The next attack that the Salamandra Lord dealt was the start of Knox’s plan to systematically destroy the Salamandra Lord... He allowed the attack to come perilously close before striking out. His dagger flashed, slashing the wrist. The boss’ spear fell from nerveless fingers and clattering on the ground.<br><br>The entire plan hinged on whether or not his theory was right... Knox assumed that the ‘Regeneration abilities negated’ meant that it would now be possible to maim or cripple the boss as long as the bleed effect was active.<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Judging from that limp hand... It seems my guess was right.’ </span><br><br>The Salamandra Lord howled in fury as its HP dropped below 50% and it swung its whole body around, trying to crush Knox with its tail. As the tail crashed into the ground beside him, Knox once again activated burst! With the speed and agility the skill provided, he scaled the boss’ body like it was a ramp and activated stage two. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Burst!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Stage Two: Burst Penetration</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox’s daggers stabbed into either side of the Salamandra Lord’s neck over and over. Each dagger eerily struck the same spot over and over building damage to ridiculous heights!<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 29%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increase by 46%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 95%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 129%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Burst effect fades away.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Shit! I still can’t go higher than 4 hits?’</span><br><br>With the first stage that focused solely on speed he could unleash a frightening number of attacks. Due to the precision required in stage two, the number of attacks was greatly reduced. Knox planted his feet into the back of the Salamandra Lord and flipped backwards off the boss. <br><br>He landed heavily, his breathing ragged and his arms trembling.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Damn... Still hard to use it twice in a row.’</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>HP: 4795/4830</td></tr><tr><td>MP: 330/730</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina: 190/440</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He glanced quickly at his status bars before checking the Salamandra Lord’s reaming HP. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘A little over 25%... If I’m right and he enrages at 25% then this could get tricky... I should have barely enough stamina to use it once more... Still need more mana to use rupture again... Gonna have to buy some time.’</span><br><br>He began to execute ‘stick &amp; move’ tactics. He used the boss’ disabled left hand as an opening to attack, then quickly moving away before the boss could smash him with his tail. Knox took some damage from the fire waves that the boss periodically sent out but judging by the damage he was taking he’d be able to survive long enough. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>HP: 4245/4830</td></tr><tr><td>MP: 400/730</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina: 130/440</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Finally! Enough mana, for one last Rupture...’ </span><br><br>Knox shoved his daggers into their sheaths and pulled them back out...and the blades glistened with a silver-blue liquid, the last of his poison supplies. Knox’s body shot toward the boss, as he chose to forgo conserving his stamina and end it in one go.<br><br>*Slash*<br>*Slash*<br>*Slash* <br><br>He cut the boss everywhere he could reach to spread the poison, aiming mostly for the stomach and chest area, he cut several deep wounds into the Salamandra Lord’s body. Then he switched his grip, preparing to burst for the final time...<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Burst!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Stage Two: Burst Penetration</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 29%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increase by 46%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 95%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 129%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 167%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Rupture!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Target is bleeding severely!</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Rupture damaged increased by 1.5x!</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">HP and Stamina will decrease rapidly.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Regeneration abilities are negated.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>With the last strike, Knox’s body stopped responding to his commands... He swayed drunkenly on his feet until a sweep of the boss’ tail sent him flying.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Your stamina has fallen below 10% All Stats decreased by 75%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">-880 Damage from a body blow.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Due to exhaustion, damage is doubled!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>HP: 3365/4830</td></tr><tr><td>MP: 0/730</td></tr><tr><td>Stamina: 3/440</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When the boss began to move toward him Knox closed his eyes...<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Shit... Failed again... At least I managed 5 hits this time...’</span><br><br>*Thud*<br><br>Knox opened his eyes at the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. He was just in time to see the Salamandra Lord’s body crack before turning gray and disappearing. <br><br>*Tring!*<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have cleared the Blazing Coal Mine!<br>You have defeated The Salamandra Lord!<br>You are the first to solo The Salamandra Lord!<br>Fame +300 <br>All Stats permanently rise by 5<br>You have gained the Title: Salamandra Slaughterer</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox felt a huge grin spread across his face upon reading the message.<br><br>“Gahahaha! I killed that bitch!” <br><br>Knox lay there laughing for awhile...<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">____________________</div><br><br><br><br>The square was populated by shops, chattering players and the shrieks of NPC children as they splashed around in the fountain. The weather was rather cool and so Nightshade was working on practicing her smithing outside the blacksmith’s shop. <br><br>Which, in retrospect, was the start of everything. <br><br>“Come on, you should definitely join my guild. We’ll power level you, give you any equipment you can’t make... All you gotta do is create weapons and armor for the guild.”<br><br>Nightshade let out a sigh, as she tried to tune out the idiot standing in front of her... Somewhere in his family line there must have been mules because along with his long face, he seemed to have a stubborn streak a mile wide. <br><br>It had all started about thirty minutes ago when he’d mistaken her for an NPC. The girl who sat there was beautiful… Long silver hair flowed down her back framing startling green eyes, a cute button nose and captivating full lips. One might take her as a simple beauty at first glance and yet... If one looked closer they might notice the fire in her eyes and the stubborn set of her jaw line. She wore a fierce scowl of concentrated fury while hammering the metal in front of her like it was an enemy. Simply put, in the young man’s opinion she seemed too beautiful to be a player’s avatar... Writing off the NPC as non-important, he’d begun to ID some of her scrap swords and seemed shocked by the stats...<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Claymore of Anger<br>Durability 60/60<br>Attack: 22-35<br>A Claymore created by a very angry blacksmith... Although unskilled, her rage infused itself with the metal making it stronger.<br>Bonuses:<br>+15 to Killing Intent<br>+10 to Strength<br><br>Restrictions:<br>Warrior Lv50<br>Str 75</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Claymore of Fury</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Claymore of Rage</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Claymore of Murderous Intent</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>…<br><br>For some reason... Maybe due to lack of intelligence? The persistent player completely failed to think of the kind of personality that would go along with creating such swords. When she got up and pulled out some barley bread, he was surprised.<br><br>“You’re a player?”<br><br>“Duh.”<br><br>After realizing she was a player, he became determined to get her in his guild. Beautiful and useful! In his mind, that was the perfect type of woman.<br><br>“Come on, baby! We’ll even provide you with materials for leveling your blacksmithing! Every blacksmith needs a good guild right?”<br><br>Nightshade finally had enough and her abrasive personality began to surface.<br><br>“I’m sorry... It’s impossible.” <br><br>“What? Why?”<br><br>“I’m allergic to idiots.”<br><br>“What the... Do you know who I am?! Do you know what level I am? I’m Marik! Leader of the Soaring Hawk Guild! I run this town!”<br><br>“I’m also opposed to being around anyone with an I.Q lower than their shoe size.”<br><br>Marik’s face was beat red, verging on purple and his rather short temper was getting the best of him. He’d already begun to draw his sword, when he managed to control himself.<br><br>“Your last chance. You really should say yes.” <br><br>“I refuse. Idiocy may be contagious.” <br><br>“That’s it you die!” <br><br>Marik’s sword never made it out of his sheath, as suddenly an explosive pressure could be felt in his right temple. He had time to turn his head slightly in that direction and caught a glimpse of an expressionless dark elf, just before he turned into a ball of light and disappeared.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">____________________</div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have killed a well respected player!</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Infamy increased by 75!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have broken the laws of Regus. <br>Guards will try to capture you if you’re spotted!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox was a little surprised to level up... <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘That guy must have been pretty high level? Well, whatever, I didn’t like his face... Seriously, horsey faced bastards should just die.’</span><br><br>“Soo... Who was that idiot? Sorry, if you were talking to him but his face pissed me off...”<br><br>Nightshade, who had been sitting calmly until this point, suddenly jumped to her feet and grabbed the Greatsword that was leaning against the blacksmith’s shop.<br><br>“Uh... wait... a sec... Sher... I mean Nightshade! Can’t I get a pass, just this once?”<br><br>“PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“GAAAH!”<br><br>“PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“KYAAAH! I’M SORRRYYYYY!!!”<br><br>Then the mutters of the onlookers started to become more noticeable.<br><br>“Did you see that?!”<br><br>“That dude just off’ed some other player, didn’t he?”<br><br>“Yeah and now the girl is trying to kill the murderer!”<br><br>“Maybe we should help out?”<br><br>“Yeah! We might get a reward from the guards if we help kill a murderer...”<br><br>“Uh, Sh...Nightshade we might have a little problem...”<br><br>Knox said just as a fire ball whizzed by over his head. Nightshade spun around, and her sword came up glowing violet. Then without warning she sent a purple crescent blasting into the ‘would be’ good citizens!<br><br>“PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“GAAH!”<br><br>“What the f... We’re just trying to help you take down that murderer!”<br><br>“Oh, shit she killed several of the low levels with just that attack!” <br><br>“NO ONE TOUCHES HIM BUT ME! DIE!”<br><br>“Oh my god! How can you just kill people?!”<br><br>“WHERE DO YOU SEE PEOPLE? I SEE TRASH! PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>Nightshade screamed. Knox sighed and got to his feet... <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘She’d probably need a hand...’</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Stealth&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Ah! So nice to be able to do this again...’</span><br><br>Nightshade began decimating anyone who came in reach of her Greatsword with powerful swings, mixed liberally with blasts of Punishing Wave. The entire square soon turned into a riot, dozens of players, trying to take out the player killers who’d attacked them for no reason. NPCs fled down side streets, while NPC children dashed for shop doors that were quickly shut behind them... In a matter of minutes the entire square had been thrown into pandemonium! <br><br>Knox quickly took out the squishy classes, cutting the mages’ throats, puncturing the healers’ lungs &amp; slashing the arm muscles of any hunter he came across. Some people finally noticed what he was doing and a group of players made a b-line towards him.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Burst&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">First Stage: Burst Whirl</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox spun through the group aiming to take him out, cutting throats, eyes &amp; stomachs in a blur. Then the group got hit by one of Nightshade’s Punishing Waves and Knox left them to their fate.<br> <br>He decided to intercept the few people who’d begun to panic. Knox thought that it was probably in their best interest to not allow anyone to get reinforcements, so he took out everyone who tried to flee the slaughter.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘There is NO RETREAT! Do you see an exit sign? It’s on the tip of my dagger. Right this way!’ </span><br><br>Then, when people seemed to be desperate to take out Nightshade in a last ditch effort, he laid into them from behind. He stabbed Knights and Warriors in between their armor, like a stealthy can-opener.<br><br>The last player alive, stood there on shaking legs.<br><br>”How...? How the hell can something like this happen? Two players took out over twenty people?”<br><br>Knox ended the player’s mumbling with a Backstab... Then there was silence. Together Knox and Nightshade had killed all the players in the square.<br><br>*Tring!* <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>For killing a large number of players in Regus City you are now wanted throughout the Keurlon Kingdom!<br>Current Bounty: 800 Gold<br>Infamy +500</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">All stats increase by 3 for succeeding in mass slaughter.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox whistled. If he ever needed money he could turn himself in... to get stats for killing people? He loved this game! <br><br>After reading the system message he walked cautiously toward Nightshade who was leaning on her sword, huffing and puffing. When he got closer she glared at him.<br><br>“Don’t think I’m done with you yet!”<br><br>“Yeah, yeah, you can punish me later... But now I think we should scram... We’re probably gonna have to kill the guards on the way out of here, too.”<br><br>“This is your fault!”<br><br>“Uh...”<br><br>Now that he thought about it... He probably shouldn’t have just killed that guy... <br><br>“Yeah... Sorry? I guess I shouldn’t have killed that guy...”<br><br>“What? No that part was fine... I was going to kill him if he didn’t shut up. What’s your fault is making me wait for almost a month and a half!”<br><br>“Ah, I see. I see.” <br><br>Knox nodded. That made much more sense to him than her being upset about the random guy.<br><br>“Anyway... PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“GAH DAMMNIT IT! CUT IT OUT! YOU SAVAGE!”<br><br>“WHO’S A SAVAGE? ARE YOU CALLING ME THE SAVAGE? PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“GAAAHH!!! SOMEBODY SAVE ME!”<br><br>Five minutes... and multiple beatings later... <br><br>“If you don’t want to continue your punishment, you’ll have to help me! I found something a while ago...”<br><br>“Fine I’ll do whatever you want! Just don’t hit me with that skill anymore... Why the hell does your sword skill feel like getting hit with a bunch of whips, anyway?” <br><br>“Just shut up and come along.” <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Nightshade has invited you to join a party.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have joined the party.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Just then guards ran into the square and fanned out to surround the two.<br><br>“Halt! You are to surrender peacefully!”<br><br>“How many ‘pieces’ do you think he means?”<br><br>Nightshade asked with a huge grin. Then she hefted her sword. With another sigh Knox followed Nightshade out of the city of Regus... Which was suddenly short a dozen guards and most of its player population...<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">____________________</div><br><br><br>They had been walking down the road back toward Cara City for three days when suddenly, Nightshade veered into the trees.<br><br>“So, where exactly are we going? You haven’t even told me yet.”<br><br>“You’ll see in a minute... I discovered it while some Exp was trying to escape from me.”<br><br>“Ah, yeah... Stupid Exp; always trying to run away...”<br><br>After hearing this, most of the low level mobs immediately vacated the area...Thus Knox and Nightshade’s path up the mountainside was uninterrupted. Knox decided to let the dozens of fleeing goblins go... They looked rather traumatized about something.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Oh, my god it’s her! Flee! Tell the others!’<br><br>‘The terror of the goblins has returned!’<br><br>‘NOOOOO!!!! She killed my entire family line! I was the only one to survive...’ <br><br>‘The Scourge of the Goblins!’</span><br><br>Knox walked on, completely unaware of the panic whispers surrounding him. Nightshade led him to a small pass in the mountainside. The entrance was so small Knox wasn’t sure that he’d fit even going through sideways...<br><br>“Through there? Really?” <br><br>“Yup! One of the little buggers ran in here trying to escape me... Can you believe it? I squeezed through though and hunted him down!”<br><br>Nightshade began slipping through the passage and Knox followed. <br><br>“Woah... Didn’t see that coming.”<br><br>Once they left the pass Knox couldn’t help but stare around in amazement... A huge valley spread out in front of them, and in the middle of the Valley was a golden shrine. <br><br>“So, the shrine’s the target?”<br><br>“Yup.”<br><br>“What stopped you from...”<br><br>Nightshade shrugged.<br><br>“I killed the goblin... And something told me to go down there alone would be bad.”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Hmm... Her animalistic instincts are usually quite accurate.’</span><br><br>“But I looked into it when I got back to town. If we go through this valley, we should be right near Cara City. We’ll have to find another pass like this one... but it should exist.”<br><br>“Sounds like an adventure to me. Let’s go.”<br><br>They moved along a ledge that led down into the valley and soon stepped into chest high grass, spreading as far as the eye could see... <br><br>*Tring!*<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Dungeon: Your party is the first to discover the Lost Valley of the Mantis!<br>Reward: Fame +100<br>Every day for one week, double EXP and double item drops. The rarest items will drop from killing the first monster of each type. Subsequent kills will drop common items.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Nice! I wonder what kind of monsters are here though...”<br><br>Just then a loud buzzing sound filled the air and the grass all around them began stirring like a strong wind was coming... Some instinct warned them both and they jumped out of the way just as a huge swath of grass was cleaved in half.<br><br>Standing in the newly created clearing, were a bunch of giant praying mantis. They were at least four feet tall, with huge claws, green bodies and mandibles that were clacking in anticipation.<br><br>“Bugs... With sword skills.”<br><br>Knox and Nightshade looked at each other.<br><br>“They just attacked us didn’t they?<br><br>“Yes... Yes they did.”<br><br>“Those bugs are mighty full of themselves...”<br><br>*Evil Grin*<br><br>“Kill them all?”<br><br>“All? Really?”<br><br>“We could resume your punishment...”<br><br>"Killing them it is... Seems most reasonable."<br><br><br>To be continued...<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">____________________</div><br>Author's Notes: Chapter Six Complete! Which means, we are about half way through the first arc!<br>Comment's/Opinions/Ideas are all appreciated! <br>Special Thanks to: deathninja, Ramzicmain &amp; Kaine </div>

Chapter Six – A Stab-for-All in the Town Square A/N: Skills Appearing in <<-->> are skills used with "Path of Silence" (meaning he is not saying them aloud) Glowing coals illuminated the tunnel as Knox walked toward a large opening ahead. The boss room. Two months had passed in game and he’d practiced until he’d been forced to log out from lack of sleep. Finally the time had come to test his skills and leave this place. It would be nice to think that this was his decision... but in truth it was the three baby pictures that had already appeared on facebook! Knox had completely forgotten about Sher! He had gotten too absorbed in clearing this dungeon and he’d been stuck out of game when the alarm was supposed to remind him. A suicidal act. Sher was not the forgiving type, and as promised naked baby pictures had begun to appear one after another! He had enough experience with Sher to know deleting them would just make things much worse... Better to give in! He had already sent her a PM telling her he’d be there in three days game time. If he died during the boss fight... well, let god have mercy on his soul. Thus, motivated, he strode into the boss room without hesitation. There are far worse things than Salamandra Lords! Knox didn’t wait for an invitation. He slammed a vicious kick into the knee of the first Salamandra Guard to reach him, a casual movement that betrayed its difficulty. As it fell, Knox’s drove his dagger into its eye socket. ‘Introductions, complete.’ A sword swing whistled toward his right side and he swayed, smoothly to the left. As the sword went past, he stepped forward and grabbed the wrist, slashing the tendons in the arm just above the elbow. Then he yanked the Salamandra Guard toward him and used its body to block a fire ball from the boss. He could have dodged the boss’ attack but why bother when such a convenient meatshield was available? Cutting the crippled Salamandra Guard's throat, he let go of the body and engaged the remaining two Salamandra. He rolled past the legs of the Salamandra on the right and hamstrung it. He came back to his feet in time to parry a blow from the fourth Salamandra. With a rapid torque of his body, he spun inside the Salamandra’s defense and slipped his dagger into its heart. *squelch* As he pulled his dagger free, he jumped backwards to avoid the fire ball that crashed into his previous location. He walked past the remaining Salamandra, who was now crawling on its knees and stabbed it in the base of the skull, before continuing toward the boss. “Alright Scaly... Round 2.” Knox managed to close the distance in an instant and began slashing. Aiming for the sides of the body, his slashes seemed little more than flickering red sparks, as his daggers reflected light from the surrounding coals. The Salamandra Lord stabbed with its spear and swung its tail like a battering ram but none of the attacks came close to landing. To Knox it felt like The Salamandra Lord was in slow motion... He could see the shoulder motion that gave away a spear thrust. The shifting of its lower body that signaled the tail trying to blind side him... He could see it all. Every time the Salamandra Lord moved to attack, Knox dodged with the minimal movement possible to maximize the amount of damage he could do. When the tail would swipe across the floor, Knox leaped nimbly over, leaving a growing number of red cuts on the appendage. ‘This... Is way easier than I thought it would be... No! Mustn’t lose focus like last time!’ At 75% HP the boss got its first boost yet even so Knox only received the occasional graze! The boss slammed its spear against the ground and a wave of fire exploded outwards but Knox was ready. | <<Burst!>> | | --- | He easily cleared the upper edge of the fire wave and triggered the first stage... | Stage One: Burst Whirl | | --- | When the skill triggered, a black energy cloaked Knox’s body as his speed jumped into another dimension. He moved so fast that a veritable wall of blades sliced into the Salamandra Lord’s lower body. Crimson droplets flew in every direction as the slashing combo, designed for speed, carved away. | Burst effect fades away. | | --- | | HP: 4795/4830 | | --- | | MP: 730/730 | | Stamina: 350/440 | Knox slammed the pummels of his daggers into a large wound on the Salamandra Lord’s side. | <<Rupture!>> | | --- | | Target is bleeding. | | --- | | HP and Stamina will decrease rapidly. | | Regeneration abilities are negated. | More blood poured from all the wounds that Knox had inflicted and the boss’ HP dropped to almost 55%... The next attack that the Salamandra Lord dealt was the start of Knox’s plan to systematically destroy the Salamandra Lord... He allowed the attack to come perilously close before striking out. His dagger flashed, slashing the wrist. The boss’ spear fell from nerveless fingers and clattering on the ground. The entire plan hinged on whether or not his theory was right... Knox assumed that the ‘Regeneration abilities negated’ meant that it would now be possible to maim or cripple the boss as long as the bleed effect was active. ‘Judging from that limp hand... It seems my guess was right.’ The Salamandra Lord howled in fury as its HP dropped below 50% and it swung its whole body around, trying to crush Knox with its tail. As the tail crashed into the ground beside him, Knox once again activated burst! With the speed and agility the skill provided, he scaled the boss’ body like it was a ramp and activated stage two. | <<Burst!>> | | --- | | Stage Two: Burst Penetration | | --- | Knox’s daggers stabbed into either side of the Salamandra Lord’s neck over and over. Each dagger eerily struck the same spot over and over building damage to ridiculous heights! | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 29% | | --- | | Critical Hit! Damage Increase by 46% | | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 95% | | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 129% | | Burst effect fades away. | | --- | ‘Shit! I still can’t go higher than 4 hits?’ With the first stage that focused solely on speed he could unleash a frightening number of attacks. Due to the precision required in stage two, the number of attacks was greatly reduced. Knox planted his feet into the back of the Salamandra Lord and flipped backwards off the boss. He landed heavily, his breathing ragged and his arms trembling. ‘Damn... Still hard to use it twice in a row.’ | HP: 4795/4830 | | --- | | MP: 330/730 | | Stamina: 190/440 | He glanced quickly at his status bars before checking the Salamandra Lord’s reaming HP. ‘A little over 25%... If I’m right and he enrages at 25% then this could get tricky... I should have barely enough stamina to use it once more... Still need more mana to use rupture again... Gonna have to buy some time.’ He began to execute ‘stick & move’ tactics. He used the boss’ disabled left hand as an opening to attack, then quickly moving away before the boss could smash him with his tail. Knox took some damage from the fire waves that the boss periodically sent out but judging by the damage he was taking he’d be able to survive long enough. | HP: 4245/4830 | | --- | | MP: 400/730 | | Stamina: 130/440 | ‘Finally! Enough mana, for one last Rupture...’ Knox shoved his daggers into their sheaths and pulled them back out...and the blades glistened with a silver-blue liquid, the last of his poison supplies. Knox’s body shot toward the boss, as he chose to forgo conserving his stamina and end it in one go. *Slash* *Slash* *Slash* He cut the boss everywhere he could reach to spread the poison, aiming mostly for the stomach and chest area, he cut several deep wounds into the Salamandra Lord’s body. Then he switched his grip, preparing to burst for the final time... | <<Burst!>> | | --- | | Stage Two: Burst Penetration | | --- | | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 29% | | --- | | Critical Hit! Damage Increase by 46% | | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 95% | | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 129% | | Critical Hit! Damage Increased by 167% | | <<Rupture!>> | | --- | | Target is bleeding severely! | | --- | | Rupture damaged increased by 1.5x! | | HP and Stamina will decrease rapidly. | | Regeneration abilities are negated. | With the last strike, Knox’s body stopped responding to his commands... He swayed drunkenly on his feet until a sweep of the boss’ tail sent him flying. | Your stamina has fallen below 10% All Stats decreased by 75% | | --- | | -880 Damage from a body blow. | | --- | | Due to exhaustion, damage is doubled! | | HP: 3365/4830 | | --- | | MP: 0/730 | | Stamina: 3/440 | When the boss began to move toward him Knox closed his eyes... ‘Shit... Failed again... At least I managed 5 hits this time...’ *Thud* Knox opened his eyes at the sound of something heavy hitting the floor. He was just in time to see the Salamandra Lord’s body crack before turning gray and disappearing. *Tring!* | You have cleared the Blazing Coal Mine!You have defeated The Salamandra Lord!You are the first to solo The Salamandra Lord!Fame +300 All Stats permanently rise by 5You have gained the Title: Salamandra Slaughterer | | --- | | You have leveled up! | | --- | | You have leveled up! | | --- | Knox felt a huge grin spread across his face upon reading the message. “Gahahaha! I killed that bitch!” Knox lay there laughing for awhile... \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The square was populated by shops, chattering players and the shrieks of NPC children as they splashed around in the fountain. The weather was rather cool and so Nightshade was working on practicing her smithing outside the blacksmith’s shop. Which, in retrospect, was the start of everything. “Come on, you should definitely join my guild. We’ll power level you, give you any equipment you can’t make... All you gotta do is create weapons and armor for the guild.” Nightshade let out a sigh, as she tried to tune out the idiot standing in front of her... Somewhere in his family line there must have been mules because along with his long face, he seemed to have a stubborn streak a mile wide. It had all started about thirty minutes ago when he’d mistaken her for an NPC. The girl who sat there was beautiful… Long silver hair flowed down her back framing startling green eyes, a cute button nose and captivating full lips. One might take her as a simple beauty at first glance and yet... If one looked closer they might notice the fire in her eyes and the stubborn set of her jaw line. She wore a fierce scowl of concentrated fury while hammering the metal in front of her like it was an enemy. Simply put, in the young man’s opinion she seemed too beautiful to be a player’s avatar... Writing off the NPC as non-important, he’d begun to ID some of her scrap swords and seemed shocked by the stats... | Claymore of AngerDurability 60/60Attack: 22-35A Claymore created by a very angry blacksmith... Although unskilled, her rage infused itself with the metal making it stronger.Bonuses:+15 to Killing Intent+10 to StrengthRestrictions:Warrior Lv50Str 75 | | --- | | Claymore of Fury | | --- | | Claymore of Rage | | --- | | Claymore of Murderous Intent | | --- | … For some reason... Maybe due to lack of intelligence? The persistent player completely failed to think of the kind of personality that would go along with creating such swords. When she got up and pulled out some barley bread, he was surprised. “You’re a player?” “Duh.” After realizing she was a player, he became determined to get her in his guild. Beautiful and useful! In his mind, that was the perfect type of woman. “Come on, baby! We’ll even provide you with materials for leveling your blacksmithing! Every blacksmith needs a good guild right?” Nightshade finally had enough and her abrasive personality began to surface. “I’m sorry... It’s impossible.” “What? Why?” “I’m allergic to idiots.” “What the... Do you know who I am?! Do you know what level I am? I’m Marik! Leader of the Soaring Hawk Guild! I run this town!” “I’m also opposed to being around anyone with an I.Q lower than their shoe size.” Marik’s face was beat red, verging on purple and his rather short temper was getting the best of him. He’d already begun to draw his sword, when he managed to control himself. “Your last chance. You really should say yes.” “I refuse. Idiocy may be contagious.” “That’s it you die!” Marik’s sword never made it out of his sheath, as suddenly an explosive pressure could be felt in his right temple. He had time to turn his head slightly in that direction and caught a glimpse of an expressionless dark elf, just before he turned into a ball of light and disappeared. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | You have leveled up! | | --- | | You have killed a well respected player! | | --- | | Infamy increased by 75! | | You have broken the laws of Regus. Guards will try to capture you if you’re spotted! | | --- | Knox was a little surprised to level up... ‘That guy must have been pretty high level? Well, whatever, I didn’t like his face... Seriously, horsey faced bastards should just die.’ “Soo... Who was that idiot? Sorry, if you were talking to him but his face pissed me off...” Nightshade, who had been sitting calmly until this point, suddenly jumped to her feet and grabbed the Greatsword that was leaning against the blacksmith’s shop. “Uh... wait... a sec... Sher... I mean Nightshade! Can’t I get a pass, just this once?” “PUNISHING WAVE!” “GAAAH!” “PUNISHING WAVE!” “KYAAAH! I’M SORRRYYYYY!!!” Then the mutters of the onlookers started to become more noticeable. “Did you see that?!” “That dude just off’ed some other player, didn’t he?” “Yeah and now the girl is trying to kill the murderer!” “Maybe we should help out?” “Yeah! We might get a reward from the guards if we help kill a murderer...” “Uh, Sh...Nightshade we might have a little problem...” Knox said just as a fire ball whizzed by over his head. Nightshade spun around, and her sword came up glowing violet. Then without warning she sent a purple crescent blasting into the ‘would be’ good citizens! “PUNISHING WAVE!” “GAAH!” “What the f... We’re just trying to help you take down that murderer!” “Oh, shit she killed several of the low levels with just that attack!” “NO ONE TOUCHES HIM BUT ME! DIE!” “Oh my god! How can you just kill people?!” “WHERE DO YOU SEE PEOPLE? I SEE TRASH! PUNISHING WAVE!” Nightshade screamed. Knox sighed and got to his feet... ‘She’d probably need a hand...’ | <<Stealth>> | | --- | ‘Ah! So nice to be able to do this again...’ Nightshade began decimating anyone who came in reach of her Greatsword with powerful swings, mixed liberally with blasts of Punishing Wave. The entire square soon turned into a riot, dozens of players, trying to take out the player killers who’d attacked them for no reason. NPCs fled down side streets, while NPC children dashed for shop doors that were quickly shut behind them... In a matter of minutes the entire square had been thrown into pandemonium! Knox quickly took out the squishy classes, cutting the mages’ throats, puncturing the healers’ lungs & slashing the arm muscles of any hunter he came across. Some people finally noticed what he was doing and a group of players made a b-line towards him. | <<Burst>> | | --- | | First Stage: Burst Whirl | | --- | Knox spun through the group aiming to take him out, cutting throats, eyes & stomachs in a blur. Then the group got hit by one of Nightshade’s Punishing Waves and Knox left them to their fate. He decided to intercept the few people who’d begun to panic. Knox thought that it was probably in their best interest to not allow anyone to get reinforcements, so he took out everyone who tried to flee the slaughter. ‘There is NO RETREAT! Do you see an exit sign? It’s on the tip of my dagger. Right this way!’ Then, when people seemed to be desperate to take out Nightshade in a last ditch effort, he laid into them from behind. He stabbed Knights and Warriors in between their armor, like a stealthy can-opener. The last player alive, stood there on shaking legs. ”How...? How the hell can something like this happen? Two players took out over twenty people?” Knox ended the player’s mumbling with a Backstab... Then there was silence. Together Knox and Nightshade had killed all the players in the square. *Tring!* | For killing a large number of players in Regus City you are now wanted throughout the Keurlon Kingdom!Current Bounty: 800 GoldInfamy +500 | | --- | | All stats increase by 3 for succeeding in mass slaughter. | | --- | Knox whistled. If he ever needed money he could turn himself in... to get stats for killing people? He loved this game! After reading the system message he walked cautiously toward Nightshade who was leaning on her sword, huffing and puffing. When he got closer she glared at him. “Don’t think I’m done with you yet!” “Yeah, yeah, you can punish me later... But now I think we should scram... We’re probably gonna have to kill the guards on the way out of here, too.” “This is your fault!” “Uh...” Now that he thought about it... He probably shouldn’t have just killed that guy... “Yeah... Sorry? I guess I shouldn’t have killed that guy...” “What? No that part was fine... I was going to kill him if he didn’t shut up. What’s your fault is making me wait for almost a month and a half!” “Ah, I see. I see.” Knox nodded. That made much more sense to him than her being upset about the random guy. “Anyway... PUNISHING WAVE!” “GAH DAMMNIT IT! CUT IT OUT! YOU SAVAGE!” “WHO’S A SAVAGE? ARE YOU CALLING ME THE SAVAGE? PUNISHING WAVE!” “GAAAHH!!! SOMEBODY SAVE ME!” Five minutes... and multiple beatings later... “If you don’t want to continue your punishment, you’ll have to help me! I found something a while ago...” “Fine I’ll do whatever you want! Just don’t hit me with that skill anymore... Why the hell does your sword skill feel like getting hit with a bunch of whips, anyway?” “Just shut up and come along.” | Nightshade has invited you to join a party. | | --- | | You have joined the party. | | --- | Just then guards ran into the square and fanned out to surround the two. “Halt! You are to surrender peacefully!” “How many ‘pieces’ do you think he means?” Nightshade asked with a huge grin. Then she hefted her sword. With another sigh Knox followed Nightshade out of the city of Regus... Which was suddenly short a dozen guards and most of its player population... \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ They had been walking down the road back toward Cara City for three days when suddenly, Nightshade veered into the trees. “So, where exactly are we going? You haven’t even told me yet.” “You’ll see in a minute... I discovered it while some Exp was trying to escape from me.” “Ah, yeah... Stupid Exp; always trying to run away...” After hearing this, most of the low level mobs immediately vacated the area...Thus Knox and Nightshade’s path up the mountainside was uninterrupted. Knox decided to let the dozens of fleeing goblins go... They looked rather traumatized about something. ‘Oh, my god it’s her! Flee! Tell the others!’ ‘The terror of the goblins has returned!’ ‘NOOOOO!!!! She killed my entire family line! I was the only one to survive...’ ‘The Scourge of the Goblins!’ Knox walked on, completely unaware of the panic whispers surrounding him. Nightshade led him to a small pass in the mountainside. The entrance was so small Knox wasn’t sure that he’d fit even going through sideways... “Through there? Really?” “Yup! One of the little buggers ran in here trying to escape me... Can you believe it? I squeezed through though and hunted him down!” Nightshade began slipping through the passage and Knox followed. “Woah... Didn’t see that coming.” Once they left the pass Knox couldn’t help but stare around in amazement... A huge valley spread out in front of them, and in the middle of the Valley was a golden shrine. “So, the shrine’s the target?” “Yup.” “What stopped you from...” Nightshade shrugged. “I killed the goblin... And something told me to go down there alone would be bad.” ‘Hmm... Her animalistic instincts are usually quite accurate.’ “But I looked into it when I got back to town. If we go through this valley, we should be right near Cara City. We’ll have to find another pass like this one... but it should exist.” “Sounds like an adventure to me. Let’s go.” They moved along a ledge that led down into the valley and soon stepped into chest high grass, spreading as far as the eye could see... *Tring!* | Dungeon: Your party is the first to discover the Lost Valley of the Mantis!Reward: Fame +100Every day for one week, double EXP and double item drops. The rarest items will drop from killing the first monster of each type. Subsequent kills will drop common items. | | --- | “Nice! I wonder what kind of monsters are here though...” Just then a loud buzzing sound filled the air and the grass all around them began stirring like a strong wind was coming... Some instinct warned them both and they jumped out of the way just as a huge swath of grass was cleaved in half. Standing in the newly created clearing, were a bunch of giant praying mantis. They were at least four feet tall, with huge claws, green bodies and mandibles that were clacking in anticipation. “Bugs... With sword skills.” Knox and Nightshade looked at each other. “They just attacked us didn’t they? “Yes... Yes they did.” “Those bugs are mighty full of themselves...” *Evil Grin* “Kill them all?” “All? Really?” “We could resume your punishment...” "Killing them it is... Seems most reasonable." To be continued... \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author's Notes: Chapter Six Complete! Which means, we are about half way through the first arc! Comment's/Opinions/Ideas are all appreciated! Special Thanks to: deathninja, Ramzicmain & Kaine

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Ch. 8.5<br><br>Last time our dear protagonist was found heading towards the kingdom's gate ready to embark on his epic adventure where he would eventually slay mystical beasts, find a wealth of hidden treasures and occasionally save a damsel in distress that will join his ever growing non-existent harem of beautiful ladies.<br><br>"Ooh~! That sounds awesome! Except for the non-existent harem part."<br>"So is that what's going to happen next creator?" :) <br><br>Haha <span style="font-weight: bold;">f**** no!</span> {[999aak}] <br><br>"..."<br><br>Instead we find our protagonist where we left him, standing outside the city's gate.<br>There the beautiful scenery of the lush fields of grass and the clear blue sky-<br><br>"Well I guess it's not so bad."<br><br>-was ruined by the site of blood and gore. As the blood splattered across our dear protagonist's face<br> he stood there shocked by the gruesome site of blood and guts flying everywhere.<br><br>"..."<br><br>Alexander?<br><br>"..."<br><br>Strange...usually he would start cursing at me by now.<br><br>"..."<br><br>Hey Alexander? You okay there buddy?<br><br>"...you"<br><br>Yes?<br><br>"You callous ***** of a **** ****** ****** and I swear to Freya <br> if I ever find you I will ***** and ****** to a ***** and-"<br><br>[The user Vsinity has muted you. Your message will not be heard.]<br><br>"..."<br><br>Ah~ blissful silence so peaceful. And now back to the story!<br><br>As Alexander was being painted by the occasional splatter of blood his feet was planted<br>as his eyes took on the bizarre scene before him.<br><br>There were thousands of players right outside the city gates fighting against rabbits.<br>The fact that the monsters were actually cute and fluffy bunnies didn't shock him.<br>It was a one sided massacre and strewn across the fields of lush grass were hundreds<br>upon hundreds of dead corpses. Losers that met their end at the victories of the winners.<br>Even this didn't shock him.<br><br>What did shock him was the one sided genocide as the bunnies, yes the <span style="font-weight: bold;">bunnies</span><br>were massacring the players.<br><br>He watched as players after players soon began to run towards the safety behind the city's gate. Unfortunately for them the bunnies were just a tiny bit faster than they were. And with cute little hops they proceeded to maul the players throats, their snow white fur stained crimson with blood dripping down their whiskers as they bathed in the blood of their enemies.<br><br>...<br><br>As time passed Alexander slowly began to see why the bunnies were so strong.<br>Focusing his attention on a single bunny he started to notice that each time it killed a player it grew larger in size.<br>As time passed the same bunny after killing 5 players began to get notably more faster and it took only 7 nibbles to finish off one player whereas before it took the bunny 15 nibbles to kill a single player.<br><br>Watching the bunnies Alexander made a small theory.<br>Based on what the other players are saying I'm guessing that monsters during night get stronger.<br>So maybe since nobody in the Beta had a chance to fight monsters this fact was not known.<br>Which makes it more likely that the bunnies got stronger during this opportunity. <br>The bunnies that became stronger through killing players at night then grew strong enough to massacre them during the day. <br><br>Based on hearing a few comments based on bits of the conversation of the other players <br>Alexander had made an astonishingly accurate summary of what had occurred.<br>The only thing he didn't know was that the bunnies were also hunting down their former predators. The crimson bunnies dyed red in the blood of their enemies gained enough strength that even a level 30 warrior would have difficulty handling just one of the crimson bunnies. After four weeks the highest average level of the players in game from completing quests were between 10~5 so it was no wonder that many players died each day and as the bunnies grew stronger more and more people would soon die just from the beginners hunting grounds. This issue didn't occur again for players starting in other cities as the rumors and news popped up on the gaming channels and on the game forums.<br> <br>As the sun started to go down the remaining survivors/players retreated back to the city since as night came the bunnies became even stronger. Players had to learn it the hard way on the first night before finding out that monsters became 50% stronger at night. <br><br>Alexander missed out on the first few days after his four weeks restriction was lifted because he was hiding from all the players and missed out on some time thanks to the long physical examination. He did receive the warning from the passing players that went back into the city warning him about the dangers of monsters at night and attacking the bunnies is suicidal especially for a level one noob. All the players passing by him thought he was a complete noob for not finding a few quest and gaining a class during the whole 4 weeks. What they didn't know was that Alexander with his training and higher base stats rivaled a normal level 50~60 warrior while being level 1! <br><br>Smirking as more and more players passed by warning him about the danger <br>he quietly waited until there was no one around.<br><br>As night came and the full moon appeared the fields of grass was covered in an eerie red glow as the lunar light reflected off the furs of hundreds of crimson bunnies.<br><br>Seeing that he was the only player still there Alexander took out and equipped his iron sword.<br>A gift he received from the instructor. Not being able to equip the other sword probably due to level restrictions he knelt down to pick up a large pebble.<br><br>Picking up the pebble off the ground Alexander observed a lone crimson bunny. Flicking his wrist Alexander sent the pebble bouncing off the bunnies head. <br>The enraged crimson bunny started to bounce straight towards him, baring its teeth while letting out its battle cry!<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Squeeeaak!</span><br><br>Err...what I actually meant to say was that the bunny let out a very cute battle cry<br><br>The crimson bunny was rushing towards Alexander at a tremendous speed. Suddenly the bunny changed directions making a small dash to the right it leaped towards me at great speed from an angle. As the flying fur ball approached closer and closer right before impact Alexander spun his body in the direction the bunny was tackling him at greatly reducing the damage he took. <br><br>Using small turns, a few steps here and there and throwing in a couple of spins Alexander continued to let the bunny barely hitting him. The bunny soon charged straight at him enraged by Alexander's tactics. Moving at twice its original speed the bunny charged expecting to slam into his enemy. Instead it only paused to find a sword in its head. The bunny quickly turned grey and vanished.<br><br>Flicking his blade Alexander removed the traces of blood on his sword. Looking up after his sword was clean his stare was met with the gaze of hundreds of eyes surrounding him in the grassy fields. A chill went down every rabbits spine as they saw the stranger walking slowly towards them. The stranger had glowing silver eyes and a smile that made his face even scarier.<br><br>None of the bunnies moved for they were all transfixed by the approaching stranger's silver eyes. For them it was as if time itself had stopped and everything was playing in slow motion.<br><br>The stranger stopped approaching. The stranger had stopped in front of me.<br>The stranger is holding something shiny. Ow! It hurts! Why am I in so much pain!<br>I'm scared. It hurts and everything is going black...<br><br>With a gray flash the rabbit disappeared leaving behind a small grey wisp of smoke. <br>As the small wisp of smoke faded time began to move forward for the rabbits. <br>Anger over the death of their brethren blocked out any fears the bunnies had felt from the glowing silver eyes.<br>Squeaking their battle cries the bunnies charged at the stranger before them.<br><br>From a distance the kingdom's guards were staring out of disbelief of what they were witnessing.<br><br>The elven stranger with his eyes emitting a soft silver glow merely smiled before the waves of bunnies. <br>His sword flickered and disappeared and soon many more grey flash appeared.<br>With each swing more bunnies fell. Dancing in the swirling madness while smiling under the raining blood of his enemies the elven swordsman continued to swing his sword, dancing in the bloody rain under the light of a full moon.<br><br>Alexander was having the time of his life. With every swing he killed 2-3 crimson bunnies. But for every crimson bunny he killed a few more would quickly fill its place. In his excitement from feeling the rush from such an intense battle he swung his sword with more strength.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ka-ting!</span><br><br>Dumbfounded Alexander continued to stare at the blade-less hilt. His sword had finally snapped under the constant strain.<br>Waking up out of his daze after taking a few attacks from the endless number of bunnies he tossed aside his useless sword. Rage soon filled Alexander's body.<br>Opening his mouth Alexander roared beyond what his body should be capable of.<br>With open bare-hands he charged the army of bunnies full intent on taking revenge for his broken sword.<br><br>...<br><br><br>Pshhhhh<br><br>The sound of air being released could be heard as the hatch of the capsule opened.<br><br>Quietly trying to sneak towards the resting quarters not wanting to be seen Joshua tiptoed towards his room for he had just suffer defeat at the hands/paws of bunnies.<br><br>Click<br><br>Blinded by the sudden bright light Joshua grimaced as he heard a sudden voice behind him.<br><br>"Oh my. Back so soon Joshua?"<br><br>"Why yes doctor yes I am."<br><br>"Hmm I do recall telling you that the capsules are modified to allow the player to play 1 month straight in real time.<br> So why is it that you are here after less than half a day dear Joshua boy."<br><br>"Uhhh..."<br><br>"Since your having trouble remembering perhaps I'll recount what happened for you. <br> Lets see after screaming to a bunch of bunnies and I quote "Fear me bunnies for I am your bane. I am the slayer of bunnies and you are nothing but my dinner! Bring it on for your death shall feed me!" <br>Your sword then broke and you proceeded to go bare handed. <br>After putting up an okay fight a bunny got a hold of your family jewels and you had<br>your butt handed to you by a bunch of fluff balls."<br><br>"...how?"<br><br>"The capsules have a recording function and I merely observed your comical display.<br> By the way I'll be sending the videos as part of your progress report. Seeing as your<br>logged out for 24 hours and it's rather late I"ll bid you a goodnight."<br><br>When the doctor left Joshua sighed to himself<br><br>"Man that doctor is seriously starting to get on my nerve."<br><br>Having nothing else to do he headed towards his room to get some sleep. <br><br><br><br><br>This was originally supposed to be the beginning of chapter 9 but since I'll be busy for the next few days <br>after some editing it became ch.8.5<br>Skill and stat tables will appear once I have time.<br><br>Broke the fourth wall again and it's starting to become addicting...I shall tuck those moments away for later.<br><br>Thanks for reading and to the random anons asking for my chapters....<br>good luck on finding me for I am wearing a brilliant disguise! {[999abo}] </div>

Ch. 8.5 Last time our dear protagonist was found heading towards the kingdom's gate ready to embark on his epic adventure where he would eventually slay mystical beasts, find a wealth of hidden treasures and occasionally save a damsel in distress that will join his ever growing non-existent harem of beautiful ladies. "Ooh~! That sounds awesome! Except for the non-existent harem part." "So is that what's going to happen next creator?" :) Haha f**** no! {[999aak}] "..." Instead we find our protagonist where we left him, standing outside the city's gate. There the beautiful scenery of the lush fields of grass and the clear blue sky- "Well I guess it's not so bad." -was ruined by the site of blood and gore. As the blood splattered across our dear protagonist's face he stood there shocked by the gruesome site of blood and guts flying everywhere. "..." Alexander? "..." Strange...usually he would start cursing at me by now. "..." Hey Alexander? You okay there buddy? "...you" Yes? "You callous ***** of a **** ****** ****** and I swear to Freya if I ever find you I will ***** and ****** to a ***** and-" [The user Vsinity has muted you. Your message will not be heard.] "..." Ah~ blissful silence so peaceful. And now back to the story! As Alexander was being painted by the occasional splatter of blood his feet was planted as his eyes took on the bizarre scene before him. There were thousands of players right outside the city gates fighting against rabbits. The fact that the monsters were actually cute and fluffy bunnies didn't shock him. It was a one sided massacre and strewn across the fields of lush grass were hundreds upon hundreds of dead corpses. Losers that met their end at the victories of the winners. Even this didn't shock him. What did shock him was the one sided genocide as the bunnies, yes the bunnies were massacring the players. He watched as players after players soon began to run towards the safety behind the city's gate. Unfortunately for them the bunnies were just a tiny bit faster than they were. And with cute little hops they proceeded to maul the players throats, their snow white fur stained crimson with blood dripping down their whiskers as they bathed in the blood of their enemies. ... As time passed Alexander slowly began to see why the bunnies were so strong. Focusing his attention on a single bunny he started to notice that each time it killed a player it grew larger in size. As time passed the same bunny after killing 5 players began to get notably more faster and it took only 7 nibbles to finish off one player whereas before it took the bunny 15 nibbles to kill a single player. Watching the bunnies Alexander made a small theory. Based on what the other players are saying I'm guessing that monsters during night get stronger. So maybe since nobody in the Beta had a chance to fight monsters this fact was not known. Which makes it more likely that the bunnies got stronger during this opportunity. The bunnies that became stronger through killing players at night then grew strong enough to massacre them during the day. Based on hearing a few comments based on bits of the conversation of the other players Alexander had made an astonishingly accurate summary of what had occurred. The only thing he didn't know was that the bunnies were also hunting down their former predators. The crimson bunnies dyed red in the blood of their enemies gained enough strength that even a level 30 warrior would have difficulty handling just one of the crimson bunnies. After four weeks the highest average level of the players in game from completing quests were between 10~5 so it was no wonder that many players died each day and as the bunnies grew stronger more and more people would soon die just from the beginners hunting grounds. This issue didn't occur again for players starting in other cities as the rumors and news popped up on the gaming channels and on the game forums. As the sun started to go down the remaining survivors/players retreated back to the city since as night came the bunnies became even stronger. Players had to learn it the hard way on the first night before finding out that monsters became 50% stronger at night. Alexander missed out on the first few days after his four weeks restriction was lifted because he was hiding from all the players and missed out on some time thanks to the long physical examination. He did receive the warning from the passing players that went back into the city warning him about the dangers of monsters at night and attacking the bunnies is suicidal especially for a level one noob. All the players passing by him thought he was a complete noob for not finding a few quest and gaining a class during the whole 4 weeks. What they didn't know was that Alexander with his training and higher base stats rivaled a normal level 50~60 warrior while being level 1! Smirking as more and more players passed by warning him about the danger he quietly waited until there was no one around. As night came and the full moon appeared the fields of grass was covered in an eerie red glow as the lunar light reflected off the furs of hundreds of crimson bunnies. Seeing that he was the only player still there Alexander took out and equipped his iron sword. A gift he received from the instructor. Not being able to equip the other sword probably due to level restrictions he knelt down to pick up a large pebble. Picking up the pebble off the ground Alexander observed a lone crimson bunny. Flicking his wrist Alexander sent the pebble bouncing off the bunnies head. The enraged crimson bunny started to bounce straight towards him, baring its teeth while letting out its battle cry! Squeeeaak! Err...what I actually meant to say was that the bunny let out a very cute battle cry The crimson bunny was rushing towards Alexander at a tremendous speed. Suddenly the bunny changed directions making a small dash to the right it leaped towards me at great speed from an angle. As the flying fur ball approached closer and closer right before impact Alexander spun his body in the direction the bunny was tackling him at greatly reducing the damage he took. Using small turns, a few steps here and there and throwing in a couple of spins Alexander continued to let the bunny barely hitting him. The bunny soon charged straight at him enraged by Alexander's tactics. Moving at twice its original speed the bunny charged expecting to slam into his enemy. Instead it only paused to find a sword in its head. The bunny quickly turned grey and vanished. Flicking his blade Alexander removed the traces of blood on his sword. Looking up after his sword was clean his stare was met with the gaze of hundreds of eyes surrounding him in the grassy fields. A chill went down every rabbits spine as they saw the stranger walking slowly towards them. The stranger had glowing silver eyes and a smile that made his face even scarier. None of the bunnies moved for they were all transfixed by the approaching stranger's silver eyes. For them it was as if time itself had stopped and everything was playing in slow motion. The stranger stopped approaching. The stranger had stopped in front of me. The stranger is holding something shiny. Ow! It hurts! Why am I in so much pain! I'm scared. It hurts and everything is going black... With a gray flash the rabbit disappeared leaving behind a small grey wisp of smoke. As the small wisp of smoke faded time began to move forward for the rabbits. Anger over the death of their brethren blocked out any fears the bunnies had felt from the glowing silver eyes. Squeaking their battle cries the bunnies charged at the stranger before them. From a distance the kingdom's guards were staring out of disbelief of what they were witnessing. The elven stranger with his eyes emitting a soft silver glow merely smiled before the waves of bunnies. His sword flickered and disappeared and soon many more grey flash appeared. With each swing more bunnies fell. Dancing in the swirling madness while smiling under the raining blood of his enemies the elven swordsman continued to swing his sword, dancing in the bloody rain under the light of a full moon. Alexander was having the time of his life. With every swing he killed 2-3 crimson bunnies. But for every crimson bunny he killed a few more would quickly fill its place. In his excitement from feeling the rush from such an intense battle he swung his sword with more strength. Ka-ting! Dumbfounded Alexander continued to stare at the blade-less hilt. His sword had finally snapped under the constant strain. Waking up out of his daze after taking a few attacks from the endless number of bunnies he tossed aside his useless sword. Rage soon filled Alexander's body. Opening his mouth Alexander roared beyond what his body should be capable of. With open bare-hands he charged the army of bunnies full intent on taking revenge for his broken sword. ... Pshhhhh The sound of air being released could be heard as the hatch of the capsule opened. Quietly trying to sneak towards the resting quarters not wanting to be seen Joshua tiptoed towards his room for he had just suffer defeat at the hands/paws of bunnies. Click Blinded by the sudden bright light Joshua grimaced as he heard a sudden voice behind him. "Oh my. Back so soon Joshua?" "Why yes doctor yes I am." "Hmm I do recall telling you that the capsules are modified to allow the player to play 1 month straight in real time. So why is it that you are here after less than half a day dear Joshua boy." "Uhhh..." "Since your having trouble remembering perhaps I'll recount what happened for you. Lets see after screaming to a bunch of bunnies and I quote "Fear me bunnies for I am your bane. I am the slayer of bunnies and you are nothing but my dinner! Bring it on for your death shall feed me!" Your sword then broke and you proceeded to go bare handed. After putting up an okay fight a bunny got a hold of your family jewels and you had your butt handed to you by a bunch of fluff balls." "...how?" "The capsules have a recording function and I merely observed your comical display. By the way I'll be sending the videos as part of your progress report. Seeing as your logged out for 24 hours and it's rather late I"ll bid you a goodnight." When the doctor left Joshua sighed to himself "Man that doctor is seriously starting to get on my nerve." Having nothing else to do he headed towards his room to get some sleep. This was originally supposed to be the beginning of chapter 9 but since I'll be busy for the next few days after some editing it became ch.8.5 Skill and stat tables will appear once I have time. Broke the fourth wall again and it's starting to become addicting...I shall tuck those moments away for later. Thanks for reading and to the random anons asking for my chapters.... good luck on finding me for I am wearing a brilliant disguise! {[999abo}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> -Welcome to DHOME, enjoy this new world of ours.-<br><br>As the voice faded away, the capsule gave me my first introduction to Virtual Reality, with a searing blinding light, leaving dark spots upon my retina, I found myself in the middle of a clearing in the middle of the woods.<br>As nothing immediately happened, I decided to sit down. Had been a tiresome day and I needed whatever rest I could get.<br>As I sat down, I was immediately impressed by the texture and sound of the grass. So impressed in fact, that I lay down on and started rolling around until I finally grew bored of it, as I was tired, I shortly fell asleep.<br><br>-20 Minutes later-<br><br>"Get up! Your in my spot!" A yell that was more sounding like a roar came suddenly from behind me. Going from a state of dreaming about muffin shaped clouds to an adrenaline state of being ready to run a marathon, I sat up. <br><br>"Your ruining my spot!" The roar like sound continued. I immediately noticed it was dark, maybe I had fallen asleep? Wait a moment.. There's light over there.. and there.. In fact, now that I think about it, its just dark here, where I am, how is that possible?<br><br>"You ain't moving, you god forsaken creature! Don't make me get down there!" The roar continued. 'Down there'? I thought. As I looked up, my brain couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was big! It had wings! And it looked like that if it were to sit ontop of me it wouldn't even notice.. I immediately went through the tips my ma told me before I left home. "“Courtesy costs you nothing, while insults and petty barbs encourage sloppiness and rigid thinking”, "Don't forget your insignia and identification! God knows what would they could do to you else!", "Remember, Virtual Reality is not actual Reality, anything is possible!", "I don't mind you bringing home a girl. I always wanted a girl, not that having three boys have brought me nuthin' more than joy ofcourse.. and headaches.."<br><br>Figuring that what my eyes was seeing is actually real, or as real I am in my current situation, what I was seeing was more or less a snake with wings and legs with claws. Immediately thinking that its literally impossible for such a thing to fly, the sheer weight to be held up, I had to force myself to remember I'm in Virtual Reality and physical laws and such can be easily be tweaked or outright changed.<br><br>"You ignoring me lad?! How about ignoring this!" The roar had raised an octave as the flying snake started descending, straight to where I was, as I forced myself to sprint towards the closest tree I noticed that I wouldn't make it, as I threw myself towards the closest boulder I saw, which seemed pretty pathetic compared to what was coming down ontop of me, I felt a shockwave hit me, seeing as I was still in the air from the jump, it gave me a boost, a big enough boost to propel me head first into the boulder. 'DAMN! That hurt!<br><br>"I'm gonna give you a chance to run lad, come on, go on.." The winged snake said with a sweet suggesting voice. As I was currently hyped up on adrenaline and with a head feeling like its been through a blender, I was not feeling the slightest to run. In fact, I immediately stood up to lecture (Ma would be so proud) about proper manners to someone who's first sentence to someone else is a roar like yell, yelling to theim to move their ass cause their in that supposed persons 'spot'. As my eyes sent the information to my brain, my brain demanded a few extra seconds to process what I was seeing. As my brain finally accepted that what my eyes was sending me, was actually what I was seeing, I immediately froze. In front of me was two big eyes with slit pupils! The same kind of eyes snakes got! As my survival instinct finally turned on, fight or flight, my body unfortunately turned out to be still stuck in 'freeze' mode, even though I REALLY (Ma raised no fools) wanted to flee.<br><br>"I give you my thanks lad, I'm still a bit hungry after the cow I ate. And here you are, just standing still." The winged snake continued with a sweet voice, the roar all gone.<br>Confused about what the winged snake was meaning, I decided to sit down on the boulder my head had headbutted. Seeing as the winged snake creature was no longer yelling nor threatening me, in fact it looked a bit intrigued about me, though I could be wrong, the way the mouth was moving was a bit disturbing, as when you do when your about to eat something tasty.<br>Deciding that introducements are in order, I did so promptly.<br>"Hello there Mr. 'Im gonna give a sleeping person a hearth attack by walking up to him when hes taking a well deserved rest and then shortly throwing myself ontop of the him only to tell him to feed me afterwards'. My name is Jason Montagne, I have traveled both far and wide in search of something, due to the long and extensive trip I decided to rest in the very grass you are currently laying at, and with a head feeling like its been through a blender and therefore hope you forgive me if I sound rude." I said.<br>As I finished introducing myself the winged snake eyed my curiously, maybe it was trying to understand what it had done wrong? Still, that mouth was really worrying me, I cant even imagine how he imagined I could have had carried enough to feed him.<br><br>"I'm the great Jormungand, the most majestic creature to ever touch the sky. I have flown far and wide today while searching for something of mine. As I returned to this resting place of mine, where I have 'asked' dwarves, elves, humans, orcs and less sentient creatures to stay away from, I find you. As I was tired both mentally and physically I found myself without the patience to politely ask you to leave. I am not aware of the meaning behind 'blender', but I imagine its something to do with your comical way of throwing yourself head first into a boulder upon seeing my majestic form? Either way, I have grown even more tired now and if I want you gone, stay here at your own risk. I imagine that my hunger will return tenfold once I wake up." Jormungand said.<br><br>Seeing Jormungand lay down and curl himself into a ball, I found myself with my body no longer frozen, and my flight instinct still quite alive and kicking. A minute later I was so far into the woods that I could no longer see or hear (Dat' snoring) Jormungand anymore.<br>Finding myself far more tired than I was before the damn snake woke me up, I decided that a finishing nap after the previus one, was in order. This time however I decided a proper resting place, where I wouldn't be gobbled up by a creature while taking a well earned rest'. Figuring that it would be safest hiding in a cave, though no caves in sight therefore going with option two, the tallest tree I could see. And wow, those was some big trees! With vines and everything!<br>As soon I found a big enough crevice among the tree branches for me to lay down into comfort with a few leaves cushioning me in, I immediately fell asleep.<br>I despertly tryed to block out the thought of the winged snake, Jormungand waking up and looking for me as a snack.<br><br>I soon fell asleep.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - <br>Thats the ending of episode prologue, next one 'may' involve some elves and animals and the warnings will apply for that episode.<br><br>A bit info about DHOME: Unlike old games/Virtual Reality where you can see your own stats and such, you are unable to do so in DHOME. You still however gain 'points', but they are more among the lines of passive. For example, lifting heavy objects will raise your strength, muscle density etc. You will find yourself having it an easier time lifting it than you would have had before. Repeatably lifting an heavy object will raise your strength, but the best results are gotten from intense moments, like fighting. Where you put your whole body on the risk. [There will be no 'status' window to see how much points you got in various attributes, it will be all about feeling it with your body]<br>For example, intelligence/mana. As there are no visible 'Mana' bar, the magicians instead 'feel' it with their body. The more mana they expend, the less they have, the more 'tense' their bodies will feel. Once they have expended more mana than they have, their bodies go into shock and thereafter die. This will obviously depend upon various professions, magicians that draw mana from the world or have their body generate it themselves. Then there are ofcourse 'safe guards' to prevent it, for example storing mana in rings, necklaces, weapons, armors or even perhaps big stationary orbs thats placed in watchtowers. <br><br>Hopefully with this setting this fanfic can stand out among the rest.<br>I will not place it in the Royal Road universe since it simply dosnt fit it, but as most if not all my inspiration is from Royal Road, and the other fanfics I've read. I hope you guys do not mind it.<br><br><br>I sincerly ask for your opinions. </div>

-Welcome to DHOME, enjoy this new world of ours.- As the voice faded away, the capsule gave me my first introduction to Virtual Reality, with a searing blinding light, leaving dark spots upon my retina, I found myself in the middle of a clearing in the middle of the woods. As nothing immediately happened, I decided to sit down. Had been a tiresome day and I needed whatever rest I could get. As I sat down, I was immediately impressed by the texture and sound of the grass. So impressed in fact, that I lay down on and started rolling around until I finally grew bored of it, as I was tired, I shortly fell asleep. -20 Minutes later- "Get up! Your in my spot!" A yell that was more sounding like a roar came suddenly from behind me. Going from a state of dreaming about muffin shaped clouds to an adrenaline state of being ready to run a marathon, I sat up. "Your ruining my spot!" The roar like sound continued. I immediately noticed it was dark, maybe I had fallen asleep? Wait a moment.. There's light over there.. and there.. In fact, now that I think about it, its just dark here, where I am, how is that possible? "You ain't moving, you god forsaken creature! Don't make me get down there!" The roar continued. 'Down there'? I thought. As I looked up, my brain couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was big! It had wings! And it looked like that if it were to sit ontop of me it wouldn't even notice.. I immediately went through the tips my ma told me before I left home. "“Courtesy costs you nothing, while insults and petty barbs encourage sloppiness and rigid thinking”, "Don't forget your insignia and identification! God knows what would they could do to you else!", "Remember, Virtual Reality is not actual Reality, anything is possible!", "I don't mind you bringing home a girl. I always wanted a girl, not that having three boys have brought me nuthin' more than joy ofcourse.. and headaches.." Figuring that what my eyes was seeing is actually real, or as real I am in my current situation, what I was seeing was more or less a snake with wings and legs with claws. Immediately thinking that its literally impossible for such a thing to fly, the sheer weight to be held up, I had to force myself to remember I'm in Virtual Reality and physical laws and such can be easily be tweaked or outright changed. "You ignoring me lad?! How about ignoring this!" The roar had raised an octave as the flying snake started descending, straight to where I was, as I forced myself to sprint towards the closest tree I noticed that I wouldn't make it, as I threw myself towards the closest boulder I saw, which seemed pretty pathetic compared to what was coming down ontop of me, I felt a shockwave hit me, seeing as I was still in the air from the jump, it gave me a boost, a big enough boost to propel me head first into the boulder. 'DAMN! That hurt! "I'm gonna give you a chance to run lad, come on, go on.." The winged snake said with a sweet suggesting voice. As I was currently hyped up on adrenaline and with a head feeling like its been through a blender, I was not feeling the slightest to run. In fact, I immediately stood up to lecture (Ma would be so proud) about proper manners to someone who's first sentence to someone else is a roar like yell, yelling to theim to move their ass cause their in that supposed persons 'spot'. As my eyes sent the information to my brain, my brain demanded a few extra seconds to process what I was seeing. As my brain finally accepted that what my eyes was sending me, was actually what I was seeing, I immediately froze. In front of me was two big eyes with slit pupils! The same kind of eyes snakes got! As my survival instinct finally turned on, fight or flight, my body unfortunately turned out to be still stuck in 'freeze' mode, even though I REALLY (Ma raised no fools) wanted to flee. "I give you my thanks lad, I'm still a bit hungry after the cow I ate. And here you are, just standing still." The winged snake continued with a sweet voice, the roar all gone. Confused about what the winged snake was meaning, I decided to sit down on the boulder my head had headbutted. Seeing as the winged snake creature was no longer yelling nor threatening me, in fact it looked a bit intrigued about me, though I could be wrong, the way the mouth was moving was a bit disturbing, as when you do when your about to eat something tasty. Deciding that introducements are in order, I did so promptly. "Hello there Mr. 'Im gonna give a sleeping person a hearth attack by walking up to him when hes taking a well deserved rest and then shortly throwing myself ontop of the him only to tell him to feed me afterwards'. My name is Jason Montagne, I have traveled both far and wide in search of something, due to the long and extensive trip I decided to rest in the very grass you are currently laying at, and with a head feeling like its been through a blender and therefore hope you forgive me if I sound rude." I said. As I finished introducing myself the winged snake eyed my curiously, maybe it was trying to understand what it had done wrong? Still, that mouth was really worrying me, I cant even imagine how he imagined I could have had carried enough to feed him. "I'm the great Jormungand, the most majestic creature to ever touch the sky. I have flown far and wide today while searching for something of mine. As I returned to this resting place of mine, where I have 'asked' dwarves, elves, humans, orcs and less sentient creatures to stay away from, I find you. As I was tired both mentally and physically I found myself without the patience to politely ask you to leave. I am not aware of the meaning behind 'blender', but I imagine its something to do with your comical way of throwing yourself head first into a boulder upon seeing my majestic form? Either way, I have grown even more tired now and if I want you gone, stay here at your own risk. I imagine that my hunger will return tenfold once I wake up." Jormungand said. Seeing Jormungand lay down and curl himself into a ball, I found myself with my body no longer frozen, and my flight instinct still quite alive and kicking. A minute later I was so far into the woods that I could no longer see or hear (Dat' snoring) Jormungand anymore. Finding myself far more tired than I was before the damn snake woke me up, I decided that a finishing nap after the previus one, was in order. This time however I decided a proper resting place, where I wouldn't be gobbled up by a creature while taking a well earned rest'. Figuring that it would be safest hiding in a cave, though no caves in sight therefore going with option two, the tallest tree I could see. And wow, those was some big trees! With vines and everything! As soon I found a big enough crevice among the tree branches for me to lay down into comfort with a few leaves cushioning me in, I immediately fell asleep. I despertly tryed to block out the thought of the winged snake, Jormungand waking up and looking for me as a snack. I soon fell asleep. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Thats the ending of episode prologue, next one 'may' involve some elves and animals and the warnings will apply for that episode. A bit info about DHOME: Unlike old games/Virtual Reality where you can see your own stats and such, you are unable to do so in DHOME. You still however gain 'points', but they are more among the lines of passive. For example, lifting heavy objects will raise your strength, muscle density etc. You will find yourself having it an easier time lifting it than you would have had before. Repeatably lifting an heavy object will raise your strength, but the best results are gotten from intense moments, like fighting. Where you put your whole body on the risk. [There will be no 'status' window to see how much points you got in various attributes, it will be all about feeling it with your body] For example, intelligence/mana. As there are no visible 'Mana' bar, the magicians instead 'feel' it with their body. The more mana they expend, the less they have, the more 'tense' their bodies will feel. Once they have expended more mana than they have, their bodies go into shock and thereafter die. This will obviously depend upon various professions, magicians that draw mana from the world or have their body generate it themselves. Then there are ofcourse 'safe guards' to prevent it, for example storing mana in rings, necklaces, weapons, armors or even perhaps big stationary orbs thats placed in watchtowers. Hopefully with this setting this fanfic can stand out among the rest. I will not place it in the Royal Road universe since it simply dosnt fit it, but as most if not all my inspiration is from Royal Road, and the other fanfics I've read. I hope you guys do not mind it. I sincerly ask for your opinions.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> It’s been a few days since the battle with the thieves’ guild. Much of the city has come to life and a large number of the beggars and people live on the street have decreased. The city’s guard has received a large number of recruits giving any of the criminals in the city a pause.<br><br>Aaron and Laee had finally found a ship to take them to the northern Island. The ship was a Caravelle with two masts and triangle sails. The ships captain was an old man who use to trade along the western coast of the continent but due to a rise in pirates had to move to new waters, which lead him to the deathly Isle.<br><br>Aaron had since turned back to his original form and was now preparing to head out on his voyage.<br><br>Riclamin, “It is not a good idea to leave the city as it is yet!”<br><br>Aaron, ”I have done all I can right now and I need to find the other chosen. Jonathan should be here to help you out if anything arises.”<br><br>Laee, “If you need use you can contact us through the temples are by talking to the high priests.”<br><br>Aaron turned to Laee, “I did not know that how does that work?”<br><br>Laee, “Well we goddesses can listen to our followers prayers and also communicate with a number of the high priests.”<br><br>Aaron, “I wonder if I could give it a try.”<br><br>[Enea, “hold on a moment I’ll let you listen to them in a moment.”]<br><br>Aaron waited for a moment until he began to hear a large amount of people’s voices saying prayers or the priests preaching or trying to contact Enea. With all that piled up on top of each other he was shocked and could not think while a headache began to form. <br><br>[Aaron, “please turn it off I can’t handle it!”]<br><br>[Enea said worriedly, “Give me a moment I’ll block them out again!”]<br><br>Laee stepped over to Aaron and set a hand on his shoulder while ne had his hands to the sides of his head.<br><br>Laee, “are you alright?”<br><br>It was finally calm in Aarons head.<br><br>Aaron, “yah I’m fine now but I don’t know how you can stand all that in your head.”<br><br>Laee, “well we are goddesses after all!”<br><br>[Enea, “sorry I probably should have told you more about it before letting you experience that.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “That’s fine and sorry I did not ask more about it before hand.”]<br><br>Riclamin did not notice anything that happened besides Laee putting her hand on his shoulder and saying a few things out loud.<br><br>Riclamin, “I will do that then.”<br><br>The captain walked up to them.<br><br>Captain, “well we will be heading out in a moment if you two would please board.”<br><br>Aaron, “we will. Take care Riclamin.”<br><br>Riclamin, “I hope you two have a safe trip.”<br><br>Laee, “We will. Stay well.”<br><br>Aaron and Laee boarded the ship and watched as the gangplank was withdrawn to the dock and the ship unfurled its sails. Standing there a few people waved as the ship began to move out of the harbor.<br><br>Aaron, “well here we go another new experience.”<br><br>Laee, “what would that be.”<br><br>Aaron turned to her, “Well I have never been on a ship like this before at least not one with sails.”<br><br>Laee, “there are ships without sails where you come from?”<br><br>Aaron, “well it would be hard to explain but I was once on a English Channel ferry during a trip to Europe.”<br><br>Laee, “you rode a fairy!? And where is Europe?”<br><br>Aaron, “Um no it was not a fairy it was a… ah never mind and Europe well it’s a continent where I come from.”<br><br>Laee, “You have been to another continent!?”<br><br>Aaron sighed leaning against the ships railing.<br><br>Aaron, “well where I come from there are seven continents I live… lived on the continent North America in a country called the united state.”<br><br>Laee, “Aaron that does not exists in this world.”<br><br>Aaron, “um that is correct you can say that it’s another world.”<br><br>Laee, and Enea, “Aaron you are from another world!”<br><br>Aaron rubbed the back of his head.<br><br>“Well yes almost all of the Adventures that have been appearing are from my world. We each came here for our own reasons.”<br><br>[Enea, “This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing.”]<br><br>Laee, “What Kind of alcohol do they have there!”<br><br>Aaron, “Well… Stop always asking about alcohol first of all I’m still under age were I come from since I’m still only 20.”<br><br>Laee, “but you drank with me at the Inns!?”<br><br>Aaron gave another sigh leaning over to look at the water pass the ship.<br><br>[Aaron, “I sure am sighing a lot lately. Well I probably should not bring up things about the real world.”<br><br>[Enea and Laee, “and what do you mean by that?”<br><br>Aaron had forgotten that they could hear everyone of is thought so he began to softly bang his head against the railing he was rest on. Laee set a hand on his shoulder to get him to stop. He slowly stood back up to look at her noticing that she had turned really pail. <br><br>Aaron asked worried, “are you ok Laee?”<br><br>Laee, “I’m fine why?”<br><br>Aaron, “you look pail.”<br><br>Laee, “don’t worry about it and get back to the topic you where on.”<br><br>Aaron continued to look at Laee for a moment.”<br><br>Aaron, “Are you sure you are ok?”<br><br>She looked at him then throws up over the side of the ship. He grabbed her shoulder and put his other hand to her for head to check her temperature. Her temperature seemed fine but she was sweating quite a bit.<br><br>[Enea, “Oh I forgot Laee gets sea sickness while on ships.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what really!? Well you goddess seem human most of the time but at certain times you seem entirely different.”]<br><br>[Enea, “well we are goddesses.”]<br><br>Aaron, “yes yes! Laee you should really go lay down.”<br><br>[Laee, “No I’ll be fine it will go away with some time.”]<br><br>She thought as she once again throws up over the side. Aaron went and got a bucket for Laee before taking her below deck to get here to rest. He grabbed a cloth out of his pack and began to take care of her while telling them about the world he comes from.<br><br>Over the next few days they where travelling through a storm causing the ship to rock even more then usual. This made Laee’s seasickness even worse but he continued to take care of her. Soon he began to notice some water on the floor and became worried. He quickly asked one of the sailors where the water was coming from. The man told him that some of the water from the upper deck was coming down into the hold and that he did not need to worry about it for now.<br><br>Aaron went back to his seat to take care of Laee who was again throwing up in the bucket. he continued to take care of her through out the storm until he heard a cry from the ships deck. He quickly headed up to the deck and walked out into the rain. He was almost completely soaked within moments as a sailor came up to him with a rope tied around his waist to one of the masts.<br><br>The Sailor yelled to be heard, “you need to stay below deck sir!”<br><br>Aaron yelled back, “what was the cry about earlier!?”<br>The sailor pointed real fast at an approaching ship.<br><br>Sailor, “Pirates sir now get below deck.”<br><br>Aaron, “Are we able to out run them!?”<br><br>Sailor, “No sir though this ship was meant for speed there ship is a sloop and can go much faster then us!”<br><br>Aaron, “If they are going to board the ship I can help you out.”<br><br>The captain yelled from the ships helm, “Tie him to the mast and get back to your station!”<br><br>Sailor, “Ai ai sir!”<br><br>The sailor tied him to the ships front mask before quickly moving off.<br><br>Aaron stood there next to the mast as the ship continued to rise and fall over the waves while keeping an eye on the nearing pirates. He grabbed out some of his rope and tied his swords to his belt to not lose them though it might lower his movement in a fight. After he finished the ship surged again and he fell to the deck.<br><br>[Enea, “you need to be carful Aaron, It is dangerous to fight on a ship during a storm.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “What isn’t dangerous at sea during a storm!”]<br><br>[Enea, “good point!”]<br><br>[Laee, “what’s going on! I’ll come help.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “no Stay there its to dangerous in your condition to come up here.”]<br><br>[Laee, “But…”]<br><br>[Enea, “Aarons right you will be more of a hindrance up here then anything.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Alright but if anything happens I’m coming up.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “just stay down there! I don’t want any harm to come to you so please.”]<br><br>[Laee, “alright.”]<br><br>Aaron watched as the Pirate ship came up beside the ship even though we tried to maneuver out of the way. Once the ships where even the pirates throw hooks over the railings while a few of them swung over with a rope from their masts.<br><br>Aaron drew his swords as the closest pirate dropped in front of him. The pirate came at him with cutlass in hand. The man tried to stab at him but he turned to the side while using one of his swords to hit the mans cutlass and throw him off balance. Using his other sword he aimed at the mans chest but was blocked. The pirate tried another trust but it did not work like his first attempt. Aaron quickly struck the cutlass with one sword while using the other to strike the mans exposed rist.<br><br>The Pirate jumped back as another took his place. Aaron continued to block the mans attacks but was soon facing off against another pirate that was a woman. He could not gain any ground and was soon backed against the mast. As the woman struck with her cutlass she throw a dagger while he was bissy blocking the twos blades.<br><br>[Enea, “duck!”]<br><br>Aaron quickly ducked to side while sliding across the deck. He stood up as another female pirate stepped forward and the two headed off to face the other sailors. Her skin was a dark brown and she was wearing a dark green coat and bandana with a black hat.<br>Pirate, “Well well what do we have here a knight at sea.”<br><br>Aaron, “I am no knight! I am the goddess Enea’s Chosen.”<br><br>The pirate came forward drawing two cutlasses.<br><br>Pirate, “Oh a Templar then!”<br><br>Aaron, “Close but no cigar.”<br><br>Pirate, “well who cares as ling as I can get my gold.”<br><br>Aaron activated Flame blade.<br><br>She came forward swinging both her swords down at Aaron. Aaron quickly blocked the two with his own swords but was kicked back against the ships railing. He jumped to the side as the pirate struck out again at him. Aaron brought up his blades again as the Pirate turned to face him. <br>The Pirate lunged forward trying to stab with one cutlass while swing the other one down at an angle. Aaron sidestepped to doge the thrust and blocked the other with his two swords. He did not notice as she stopped the trust and brought it up under his arm into his side but it glanced off the armor.<br><br>Aaron jumped back and noticed that Laee had come up to the deck swaying with the ship a few steps behind the pirate. He blocked the next swing.<br><br>[Laee, “Aaron!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Get back down below!”]<br><br>[Laee, “No I’ll help!”]<br><br>Aaron lunged forward to stab at the pirate but was side stepped.<br><br>[Enea, “Laee listen to Aaron or so help me.”]<br><br>He continued to Attack with four more swings but was blocked with each strike.<br><br>Laee began to chant while holding onto the rail by the steps up to the helm. Soon there was a series of lightning strikes on the pirate ship. <br>Aaron was once again on the defensive as the pirate throws thrust after thrust. He dogged to majority of them but was caught by two. Aaron ran forward shoving into the pirate. <br><br>Laee Launched a fireball at the pirate ship causing the ships to rock from the force. She was thrown over board and so was the pirate into the churning waters. Aaron quickly slid his blades into their sheaf’s causing the flames to go out and jumped in after them.<br><br>While he was flying towards the water his form once again turned into Enea’s form. Once in the water he had a hard time swimming through the water but continued to swim towards Laee. He grabbed her and started to swim for the surface and noticed the pirate nearby had cut her leg when she was thrown and could not swim properly. He quickly grabbed here with out thinking much about it and swam the rest of the way to the surface while being punched and kicked by the pirate.<br><br>Once at the surface he swam for the ship awkwardly with the two people he was supporting. Once at the side of the ship the Pirate grabbed onto the side and began to climb up herself. Aaron was still in the water moving Laee in a better position in front of him with her arms around his neck.<br><br>Aaron, “Laee are you ok!?”<br><br>She just moaned but still held onto him. He grabbed the rope tied to him and began to climb up over the ships railing. Once over he collapsed to the deck breathing heavily. He began to shake Laee to get her up. Soon she was coughing up water and laying on her side with confused eyes.<br><br>Aaron began to get up when he noticed that pirates surrounded him with their cutlasses pointed at him. Since he could not do anything he sat back against the railing while pulling Laee onto his lap and holding her protectively.<br><br>The pirate had lost her hat while in the water stepped between some of her men and looked down on Aaron.<br><br>Pirate, “why aren’t you full of surprises.”<br><br>Aaron, “so what are you going to do with us. Finish us off, enslave us or even sell us for a reward?”<br><br>Pirate, “Now all those are interesting ideas but I don’t deal with the slave trade.”<br><br>Aaron, “then what are you going to do!?”<br><br>Pirate, “well for now I’m going to have you tied up and dragged over to our ship and thrown in the hold. By the way what is your name swordsman or should I say swordswoman now.”<br><br>Aaron, “should you not give your own name first before asking for another’s!”<br><br>Pirate, “well aren’t you a feisty one well I’ll let you have your way this once. My name is Opal "Gold fiend" Yelland "The Fury of the Deathly Isles!" </div>

It’s been a few days since the battle with the thieves’ guild. Much of the city has come to life and a large number of the beggars and people live on the street have decreased. The city’s guard has received a large number of recruits giving any of the criminals in the city a pause. Aaron and Laee had finally found a ship to take them to the northern Island. The ship was a Caravelle with two masts and triangle sails. The ships captain was an old man who use to trade along the western coast of the continent but due to a rise in pirates had to move to new waters, which lead him to the deathly Isle. Aaron had since turned back to his original form and was now preparing to head out on his voyage. Riclamin, “It is not a good idea to leave the city as it is yet!” Aaron, ”I have done all I can right now and I need to find the other chosen. Jonathan should be here to help you out if anything arises.” Laee, “If you need use you can contact us through the temples are by talking to the high priests.” Aaron turned to Laee, “I did not know that how does that work?” Laee, “Well we goddesses can listen to our followers prayers and also communicate with a number of the high priests.” Aaron, “I wonder if I could give it a try.” [Enea, “hold on a moment I’ll let you listen to them in a moment.”] Aaron waited for a moment until he began to hear a large amount of people’s voices saying prayers or the priests preaching or trying to contact Enea. With all that piled up on top of each other he was shocked and could not think while a headache began to form. [Aaron, “please turn it off I can’t handle it!”] [Enea said worriedly, “Give me a moment I’ll block them out again!”] Laee stepped over to Aaron and set a hand on his shoulder while ne had his hands to the sides of his head. Laee, “are you alright?” It was finally calm in Aarons head. Aaron, “yah I’m fine now but I don’t know how you can stand all that in your head.” Laee, “well we are goddesses after all!” [Enea, “sorry I probably should have told you more about it before letting you experience that.”] [Aaron, “That’s fine and sorry I did not ask more about it before hand.”] Riclamin did not notice anything that happened besides Laee putting her hand on his shoulder and saying a few things out loud. Riclamin, “I will do that then.” The captain walked up to them. Captain, “well we will be heading out in a moment if you two would please board.” Aaron, “we will. Take care Riclamin.” Riclamin, “I hope you two have a safe trip.” Laee, “We will. Stay well.” Aaron and Laee boarded the ship and watched as the gangplank was withdrawn to the dock and the ship unfurled its sails. Standing there a few people waved as the ship began to move out of the harbor. Aaron, “well here we go another new experience.” Laee, “what would that be.” Aaron turned to her, “Well I have never been on a ship like this before at least not one with sails.” Laee, “there are ships without sails where you come from?” Aaron, “well it would be hard to explain but I was once on a English Channel ferry during a trip to Europe.” Laee, “you rode a fairy!? And where is Europe?” Aaron, “Um no it was not a fairy it was a… ah never mind and Europe well it’s a continent where I come from.” Laee, “You have been to another continent!?” Aaron sighed leaning against the ships railing. Aaron, “well where I come from there are seven continents I live… lived on the continent North America in a country called the united state.” Laee, “Aaron that does not exists in this world.” Aaron, “um that is correct you can say that it’s another world.” Laee, and Enea, “Aaron you are from another world!” Aaron rubbed the back of his head. “Well yes almost all of the Adventures that have been appearing are from my world. We each came here for our own reasons.” [Enea, “This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing.”] Laee, “What Kind of alcohol do they have there!” Aaron, “Well… Stop always asking about alcohol first of all I’m still under age were I come from since I’m still only 20.” Laee, “but you drank with me at the Inns!?” Aaron gave another sigh leaning over to look at the water pass the ship. [Aaron, “I sure am sighing a lot lately. Well I probably should not bring up things about the real world.” [Enea and Laee, “and what do you mean by that?” Aaron had forgotten that they could hear everyone of is thought so he began to softly bang his head against the railing he was rest on. Laee set a hand on his shoulder to get him to stop. He slowly stood back up to look at her noticing that she had turned really pail. Aaron asked worried, “are you ok Laee?” Laee, “I’m fine why?” Aaron, “you look pail.” Laee, “don’t worry about it and get back to the topic you where on.” Aaron continued to look at Laee for a moment.” Aaron, “Are you sure you are ok?” She looked at him then throws up over the side of the ship. He grabbed her shoulder and put his other hand to her for head to check her temperature. Her temperature seemed fine but she was sweating quite a bit. [Enea, “Oh I forgot Laee gets sea sickness while on ships.”] [Aaron, “what really!? Well you goddess seem human most of the time but at certain times you seem entirely different.”] [Enea, “well we are goddesses.”] Aaron, “yes yes! Laee you should really go lay down.” [Laee, “No I’ll be fine it will go away with some time.”] She thought as she once again throws up over the side. Aaron went and got a bucket for Laee before taking her below deck to get here to rest. He grabbed a cloth out of his pack and began to take care of her while telling them about the world he comes from. Over the next few days they where travelling through a storm causing the ship to rock even more then usual. This made Laee’s seasickness even worse but he continued to take care of her. Soon he began to notice some water on the floor and became worried. He quickly asked one of the sailors where the water was coming from. The man told him that some of the water from the upper deck was coming down into the hold and that he did not need to worry about it for now. Aaron went back to his seat to take care of Laee who was again throwing up in the bucket. he continued to take care of her through out the storm until he heard a cry from the ships deck. He quickly headed up to the deck and walked out into the rain. He was almost completely soaked within moments as a sailor came up to him with a rope tied around his waist to one of the masts. The Sailor yelled to be heard, “you need to stay below deck sir!” Aaron yelled back, “what was the cry about earlier!?” The sailor pointed real fast at an approaching ship. Sailor, “Pirates sir now get below deck.” Aaron, “Are we able to out run them!?” Sailor, “No sir though this ship was meant for speed there ship is a sloop and can go much faster then us!” Aaron, “If they are going to board the ship I can help you out.” The captain yelled from the ships helm, “Tie him to the mast and get back to your station!” Sailor, “Ai ai sir!” The sailor tied him to the ships front mask before quickly moving off. Aaron stood there next to the mast as the ship continued to rise and fall over the waves while keeping an eye on the nearing pirates. He grabbed out some of his rope and tied his swords to his belt to not lose them though it might lower his movement in a fight. After he finished the ship surged again and he fell to the deck. [Enea, “you need to be carful Aaron, It is dangerous to fight on a ship during a storm.”] [Aaron, “What isn’t dangerous at sea during a storm!”] [Enea, “good point!”] [Laee, “what’s going on! I’ll come help.”] [Aaron, “no Stay there its to dangerous in your condition to come up here.”] [Laee, “But…”] [Enea, “Aarons right you will be more of a hindrance up here then anything.”] [Laee, “Alright but if anything happens I’m coming up.”] [Aaron, “just stay down there! I don’t want any harm to come to you so please.”] [Laee, “alright.”] Aaron watched as the Pirate ship came up beside the ship even though we tried to maneuver out of the way. Once the ships where even the pirates throw hooks over the railings while a few of them swung over with a rope from their masts. Aaron drew his swords as the closest pirate dropped in front of him. The pirate came at him with cutlass in hand. The man tried to stab at him but he turned to the side while using one of his swords to hit the mans cutlass and throw him off balance. Using his other sword he aimed at the mans chest but was blocked. The pirate tried another trust but it did not work like his first attempt. Aaron quickly struck the cutlass with one sword while using the other to strike the mans exposed rist. The Pirate jumped back as another took his place. Aaron continued to block the mans attacks but was soon facing off against another pirate that was a woman. He could not gain any ground and was soon backed against the mast. As the woman struck with her cutlass she throw a dagger while he was bissy blocking the twos blades. [Enea, “duck!”] Aaron quickly ducked to side while sliding across the deck. He stood up as another female pirate stepped forward and the two headed off to face the other sailors. Her skin was a dark brown and she was wearing a dark green coat and bandana with a black hat. Pirate, “Well well what do we have here a knight at sea.” Aaron, “I am no knight! I am the goddess Enea’s Chosen.” The pirate came forward drawing two cutlasses. Pirate, “Oh a Templar then!” Aaron, “Close but no cigar.” Pirate, “well who cares as ling as I can get my gold.” Aaron activated Flame blade. She came forward swinging both her swords down at Aaron. Aaron quickly blocked the two with his own swords but was kicked back against the ships railing. He jumped to the side as the pirate struck out again at him. Aaron brought up his blades again as the Pirate turned to face him. The Pirate lunged forward trying to stab with one cutlass while swing the other one down at an angle. Aaron sidestepped to doge the thrust and blocked the other with his two swords. He did not notice as she stopped the trust and brought it up under his arm into his side but it glanced off the armor. Aaron jumped back and noticed that Laee had come up to the deck swaying with the ship a few steps behind the pirate. He blocked the next swing. [Laee, “Aaron!”] [Aaron, “Get back down below!”] [Laee, “No I’ll help!”] Aaron lunged forward to stab at the pirate but was side stepped. [Enea, “Laee listen to Aaron or so help me.”] He continued to Attack with four more swings but was blocked with each strike. Laee began to chant while holding onto the rail by the steps up to the helm. Soon there was a series of lightning strikes on the pirate ship. Aaron was once again on the defensive as the pirate throws thrust after thrust. He dogged to majority of them but was caught by two. Aaron ran forward shoving into the pirate. Laee Launched a fireball at the pirate ship causing the ships to rock from the force. She was thrown over board and so was the pirate into the churning waters. Aaron quickly slid his blades into their sheaf’s causing the flames to go out and jumped in after them. While he was flying towards the water his form once again turned into Enea’s form. Once in the water he had a hard time swimming through the water but continued to swim towards Laee. He grabbed her and started to swim for the surface and noticed the pirate nearby had cut her leg when she was thrown and could not swim properly. He quickly grabbed here with out thinking much about it and swam the rest of the way to the surface while being punched and kicked by the pirate. Once at the surface he swam for the ship awkwardly with the two people he was supporting. Once at the side of the ship the Pirate grabbed onto the side and began to climb up herself. Aaron was still in the water moving Laee in a better position in front of him with her arms around his neck. Aaron, “Laee are you ok!?” She just moaned but still held onto him. He grabbed the rope tied to him and began to climb up over the ships railing. Once over he collapsed to the deck breathing heavily. He began to shake Laee to get her up. Soon she was coughing up water and laying on her side with confused eyes. Aaron began to get up when he noticed that pirates surrounded him with their cutlasses pointed at him. Since he could not do anything he sat back against the railing while pulling Laee onto his lap and holding her protectively. The pirate had lost her hat while in the water stepped between some of her men and looked down on Aaron. Pirate, “why aren’t you full of surprises.” Aaron, “so what are you going to do with us. Finish us off, enslave us or even sell us for a reward?” Pirate, “Now all those are interesting ideas but I don’t deal with the slave trade.” Aaron, “then what are you going to do!?” Pirate, “well for now I’m going to have you tied up and dragged over to our ship and thrown in the hold. By the way what is your name swordsman or should I say swordswoman now.” Aaron, “should you not give your own name first before asking for another’s!” Pirate, “well aren’t you a feisty one well I’ll let you have your way this once. My name is Opal "Gold fiend" Yelland "The Fury of the Deathly Isles!"

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Ch. 7.0<br><br>-Part 1-<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Due to the nature of your race you have inherited the power and wisdom along with tireless strength a common trait among dragons.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>-So this is why my base stats are so high. Wow, I expected some benefits for being part dragon but nothing like this!<br><br>A smile started to form which soon broke out into laughter. <br><br>Just a few levels below the library the library clerk/librarian looked up from his work when he heard the sudden outburst of laughter. His librarian instincts kicked in urging him to go tell the stranger to be quiet, but as he remembered the intimidating eyes that the stranger had he shuddered and sat back down while continuing his work hoping that the laughter would stop.<br><br>As the laughter subsided Alexander went back to the books not wanting to waste precious time. With his Bookworm skill he read books after books, while at the same time recording any information he found useful and he also kept a mental note of any information he found to be interesting. <br><br>Many books later he raised his Bookworm skill to beginner level 5. He ignored the message and the occasional notice that his intelligence had went up. Thanks to the modified capsule he didn’t have to log out of the game and thanks to his endless stamina, a gift from his dragon race he could continue to read without being fatigued. However, he still had to take care of a pressing issue like every other player. With a growl from his stomach he noticed that his satiety bar was falling dangerously low. <br><br>“Inventory Window”<br><br>A screen popped up displaying one canteen filled with water and 10 pieces of rye bread.<br>After taking out the canteen and one piece of rye bread he slowly took his time letting the small bites he took out of the rock hard bread to soften up with his saliva. After eating his satiety bar went up and he no longer felt hungry. <br><br>That experience reminded Alexander to check the status of his satiety bar from then on. He didn’t want to find out what would happen if he let it run empty. After putting the canteen back in his inventory he closed the screen and begins to continue reading what seems to be an endless amount of books. Two straight weeks passed by in game and Alexander during that time from dawn to dusk to dawn again and to dusk again kept reading and reading till the point that there was no book on the shelves in every level of the library. Seeing that he had finished it was time for him to move on. <br><br>The library clerk was deeply engrossed in the book he was reading when he heard a voice.<br>“Hey, thanks again for letting me read here. There were a lot of interesting books but since I finished them all I’ll be leaving now.” <br><br>As the stranger exited the library the librarian not believing what he had just heard quickly went up the stairs only to have his jaws drop at the site. <br><br>Mountains of books could be seen everywhere. There was virtually no spot left free. Quickly running up the flight of stairs to the next level the librarian’s face paled at what he saw. At every level of the library the librarians face got paler and paler until he got onto the 4th level. At that point he simply fell to the ground on his knees and started to cry since every level was in the same mess as the first. <br><br>Later that day many noobs started to flock to the library. There was a rumor of a new quest for beginners with a decent amount of pay. The new quest looked like this.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">-Restore the Library to its Former Glories-</span><br>Due to an untidy librarian all the books<br>Need to be organized.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Unfortunately for the librarian because there were too many books to organize many of the players gave up on the quest. Because the library was not organized in time the reputation of the librarian plummeted and he was soon replaced by another librarian.<br><br>And so the former librarian went off to look for work and somehow ended up in a pastry shop.<br>That however is another story for another time.<br><br>As Alexander exited the library heading to his next destination, oblivious to the librarian’s fate a shadow emerged from behind one of the many mountains of books. The shadow took the shape of a person. The shadow let out a small chuckle as it looked out from the windows of the library, watching with amusement at Alexander running off into the distance.<br><br>As he ran Alexander decided to cast one of the many spells he read about.<br>It was a simple spell that could increase the movement speed of its target.<br>However no matter how many times he spoke the incantations the spell wouldn’t activate.<br><br>Since his character already had a high agility stat Alexander waved the issue aside promising to himself to look into the matter later.<br>Soon with the help of the map he took a screen shot of when he first started he arrived at his next destination.<br>The Training Halls. <br><br>Alexander stood in front of the huge facility admiring the rows of scarecrows just waiting to receive a beating. With a grin he thought to himself<br>-Reading and learning new things is always useful and at times fun, but come on I’m a soldier. Spending all that time not moving is giving me an itch.<br><br>With that thought in mind he quickly took off running straight past the Instructor of the training hall. <br><br>Glaring fiercely at the approaching figure the instructor started to say something to me.<br><br>“Young adventure, I presu-”<br><br>However I just ran passed him straight towards the pile of wooden weapons.<br><br>“Well good day to you to! Hmph.”<br><br>After grabbing a wooden sword to my liking I quickly went to the furthest end and proceeded to attacking the scarecrow. After a few warm up strikes I decided to practice a few things I read about. Taking a stance that I saw illustrated in some of the many books about swordsmanship I read(since the army didn't train us in how to use a sword) I performed a series of quick attacks letting the momentum of the previous attack carry onto the next attack making each blow stronger than the last. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pow-pow-pow-Slash-Slash-pow-stab-pow-pow-slash-pow-slash-pow!</span><br><br>So absorbed into the task at hand Alexander continued to rain blows after blows on the scarecrow that soon started to bend with each and every strike. <br><br>After sometime a few windows popped up but Alexander waved them aside as he was enjoying the feeling of swinging a sword after being cooped up in the library for two weeks straight.<br><br>After letting loose another salvo of quick strikes, Alexander started experimenting based on what he learned from the books. He soon started matching his swings to the momentum of his body and the movement of his legs which gave the swings more force with less effort. Spinning his body, ducking his head he continued to attack the scarecrow with an imagination of fighting a monster!<br><br>The monster in his head was quick and it took everything he had to simply land in a few glancing blows. As time passed by the wooden sword became a blur as each attack flowed smoothly into the next. It was as if the wooden blade had suddenly come to life on its own!<br><br>Little did Alexander knew that he was using his Bookworm skill subconsciously as it had become a habit for him to activate the skill during the whole two weeks he spent at the library!<br>If he did check the pop up window he would have found out that he had uncovered a new effect of Bookworm. The new effect activated when he started incorporating the sword pattern and sword skills theories he read into use!<br><br>However it wasn’t just the Bookworm skill that elevated Alexander’s swordsmanship. It was the fact that he was a natural when it came to using melee weapons and it was noted several times from the military evaluators when he had to practice armed combat during the training camp. The combination of his innate natural abilities and the effects of the Bookworm skill evolved Alexander’s swordsmanship by leaps and bounds!<br><br>As Alexander kept attacking the poor scarecrow his wooden sword finally broke, unable to withstand the enormous force that kept increasing with each attack.<br><br>Fortunately for the scarecrow his stomach rumbled at that moment. If it hadn’t he would of simply proceeded to grabbing another wooden sword and starting all over again since due to his Dragon Stamina he felt no need to rest.<br><br>As he turned around ready to leave and find a spot to eat he stopped at the site in front of him.<br><br>“What? Why are there so many people?”<br><br>When he first arrived the training hall was virtually empty but now it was filled with hundreds of players. However what shocked him was why all these players simply stood there looking at him and not waving a sword around.<br><br>“Bro, did you see that?”<br>“Dude that was so unreal man. His skills are epic!”<br>“See? See? I told you he was a hottie. With those pointed ears he’s got to be an elf right?”<br>“Is that a skill? I’ve never seen anything like it. The attacks were just too fast!”<br>“Omg that elf guy, he’s so cute!”“Whoa it’s like I was watching a movie!”<br>“He seems really strong”<br>“But isn’t he wearing a beginner outfit?”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Hey why don’t we invite him?”</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">…</span><br><br>From that one question a deep silence filled the area.<br><br>Not liking the hungry stares and the awkward silence after that statement he quickly acted. After regaining his composure Alexander looked up at the crowd again giving them a smile which made the girls look even more ahem* scarier since they were sizing him up as if he was dinner. <br><br>He then slowly held up his broken swords for the crowd to see. The crowd being curious stared intently at the broken sword and as his arms slowly went up and tossed the broken swords high into the air as if by instinct the crowds’ eyes followed the broken sword up into the air. When they finally looked back the swordsman was long gone.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>Part 2</span><br><br><br>Today we find our protagonist wearing a hooded cloak entering a pastry shop.<br><br>Why is he wearing a hooded cloak you may ask?<br>Oh no reason really it’s just that he’s hiding from every player in the entire city trying to search for the beginner elf who is rumored to be an expert swordsman. <br><br>The players had mistaken our dear protagonist for an elf because the only distinctive features he had were his eyes and pointed ears. Oh and I also failed to mention previously about the fact that he is also a bishie (pretty boy) in real life. He doesn’t know it himself since he spent his entire life in the military but I’ll mention that detail if I ever do get around to making a background for him. Ahem* getting back to the story.<br><br>Due to these rumors of an elf master swordsman who also happens to be a bishie the entire city was in an uproar as players searched and chase our poor protagonist that didn’t want all this unnecessary attention.<br><br>Some players wanted to meet him because of his rumored swordsmanship and the rest (mostly female players) wanted to confirm whether this elf was truly a bishie as the rumor claimed.<br><br>As the doors swung open a little bell chimed as a way of stating that a customer has arrived.<br>Hearing the chime a man wearing thick glasses quickly stood up, placing the book he was just reading down on the counter.<br><br>“Welcome dear customer, what can I get for you today—<span style="font-weight: bold;">oh. It’s you</span>.”<br><br>Taking off his hooded cloak our protagonist walked towards the former librarian.<br><br>“Hey Al it’s nice to see you too.”<br><br>Alexander walked past the former librarian into the back. <br><br>However, our dear protagonist didn’t really pay any attention to the former librarian so it wasn’t surprising that he didn’t recognize him.<br><br>As Alexander walked by he noticed that his coworker always seemed to have a grumpy look on his face as he sat back down to read his book.<br><br>There the store’s owner who simply went by Boss was preparing a new batch of pastries. Boss was actually the older brother of Allen or Al and when he got fired as a librarian he came to his older brother looking for a job. Without looking up from his work Boss he instructed Alexander to go out to the back. Behind the pastry store was a small yard surrounded by tall brick walls. There Alexander quickly chopped up fire wood that would be needed for the oven. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*Chop-chop-chop-chop!*</span><br><br>It wasn’t long before he chopped up enough firewood. After placing the stack of firewood next to oven with his work done for now Alexander quickly took out his wooden sword to attack the makeshift wooden dummy in the backyard. He didn’t know why Boss had a wooden training dummy but he was glad to have a private place to train for the training hall was a no go for him.<br><br>There were players constantly patrolling the training halls in search of him for they all wanted him to join either their parties or recruit him into their guilds that would soon be established later on. <br><br>A series of slash and jabs later Alexander was soon lost in his thoughts as he continued practicing. <br><br>-It’s been two weeks since I started working here. It was a good thing that I <del>stole</del> found this hooded cloak. And thanks to Boss I also learned the cooking skill and best of all I have my own private place to train.<br><br>What actually happened was that at some point Alexander managed to lose most of his pursuers. There was one player still chasing him so he quickly took him out and <del>mugged</del> kindly asked to borrow his hooded cloak and taking the silence as a yes he quickly took the item and disguised himself. After all that running his satiety bar dropped again and with no rye breads left to eat he wandered the streets following the smell of delicious foods, and this is how Alexander found the pastry shop where by pure coincidence the former librarian was working at. <br><br>Boss had hired his younger brother simply because they were family. However being a former librarian the younger brother was ahem* not suited towards physical work. So that was how Alexander was offered a job and after a long discussion they agreed that he will work without payment as long as he could eat some food and learn how to cook. When he went to the back and saw the wooden training dummy he also included free use of the dummy into the agreement. <br><br>-Whack-whack-slash-whack-whack-slash-<br><br>I continued my self-training exercise but my swings were half-hearted because something was really bothering me at that moment. The reason was because after some time Boss came outside to the backyard and while leaning on the wall next to the entrance he continued to watch me, intently staring at me swinging my sword for over 3 hours…<br><br>Normally I wouldn’t be bothered by having someone watching me train. But since Boss never bothered speaking to me unless it was necessary I was nervous at having him stare at me for 3 straight hours. <br><br>Without any warning Boss suddenly got off the wall he was leaning against and started to slowly walk towards me. <br><br>I stopped in mid-swing and watched him approach with my sword held in front of me. Just as I was about to swing my sword at him since he was getting uncomfortably closer I stopped myself when he reached into his pocket and took out an envelope. He gave the envelope to me, gesturing for me to open it since I just stood there and looked at him confused.<br><br>Opening the envelope inside was a folded letter that I took out and read.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Dear Alexander,<br><br>This letter will be presented to you after my former student deems that you have finally completed the basic training program. Do not be surprised for how I know your name or how this letter found you. I simply sent a letter to all my former students asking if they’ve seen an elf with superb swordsmanship. Imagine my surprise when I finally got word about you only to find that you were working at a pastry shop owned by one of my previous student! But I felt proud knowing you were devoted to the way of the sword since you continued to practice on your own. Congratulations on making it this far but never stop training for there are many more training programs out there. If you wish to become a proper warrior I will gladly recommend you to training in order to become a knight! Instead of a housewife spending the rest of their days standing in front of an oven! Ahem* no disrespect towards my former student if you happen to also be reading this.<br><br>Sincerely, Instructor Lancer</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As I looked up after finishing my letter I heard two words from Boss.<br><br>“Your fired.”<br><br>“…What?”<br><br>“Like I said <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your Fired</span>.”<br><br>“I know what you said I want a damn explanation!”<br><br>“Look kid you work hard but you eat too much and you used too much of my ingredients for cooking and now I’m running low on supplies. Plus you shouldn’t waste your time being just a <span style="font-weight: bold;">housewife</span>. Your fired, get lost kid.”<br><br>Still in shock at how suddenly I lost my job over something that wasn't even my fault it took me a while after Boss booted me out of his shop before I started cursing and shouting profanities at him. This unfortunately attracted the attention of some nearby players who were still obsessed with trying to find me. Quickly equipping my hooded cloak I prepared to run. <br><br>However, just before Alexander took off he couldn’t help but notice that through the front of the pastry shop’s glass wall the face of the grumpy sales clerk with thick glasses was showing him the biggest, happiest smile he had ever seen. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Decided to not place any stat or skill charts since doing it every chapter is just well exhausting<br><br>Hope you liked it and I'm also hoping I don't have a bad sense of humor as I was trying to incorporate some comedy. <br>I would also like to give special thanks to <span style="color: #4000FF;">fazwick</span> for showing me how to strikethrough words. Which I've seen in the Necromance by Halosty ff (another good read)<br>Thanks for reading! {[999abo}] </div>

Ch. 7.0 -Part 1- | Due to the nature of your race you have inherited the power and wisdom along with tireless strength a common trait among dragons. | | --- | -So this is why my base stats are so high. Wow, I expected some benefits for being part dragon but nothing like this! A smile started to form which soon broke out into laughter. Just a few levels below the library the library clerk/librarian looked up from his work when he heard the sudden outburst of laughter. His librarian instincts kicked in urging him to go tell the stranger to be quiet, but as he remembered the intimidating eyes that the stranger had he shuddered and sat back down while continuing his work hoping that the laughter would stop. As the laughter subsided Alexander went back to the books not wanting to waste precious time. With his Bookworm skill he read books after books, while at the same time recording any information he found useful and he also kept a mental note of any information he found to be interesting. Many books later he raised his Bookworm skill to beginner level 5. He ignored the message and the occasional notice that his intelligence had went up. Thanks to the modified capsule he didn’t have to log out of the game and thanks to his endless stamina, a gift from his dragon race he could continue to read without being fatigued. However, he still had to take care of a pressing issue like every other player. With a growl from his stomach he noticed that his satiety bar was falling dangerously low. “Inventory Window” A screen popped up displaying one canteen filled with water and 10 pieces of rye bread. After taking out the canteen and one piece of rye bread he slowly took his time letting the small bites he took out of the rock hard bread to soften up with his saliva. After eating his satiety bar went up and he no longer felt hungry. That experience reminded Alexander to check the status of his satiety bar from then on. He didn’t want to find out what would happen if he let it run empty. After putting the canteen back in his inventory he closed the screen and begins to continue reading what seems to be an endless amount of books. Two straight weeks passed by in game and Alexander during that time from dawn to dusk to dawn again and to dusk again kept reading and reading till the point that there was no book on the shelves in every level of the library. Seeing that he had finished it was time for him to move on. The library clerk was deeply engrossed in the book he was reading when he heard a voice. “Hey, thanks again for letting me read here. There were a lot of interesting books but since I finished them all I’ll be leaving now.” As the stranger exited the library the librarian not believing what he had just heard quickly went up the stairs only to have his jaws drop at the site. Mountains of books could be seen everywhere. There was virtually no spot left free. Quickly running up the flight of stairs to the next level the librarian’s face paled at what he saw. At every level of the library the librarians face got paler and paler until he got onto the 4th level. At that point he simply fell to the ground on his knees and started to cry since every level was in the same mess as the first. Later that day many noobs started to flock to the library. There was a rumor of a new quest for beginners with a decent amount of pay. The new quest looked like this. | -Restore the Library to its Former Glories-Due to an untidy librarian all the booksNeed to be organized. | | --- | Unfortunately for the librarian because there were too many books to organize many of the players gave up on the quest. Because the library was not organized in time the reputation of the librarian plummeted and he was soon replaced by another librarian. And so the former librarian went off to look for work and somehow ended up in a pastry shop. That however is another story for another time. As Alexander exited the library heading to his next destination, oblivious to the librarian’s fate a shadow emerged from behind one of the many mountains of books. The shadow took the shape of a person. The shadow let out a small chuckle as it looked out from the windows of the library, watching with amusement at Alexander running off into the distance. As he ran Alexander decided to cast one of the many spells he read about. It was a simple spell that could increase the movement speed of its target. However no matter how many times he spoke the incantations the spell wouldn’t activate. Since his character already had a high agility stat Alexander waved the issue aside promising to himself to look into the matter later. Soon with the help of the map he took a screen shot of when he first started he arrived at his next destination. The Training Halls. Alexander stood in front of the huge facility admiring the rows of scarecrows just waiting to receive a beating. With a grin he thought to himself -Reading and learning new things is always useful and at times fun, but come on I’m a soldier. Spending all that time not moving is giving me an itch. With that thought in mind he quickly took off running straight past the Instructor of the training hall. Glaring fiercely at the approaching figure the instructor started to say something to me. “Young adventure, I presu-” However I just ran passed him straight towards the pile of wooden weapons. “Well good day to you to! Hmph.” After grabbing a wooden sword to my liking I quickly went to the furthest end and proceeded to attacking the scarecrow. After a few warm up strikes I decided to practice a few things I read about. Taking a stance that I saw illustrated in some of the many books about swordsmanship I read(since the army didn't train us in how to use a sword) I performed a series of quick attacks letting the momentum of the previous attack carry onto the next attack making each blow stronger than the last. Pow-pow-pow-Slash-Slash-pow-stab-pow-pow-slash-pow-slash-pow! So absorbed into the task at hand Alexander continued to rain blows after blows on the scarecrow that soon started to bend with each and every strike. After sometime a few windows popped up but Alexander waved them aside as he was enjoying the feeling of swinging a sword after being cooped up in the library for two weeks straight. After letting loose another salvo of quick strikes, Alexander started experimenting based on what he learned from the books. He soon started matching his swings to the momentum of his body and the movement of his legs which gave the swings more force with less effort. Spinning his body, ducking his head he continued to attack the scarecrow with an imagination of fighting a monster! The monster in his head was quick and it took everything he had to simply land in a few glancing blows. As time passed by the wooden sword became a blur as each attack flowed smoothly into the next. It was as if the wooden blade had suddenly come to life on its own! Little did Alexander knew that he was using his Bookworm skill subconsciously as it had become a habit for him to activate the skill during the whole two weeks he spent at the library! If he did check the pop up window he would have found out that he had uncovered a new effect of Bookworm. The new effect activated when he started incorporating the sword pattern and sword skills theories he read into use! However it wasn’t just the Bookworm skill that elevated Alexander’s swordsmanship. It was the fact that he was a natural when it came to using melee weapons and it was noted several times from the military evaluators when he had to practice armed combat during the training camp. The combination of his innate natural abilities and the effects of the Bookworm skill evolved Alexander’s swordsmanship by leaps and bounds! As Alexander kept attacking the poor scarecrow his wooden sword finally broke, unable to withstand the enormous force that kept increasing with each attack. Fortunately for the scarecrow his stomach rumbled at that moment. If it hadn’t he would of simply proceeded to grabbing another wooden sword and starting all over again since due to his Dragon Stamina he felt no need to rest. As he turned around ready to leave and find a spot to eat he stopped at the site in front of him. “What? Why are there so many people?” When he first arrived the training hall was virtually empty but now it was filled with hundreds of players. However what shocked him was why all these players simply stood there looking at him and not waving a sword around. “Bro, did you see that?” “Dude that was so unreal man. His skills are epic!” “See? See? I told you he was a hottie. With those pointed ears he’s got to be an elf right?” “Is that a skill? I’ve never seen anything like it. The attacks were just too fast!” “Omg that elf guy, he’s so cute!”“Whoa it’s like I was watching a movie!” “He seems really strong” “But isn’t he wearing a beginner outfit?” “Hey why don’t we invite him?” … From that one question a deep silence filled the area. Not liking the hungry stares and the awkward silence after that statement he quickly acted. After regaining his composure Alexander looked up at the crowd again giving them a smile which made the girls look even more ahem* scarier since they were sizing him up as if he was dinner. He then slowly held up his broken swords for the crowd to see. The crowd being curious stared intently at the broken sword and as his arms slowly went up and tossed the broken swords high into the air as if by instinct the crowds’ eyes followed the broken sword up into the air. When they finally looked back the swordsman was long gone. Part 2 Today we find our protagonist wearing a hooded cloak entering a pastry shop. Why is he wearing a hooded cloak you may ask? Oh no reason really it’s just that he’s hiding from every player in the entire city trying to search for the beginner elf who is rumored to be an expert swordsman. The players had mistaken our dear protagonist for an elf because the only distinctive features he had were his eyes and pointed ears. Oh and I also failed to mention previously about the fact that he is also a bishie (pretty boy) in real life. He doesn’t know it himself since he spent his entire life in the military but I’ll mention that detail if I ever do get around to making a background for him. Ahem* getting back to the story. Due to these rumors of an elf master swordsman who also happens to be a bishie the entire city was in an uproar as players searched and chase our poor protagonist that didn’t want all this unnecessary attention. Some players wanted to meet him because of his rumored swordsmanship and the rest (mostly female players) wanted to confirm whether this elf was truly a bishie as the rumor claimed. As the doors swung open a little bell chimed as a way of stating that a customer has arrived. Hearing the chime a man wearing thick glasses quickly stood up, placing the book he was just reading down on the counter. “Welcome dear customer, what can I get for you today—oh. It’s you.” Taking off his hooded cloak our protagonist walked towards the former librarian. “Hey Al it’s nice to see you too.” Alexander walked past the former librarian into the back. However, our dear protagonist didn’t really pay any attention to the former librarian so it wasn’t surprising that he didn’t recognize him. As Alexander walked by he noticed that his coworker always seemed to have a grumpy look on his face as he sat back down to read his book. There the store’s owner who simply went by Boss was preparing a new batch of pastries. Boss was actually the older brother of Allen or Al and when he got fired as a librarian he came to his older brother looking for a job. Without looking up from his work Boss he instructed Alexander to go out to the back. Behind the pastry store was a small yard surrounded by tall brick walls. There Alexander quickly chopped up fire wood that would be needed for the oven. *Chop-chop-chop-chop!* It wasn’t long before he chopped up enough firewood. After placing the stack of firewood next to oven with his work done for now Alexander quickly took out his wooden sword to attack the makeshift wooden dummy in the backyard. He didn’t know why Boss had a wooden training dummy but he was glad to have a private place to train for the training hall was a no go for him. There were players constantly patrolling the training halls in search of him for they all wanted him to join either their parties or recruit him into their guilds that would soon be established later on. A series of slash and jabs later Alexander was soon lost in his thoughts as he continued practicing. -It’s been two weeks since I started working here. It was a good thing that I ~~stole~~ found this hooded cloak. And thanks to Boss I also learned the cooking skill and best of all I have my own private place to train. What actually happened was that at some point Alexander managed to lose most of his pursuers. There was one player still chasing him so he quickly took him out and ~~mugged~~ kindly asked to borrow his hooded cloak and taking the silence as a yes he quickly took the item and disguised himself. After all that running his satiety bar dropped again and with no rye breads left to eat he wandered the streets following the smell of delicious foods, and this is how Alexander found the pastry shop where by pure coincidence the former librarian was working at. Boss had hired his younger brother simply because they were family. However being a former librarian the younger brother was ahem* not suited towards physical work. So that was how Alexander was offered a job and after a long discussion they agreed that he will work without payment as long as he could eat some food and learn how to cook. When he went to the back and saw the wooden training dummy he also included free use of the dummy into the agreement. -Whack-whack-slash-whack-whack-slash- I continued my self-training exercise but my swings were half-hearted because something was really bothering me at that moment. The reason was because after some time Boss came outside to the backyard and while leaning on the wall next to the entrance he continued to watch me, intently staring at me swinging my sword for over 3 hours… Normally I wouldn’t be bothered by having someone watching me train. But since Boss never bothered speaking to me unless it was necessary I was nervous at having him stare at me for 3 straight hours. Without any warning Boss suddenly got off the wall he was leaning against and started to slowly walk towards me. I stopped in mid-swing and watched him approach with my sword held in front of me. Just as I was about to swing my sword at him since he was getting uncomfortably closer I stopped myself when he reached into his pocket and took out an envelope. He gave the envelope to me, gesturing for me to open it since I just stood there and looked at him confused. Opening the envelope inside was a folded letter that I took out and read. | Dear Alexander,This letter will be presented to you after my former student deems that you have finally completed the basic training program. Do not be surprised for how I know your name or how this letter found you. I simply sent a letter to all my former students asking if they’ve seen an elf with superb swordsmanship. Imagine my surprise when I finally got word about you only to find that you were working at a pastry shop owned by one of my previous student! But I felt proud knowing you were devoted to the way of the sword since you continued to practice on your own. Congratulations on making it this far but never stop training for there are many more training programs out there. If you wish to become a proper warrior I will gladly recommend you to training in order to become a knight! Instead of a housewife spending the rest of their days standing in front of an oven! Ahem* no disrespect towards my former student if you happen to also be reading this.Sincerely, Instructor Lancer | | --- | As I looked up after finishing my letter I heard two words from Boss. “Your fired.” “…What?” “Like I said Your Fired.” “I know what you said I want a damn explanation!” “Look kid you work hard but you eat too much and you used too much of my ingredients for cooking and now I’m running low on supplies. Plus you shouldn’t waste your time being just a housewife. Your fired, get lost kid.” Still in shock at how suddenly I lost my job over something that wasn't even my fault it took me a while after Boss booted me out of his shop before I started cursing and shouting profanities at him. This unfortunately attracted the attention of some nearby players who were still obsessed with trying to find me. Quickly equipping my hooded cloak I prepared to run. However, just before Alexander took off he couldn’t help but notice that through the front of the pastry shop’s glass wall the face of the grumpy sales clerk with thick glasses was showing him the biggest, happiest smile he had ever seen. Decided to not place any stat or skill charts since doing it every chapter is just well exhausting Hope you liked it and I'm also hoping I don't have a bad sense of humor as I was trying to incorporate some comedy. I would also like to give special thanks to fazwick for showing me how to strikethrough words. Which I've seen in the Necromance by Halosty ff (another good read) Thanks for reading! {[999abo}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Aaron had finally reached a point on quests in the village besides the ones to travel to the next village. The majority of the quests he performed where fetch, Repair, Healing, and hunting quests. He had earned enough experience to reach Level 62 and even evolve his armor at level 60. <br><br>Status Window<br>Name Aaron Primary Class Enea's Chosen<br>Gender Male Height 6'4"<br>Health 1000 Mana 800<br>Level 62<br>Health Regen/sec 6.2 Mana Regen/sec 6.2<br>Strength 36 Agility 38<br>Wisdom 20 Intelligence 24<br>Stamina 34 Vitality 26<br>Dexterity 26<br>Faith 750<br>Fame 320<br>Skills<br>Precise shot-Basic Level 4, Blade Proficiency-basic level 7, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 7, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 6, Amidexstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 9, Repair-Basic level 6, Handicraft-Basic Level 4,Blacksmith-Basic level 3, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 3,Traps-Basic Level 3, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 6, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 1,<br><br><br>Weapon Forms<br>Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form,<br><br>Spells<br>Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, <br><br>Language<br>Common, Ancient<br><br>Equipment<br>Head Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6<br> <br>Kneck Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4<br> <br>Armor/Torso Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br> <br>Arms Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8<br> <br>Pants/Legs Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br> <br>Feet Enea's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10<br> <br> <br>Enea's Armor<br>Durability 150/150 total Defense 56<br>Armor Heavy Class Ultimate Rare<br>Ability’s<br>Enea was once the peacekeeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. <br><br><br>Evolution Stage 1 Level 62<br>Evolutions Affects<br>Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed<br><br><br>Currently he was in his own form walking to the temple. His armor looked Almost the same as before its evolution but had some minor changes. His gantlets now morphed to cover the back of his hands and thicken around his rists and arm. His hands where covered in some fine light malle the same was with the rest of the joints on his body.<br><br>[Enea, “This has been a nice stay in the town but we should really find the other chosen.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’m planning on heading to the next town after speaking with the elders once more.”]<br><br>[Enea, “That’s a good Idea we could learn some more about our next stop.”]<br><br>Aaron walked into the temple and found April and the elders.<br><br>Elders, “Ah Chosen we are grateful for your help.”<br><br>Aaron, “ Anything to help those in need.”<br><br>Elder Priestess, “Ah so kind of you.”<br><br>First Elder, “is there something we could do for you.”<br><br>Aaron, “I was planning on heading out to find the chosen you had mentioned before.”<br><br>Second Elder, “Ah we have sent a messenger out but he has not returned.”<br><br>Aaron, “I will keep an eye out for the messenger on my way to the next village.”<br><br>Elder Priestess, “we hope nothing bad has happened.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have acquired a new quest!</span><br><br>Aaron, “If I find out anything I will let you know.”<br><br>Aaron walked away to meet April that was waiting in the corner by the front door.<br><br>April, “I heard you where heading out to the next village.”<br><br>Aaron, “Yes I’m going to look for the other chosen that are out there.”<br><br>April grabbed something out of a pouch at her side and held it out to Aaron.<br><br>April, “I hope this will help you out on your travels.”<br><br>Aaron took a large parchment from her hand.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have received Aprils Map!</span><br><br>Aaron, “This will be most helpful.”<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron that is no normal map!]<br><br>[Aaron, “what do you mean?”]<br><br>[Enea, “This map like others has the basic region and city’s on it. But this one changes as to user travels. It adds any site of interest they we visit. It also allows the player to look at areas close up.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “How do you know this?”]<br><br>[Enea, “I used detect magic on it. I thought this spell had been lost long ago.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “that must mean that this is a very valuable thing to have.”]<br><br>Aaron looked up from the map to April.<br><br>Aaron, “This thing Is incredible! Are you sure you want me to have it?”<br><br>April blushed, “I learned how to make them from one of the old books you gave to us. I thought that it could help you find your way back to our village.”<br><br>Aaron, “That’s nice of you, I will take good care of it.”<br><br>As Aaron was finishing his sentence April Stepped forward and gave a quick kiss on his cheek then hurried off. Aaron just stared at her in a moment of daze.<br><br>[Enea, “you got to close you her you moron!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “What… that was the first time any girl has done that to me.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Moron, idiot!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what was… are you jealous?”]<br><br>[Enea, “Of course I’m not…”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh yes you are.”]<br><br>Enea staid silent after that so Aaron walked out of the Temple and headed for the gate saying good bye the some of the villagers he got to know the last couple of days. Once out of the village Aaron looked back.<br><br>Aaron, “Man I’m going to miss this place even though I was here for only a short time.”<br>Enea, “It was a nice town… Aaron if we do not hurry I feel that we are losing needed time.”<br><br>Aaron, “Ok, ok I’m moving.”<br><br>Aaron continued to walk down the road passing a number of farm fields. Soon he reached the edge of a forest.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have Discovered the forest of Esster!</span><br><br>You will have a week of double xp.<br><br>Aaron, “sweet I love when I can earn more experience!”<br><br>Enea, “be careful the forest has unknown dangers in it.”<br><br>Aaron, “True enough and why am I always told that there are unknown dangers or that this and that is dangerous?”<br><br>Enea, “its all way’s better to be warned then to find out the hard way.”<br><br>Aaron, “True enough.”<br><br>Aaron continued on deeper into the forest. Soon he began to see a number of wild life and thought it would be a good idea to earn some extra xp along the way. Soon after that thought he was killing squirrels, rabbits, and birds left and right along with an occasional fox or deer. <br><br>While he was picking up some loot he heard a roar from behind him. Aaron quickly jumped to face the cause of it. There stood a massive bear with its lips pulled back in a horrid snarl. In its side was two arrows with fresh blood dripping from their ends.<br><br>Aaron stood their thinking he could make a small profit from it when he thought about how it was hurt he put away one of his swords and held a single one in his hands.<br><br>Aaron, “come on you ugly beast, Hit me with your best shot!”<br><br>[Enea, “you do know that Bears are marvelous creatures.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “yes but they are also very deadly.”]<br><br>The Bear Roared again charging at him. Aaron ran into the trees on the side of the road dodging the oncoming charge. The beast turned and continued to come at him. Stepping behind a tree Aaron Readied his weapon as the bear was about to pass him. As it came by Aaron sliced into its legs just above the bears elbow.<br><br>The bear slowed down greatly but became even more enraged. It turned and came steadily towards him nocking bushes and small trees out of its way.<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh great all I did was upset the thing!”]<br><br>[Enea, “don’t you think you should be using both your swords.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “yes now that its enraged. I thought I could tack it out with one sword but it would be more of a challenge.”]<br><br>Aaron pulled out his other sword as the bear began a slower charge. Aaron started to run from it noticing a large tree ahead of him. He headed strait towards it as the bear continued to get closer. When he got to the tree he did not slow down and tried to run up it but failed miserably still managing to get above the bear. It ran into the tree as Aaron crashed on to its back. He quickly started to stab into it repeatedly until it started to try and throw him from its back. Keeping one of his blades in its back. As he continued to stab and slice at it with the other blade. <br><br>As he was counting to attack its back it slammed into a tree and nocked him off. He quickly jumped to his fee with only one sword in his hand while the other was still stuck in its back.<br><br>[Aaron, “great I’m back to where I started. Enea do you have any Ideas.”]<br><br>[Enea, “quickly grab out the book with a fire rune on the cover.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Enea I really don’t think it’s a good time to be reading.”]<br><br>[Enea, “just do it that book is a fire elemental spell book.”]<br><br>Aaron quickly grabbed out the spell book and started flipping through the first few pages while weaving his way through the trees so the bear could not get him. After he finished flipping through the basic section of the first chapter two windows popped up.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have learned the basics of fire magic!<br><br>You have learned Fireball!</span><br><br>He quickly stashed his book and turned to face the bear. It was rounding a tree a few feet to his right. Aaron quickly said the required words for the fireball spell. Floating above his hand a black fireball with a white glow formed. He quickly throws it at the bear while jumping to the side.<br>The fireball struck it square in the face causing in to howl in pain while staggering around blindly. Aaron fired it another three times at the bear and noticed that he was almost out of mana. He stood back as the bear continued to run around in terror while burning away the last of its health and falling to the ground. A moment later it disintegrated into a pile of loot along with dropping his sword that had still been stuck in the bear. <br><br>Aaron, “that was a close one.”<br><br>Enea, “yes it was you should probably use some herbs to heal a bit.”<br><br>Aaron, “yes I’ll do that. I think I should probably read more of these books so I can use more ability’s for the proper situations.“<br><br>Enea, “Stating the obvious.”<br><br>Aaron, “I didn’t hear you mention anything about it before now!”<br><br>Enea, “well I also was not thinking about it.”<br><br>Aaron, “we need to work on strategizing and working together.”<br><br>Enea, “Another obvious fact but we should probably get moving again for now.”<br><br>Aaron slowly walked forward and picked up his sword, a pelt, some meat and bear claws. He quickly stashed the loot before he began to repair his sword. After he repaired the sword he slowly walked back to the road following the trail of destruction the bear had caused in the fight. As he about reached the road he again changed into Enea’s form.<br><br>“Great there it goes again!”<br><br>He was beginning to get used to changing back and forth but it was still at very random. He began to walk down the road again heading towards the next town with his hips swaying away back and forth. </div>

Aaron had finally reached a point on quests in the village besides the ones to travel to the next village. The majority of the quests he performed where fetch, Repair, Healing, and hunting quests. He had earned enough experience to reach Level 62 and even evolve his armor at level 60. Status Window Name Aaron Primary Class Enea's Chosen Gender Male Height 6'4" Health 1000 Mana 800 Level 62 Health Regen/sec 6.2 Mana Regen/sec 6.2 Strength 36 Agility 38 Wisdom 20 Intelligence 24 Stamina 34 Vitality 26 Dexterity 26 Faith 750 Fame 320 Skills Precise shot-Basic Level 4, Blade Proficiency-basic level 7, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 7, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 6, Amidexstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 9, Repair-Basic level 6, Handicraft-Basic Level 4,Blacksmith-Basic level 3, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 3,Traps-Basic Level 3, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 6, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 1, Weapon Forms Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Spells Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Language Common, Ancient Equipment Head Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6 Kneck Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4 Armor/Torso Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Arms Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8 Pants/Legs Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Feet Enea's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10 Enea's Armor Durability 150/150 total Defense 56 Armor Heavy Class Ultimate Rare Ability’s Enea was once the peacekeeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. Evolution Stage 1 Level 62 Evolutions Affects Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed Currently he was in his own form walking to the temple. His armor looked Almost the same as before its evolution but had some minor changes. His gantlets now morphed to cover the back of his hands and thicken around his rists and arm. His hands where covered in some fine light malle the same was with the rest of the joints on his body. [Enea, “This has been a nice stay in the town but we should really find the other chosen.”] [Aaron, “I’m planning on heading to the next town after speaking with the elders once more.”] [Enea, “That’s a good Idea we could learn some more about our next stop.”] Aaron walked into the temple and found April and the elders. Elders, “Ah Chosen we are grateful for your help.” Aaron, “ Anything to help those in need.” Elder Priestess, “Ah so kind of you.” First Elder, “is there something we could do for you.” Aaron, “I was planning on heading out to find the chosen you had mentioned before.” Second Elder, “Ah we have sent a messenger out but he has not returned.” Aaron, “I will keep an eye out for the messenger on my way to the next village.” Elder Priestess, “we hope nothing bad has happened.” You have acquired a new quest! Aaron, “If I find out anything I will let you know.” Aaron walked away to meet April that was waiting in the corner by the front door. April, “I heard you where heading out to the next village.” Aaron, “Yes I’m going to look for the other chosen that are out there.” April grabbed something out of a pouch at her side and held it out to Aaron. April, “I hope this will help you out on your travels.” Aaron took a large parchment from her hand. You have received Aprils Map! Aaron, “This will be most helpful.” [Enea, “Aaron that is no normal map!] [Aaron, “what do you mean?”] [Enea, “This map like others has the basic region and city’s on it. But this one changes as to user travels. It adds any site of interest they we visit. It also allows the player to look at areas close up.”] [Aaron, “How do you know this?”] [Enea, “I used detect magic on it. I thought this spell had been lost long ago.”] [Aaron, “that must mean that this is a very valuable thing to have.”] Aaron looked up from the map to April. Aaron, “This thing Is incredible! Are you sure you want me to have it?” April blushed, “I learned how to make them from one of the old books you gave to us. I thought that it could help you find your way back to our village.” Aaron, “That’s nice of you, I will take good care of it.” As Aaron was finishing his sentence April Stepped forward and gave a quick kiss on his cheek then hurried off. Aaron just stared at her in a moment of daze. [Enea, “you got to close you her you moron!”] [Aaron, “What… that was the first time any girl has done that to me.”] [Enea, “Moron, idiot!”] [Aaron, “what was… are you jealous?”] [Enea, “Of course I’m not…”] [Aaron, “Oh yes you are.”] Enea staid silent after that so Aaron walked out of the Temple and headed for the gate saying good bye the some of the villagers he got to know the last couple of days. Once out of the village Aaron looked back. Aaron, “Man I’m going to miss this place even though I was here for only a short time.” Enea, “It was a nice town… Aaron if we do not hurry I feel that we are losing needed time.” Aaron, “Ok, ok I’m moving.” Aaron continued to walk down the road passing a number of farm fields. Soon he reached the edge of a forest. You have Discovered the forest of Esster! You will have a week of double xp. Aaron, “sweet I love when I can earn more experience!” Enea, “be careful the forest has unknown dangers in it.” Aaron, “True enough and why am I always told that there are unknown dangers or that this and that is dangerous?” Enea, “its all way’s better to be warned then to find out the hard way.” Aaron, “True enough.” Aaron continued on deeper into the forest. Soon he began to see a number of wild life and thought it would be a good idea to earn some extra xp along the way. Soon after that thought he was killing squirrels, rabbits, and birds left and right along with an occasional fox or deer. While he was picking up some loot he heard a roar from behind him. Aaron quickly jumped to face the cause of it. There stood a massive bear with its lips pulled back in a horrid snarl. In its side was two arrows with fresh blood dripping from their ends. Aaron stood their thinking he could make a small profit from it when he thought about how it was hurt he put away one of his swords and held a single one in his hands. Aaron, “come on you ugly beast, Hit me with your best shot!” [Enea, “you do know that Bears are marvelous creatures.”] [Aaron, “yes but they are also very deadly.”] The Bear Roared again charging at him. Aaron ran into the trees on the side of the road dodging the oncoming charge. The beast turned and continued to come at him. Stepping behind a tree Aaron Readied his weapon as the bear was about to pass him. As it came by Aaron sliced into its legs just above the bears elbow. The bear slowed down greatly but became even more enraged. It turned and came steadily towards him nocking bushes and small trees out of its way. [Aaron, “Oh great all I did was upset the thing!”] [Enea, “don’t you think you should be using both your swords.”] [Aaron, “yes now that its enraged. I thought I could tack it out with one sword but it would be more of a challenge.”] Aaron pulled out his other sword as the bear began a slower charge. Aaron started to run from it noticing a large tree ahead of him. He headed strait towards it as the bear continued to get closer. When he got to the tree he did not slow down and tried to run up it but failed miserably still managing to get above the bear. It ran into the tree as Aaron crashed on to its back. He quickly started to stab into it repeatedly until it started to try and throw him from its back. Keeping one of his blades in its back. As he continued to stab and slice at it with the other blade. As he was counting to attack its back it slammed into a tree and nocked him off. He quickly jumped to his fee with only one sword in his hand while the other was still stuck in its back. [Aaron, “great I’m back to where I started. Enea do you have any Ideas.”] [Enea, “quickly grab out the book with a fire rune on the cover.”] [Aaron, “Enea I really don’t think it’s a good time to be reading.”] [Enea, “just do it that book is a fire elemental spell book.”] Aaron quickly grabbed out the spell book and started flipping through the first few pages while weaving his way through the trees so the bear could not get him. After he finished flipping through the basic section of the first chapter two windows popped up. You have learned the basics of fire magic! You have learned Fireball! He quickly stashed his book and turned to face the bear. It was rounding a tree a few feet to his right. Aaron quickly said the required words for the fireball spell. Floating above his hand a black fireball with a white glow formed. He quickly throws it at the bear while jumping to the side. The fireball struck it square in the face causing in to howl in pain while staggering around blindly. Aaron fired it another three times at the bear and noticed that he was almost out of mana. He stood back as the bear continued to run around in terror while burning away the last of its health and falling to the ground. A moment later it disintegrated into a pile of loot along with dropping his sword that had still been stuck in the bear. Aaron, “that was a close one.” Enea, “yes it was you should probably use some herbs to heal a bit.” Aaron, “yes I’ll do that. I think I should probably read more of these books so I can use more ability’s for the proper situations.“ Enea, “Stating the obvious.” Aaron, “I didn’t hear you mention anything about it before now!” Enea, “well I also was not thinking about it.” Aaron, “we need to work on strategizing and working together.” Enea, “Another obvious fact but we should probably get moving again for now.” Aaron slowly walked forward and picked up his sword, a pelt, some meat and bear claws. He quickly stashed the loot before he began to repair his sword. After he repaired the sword he slowly walked back to the road following the trail of destruction the bear had caused in the fight. As he about reached the road he again changed into Enea’s form. “Great there it goes again!” He was beginning to get used to changing back and forth but it was still at very random. He began to walk down the road again heading towards the next town with his hips swaying away back and forth.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Things have finally settled down since the battle with the bandits. Aaron and Laee had been helping where they could since and now finally had some free time. They decided to head to the forts great hall to access the new region control system.<br><br>Aaron, “what do you guys think we should do.”<br><br>Laee, “Build a brewery!”<br><br>Aaron, “no we need to help improve the region!”<br><br>[Enea, “We should look at our options first”]<br><br>Aaron moved to the small throne type chair at the end of the hall at sat down.<br><br>Do you wish to access Region Control Panel?<br><br>Aaron, “yes.”<br><br>A view of the Island appeared in front of Aaron having all known areas of interests marked down. Aaron could also see the amount of gold he had from all his adventures that had accumulated to just over 14,000 gold coins and 163 ancient gold coins.<br><br>[Enea, “we should restore the fort first.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “good idea.”]<br><br>[Laee, What about my brewery!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Fine we will see.”]<br><br>He access the forts control panel and began to do the repairs. First he fixed the supports and the parts of the collapsed.<br><br>You have gained access to the forts treasury!<br><br>You have gained a number 7 ancient gold coin and 1,089 gold coins with a few hundred silver and copper coins along with a number of other items.<br><br>[Aaron, “we will have to see what’s in the treasury later.”]<br><br>[Enae, “yes we will.”]<br><br>[Laee , “Brewery, brewery… Aaron you wish to build a brewery.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “If you keep this up I’ll burn down all the brewery’s I find and ban the drink.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Come on that would upset a lot of others besides me.”]<br><br>Aaron closed the window and continued on rebuilding the fort even adding a number of add on’s such as a training ground, a blacksmith and a small tavern exhausting his 15,000 gold coins.<br><br>Aaron, “Lay do you know how much a gold coin is worth to the current gold coins?”<br><br>Laee, “well the ones you have where made by us a long time ago and we used almost pure gold so about 500 gold.”<br><br>Aarons mouth dropped open with a stunned expression he still had another 85,000 gold to spend.<br><br>Aaron quickly exited the forts control window and selected the regions transportation window. He repaired and cleared old covered roads to better travel. He then built a large canal system, after that he upgraded the Islands two main roads into a highway. Closing that window he looked at the region again.<br><br>[Enae, “this land is still very hard on the people and the roads are still plaiged by monsters do you think that we should hire some soldiers to clear and defend the area?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “that’s a good idea.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Brewr…”]<br><br>Aaron stared at Laee.<br><br>Laee, “sorry.”<br><br>He quickly looked back at the window and hired 1,000 swordsmen, and another 1,000 bowmen. He then set them to train for the next month before going off and patrolling the regions roads and guarding the towns.<br><br>Closing that window he selected the Main regions towns and built a small temple in each one dedicated to the two Goddesses. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have gained +300 Faith!</span><br><br>Aaron closed that window and selected Laee’s home town building many needed facilities and even her Brewery. He closed the window and looked at his remaining gold, which now was just under 5,000. He decided he should keep that for emergencies.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Town has now become a City!<br><br>Players may now choose to start at this City!<br><br>What do you wish to name this City!</span><br><br>[Aaron, “what do you guys think?”]<br><br>[Enea, “what ever you wish to name it.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Mead!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Ah I’ll just name it Laee since it is where here religions based and her home town.”]<br><br>Aaron set the name to the city of Laee.<br><br>The last thing he did was set the tax rate at 10% of earnings so each person only paid a tenth of their income.<br><br>He looked at his regions stat panel.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Region Stat Window</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Culture</span> 40 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Research</span> 10<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Military</span> 50 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith</span> 45<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transportation</span> 73 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mines</span> 30<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Technology</span> 20 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sanitation</span> 60%<br><br>Aaron, “Well that’s a start.”<br><br>[Enea, “The region should begin to prosper again.”]<br><br>Laee, “yay a brewery!”<br><br>Aaron, “is that all you can think about!?”<br><br>___ _ ___<br><br>Kevil, Alimore, Merlin, and Marcella had started in Redstone Kingdom located at the center of the continent next to the other three starter kingdoms. For the first few days the city was swamped with the players from the Heavenly training grounds but now the players have slowly dispersed over the area.<br><br>Since Kevil had talked to Aaron about what happened to him he has been studying up on the old Goddesses and anything else of interest. He compared it to his knowledge he had gained as a beta tester and something was not adding up.<br><br>When he was a beta tester he had played at the end of the old wars era. From what he had gathered the during the beta the original cause of the war had long been forgotten by men. All they did was follow their god’s commands until kingdoms began to rise who followed a religion but did not join in the fighting as the beta ended one of the players had brokered a peace agreement to stop the conflict between the country’s and religious factions.<br><br>A few facts emerged about a group of goddesses that was attacked and vanished from the world though they all mentioned something different. One note stated that the Goddesses had started the war in a bid for power while another was that the Goddesses had been the peacekeepers and that once they vanished the gods began to take action against each other. Either way the followers of those goddesses continued to try and be peace negotiators but eventually joined in or fell to the conflict.<br><br>During his search for more information he discovered a book that was of the Sentinels faction that continued to fight for the goddesses beliefs until they fell. This book had their teaching and their beliefs written down. Along with that there was a large number of hidden subclasses and their abilities. <br><br>Kevril had shown the rest of his party it and they all chose to take the sub classes. After that they started a guild after the group calling them selves “The Sentinels”.<br>___ _ ___<br><br>After the tournament “The Seekers of the Land” became an official guild and quickly grew in numbers and in power. They where the first to control a fort and soon spread to control an entire province in Redstone. <br><br>They where also the first to fight in a Guild battle as a rival guild tried to forcibly take a portion of their land. They where repelled and eventually had their land their land taken by the guild. Soon the guild wars of the central continent began to grow.<br>___ _ ___<br>Alan once again excited over a new product for Mythical Legends. They had come out with an app for phones where you can view your character data talk with friends, and even trade items while outside of Mythical legends. <br><br>After installing it on his phone he brought up his character stats and looked at them. As he did that a pop up appeared with a symbol for video chat. He clicked the button.<br><br>Enea, “ah is that you Aaron!”<br><br>Alan, “yes but how can you contact me outside the game?”<br><br>Enea tilted her head to the side while looking at Alan.<br><br>Enea, “I’m talking to you like I usually and do to the connection.”<br><br>Alan, “this is the same for you as when we usually talk?”<br><br>Enea, “yes though it’s irritating not being able to hear your thoughts.”<br><br>Alan, “well that’s not so bad once and a while is it.”<br><br>Enea, “No but I feel lonely.”<br><br>Alan paused at that.<br><br>“could you tell me about the world you are in?”<br><br>Alan, “sure thing.”<br><br>Alan and Enea continued to talk to each other for a time. He even showed her around his dorm room using the phones camera.<br><br>Alan, “oh my batteries about to die.”<br><br>Enea, “What’s about to die! Aaron what’s happening?”<br><br>Alan, “No nothing is really dying its just a term we use when… when the energy proving this kind of spell is low and will cancel out soon.”<br><br>Enea, “oh what a strange term to use for such a thing.”<br>Alan, “well see you in a bit.”<br><br>Laee quickly appeared on the screen, “ah I missed something interesting!”<br><br>Alan, “don’t worry about it see you in a bit.”<br><br>Aaron ended the video connection and headed to grab his headset.<br>___ _ ___<br>Lucky had just started Mythical Legends and decided to begin in the Deathly Isles ignoring the warning of the other players that had just started there and from those from the other starting city’s.<br><br>Lucky was excited and had created his character to resemble that of the old Vikings he liked. He had made his character very muscular and covered in scars. The last feature to his character was his long hair and beard that was a blond color.<br><br>Once he appeared in the City of Laee he was quickly shocked to see a large number of players just like him deciding to start there.<br><br>Lucky, “ah great I wanted to be able to adventure in unexplored areas before anyone else.”<br><br>He quickly went to go find something to do. As he traveled around town looking around he came upon a peculiar site. There walking down the street was a young man in white and black armor that looked expensive and new. Hanging on him was a drunken women laughing.<br><br>Aaron, “Come on Laee please get off me and why are you drinking in the middle of the day again?”<br><br>Laee, “Ahhh come on sssweettyy the new Brew-brewery’s Mead is great!”<br><br>Aaron, “I really should not have built that let alone allow you to use my money to buy any.“<br><br>Laee, “Ah but you promised to let me try some before we where to leave.”<br><br>Aaron, “yes I said you could try some, but you used over 30 gold in one day just to drink.”<br><br>Laee, “Ah come one both of you need to just relax.”<br><br>Lucky overhearing this was confused but still walked forward to ask the man in the armor a question.<br><br>Lucky, “Um kind sir do you know where I could join the local knights or where I can get some armor like yours.”<br><br>Aaron looked at Lucky while giving a soft laugh.<br><br>Aaron, “Well this armor is a one of a kind but if you want to become a Knight Jonathan has started to recruit at the guard house near the north gate.”<br><br>While Aaron was talking to Lucky Laee reached her hand to poke Lucky’s beard.<br><br>Laee, “Wwwhat a long beeaard I bet it to-took you a longgg time to grow it.”<br><br>Aaron, “Laee stop doing that! One of these days you are going to get on someone’s bad side.”<br><br>Laee, “AAAh but yoouu would pro-protect me.”<br><br>Aaron turned back to Lucky.<br><br>Aaron, “I’m sorry for my companion here she needs to learn some manors.”<br><br>Lucky, “No problem and thank you for the information.”<br><br>Aaron, “your welcome.”<br><br>The two began to walk away.<br><br>Laee, “Enea pleassse sstop winning alreadyyy.”<br><br>Aaron looked at her.<br><br>Laee, “Ah not you to Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron shook his head.<br><br>Aaron, “you know I was planning on heading out to find the next chosen today so why did you have to go run off and get drunk again?”<br><br>Laee began to sing drunkenly, “oh Mead, Mead, The drink of the gods…”<br><br>Lucky stared at them as they continued to walk away and thought they where crazy. He soon turned and headed for the north gatehouse to join the knight’s order.<br><br>As he reached the gate he saw a few guards standing on each side of the gate and a large man sitting on a barrel next to the guard house with a massive war hammer setting next to him.<br><br>Lucky quickly walked up to one of the guards.<br><br>Guard, “what can I do for you adventurer?”<br><br>Lucky, “I’m looking for a man by the name of Jonathan.”<br><br>Guard, “oh the captains sitting right over there.”<br><br>The guard pointed to the man sitting on the barrel.<br><br>Lucky, “thanks.”<br><br>Guard, “have a good day.”<br><br>Lucky walked up to the large man.<br><br>Jonathan, “What can I help you with young man?”<br><br>Lucky, “I was tolled by a… I think his name was Aaron that you could teach me to become a knight.”<br><br>Jonathan, “Oh you where sent by the chosen. Well I can teach you but you can’t just become a knight just like that. Let me see… you do look like a strong young man. Do you know anything about how to use a sword or any other form of weapon?”<br><br>Lucky, “Um no sir I just started out.”<br><br>Jonathan brushed in chin in thought for a moment.<br><br>Jonathan, “well here’s the deal if you can kill a ten wild animals in the fields outside the city and bring me there pelts then I will teach you.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have been offered a quest!<br><br>Hunt 10 wild animals in the fields.<br><br>Reward: Knights training</span><br><br>Lucky, “I Accept!”<br><br>Jonathan, “good to hear now grab your weapon of choice from the barrel here if you do not have a weapon and I’ll show you to the group that’s out there already.”<br><br>Lucky searched through the barrel to find a good weapon. He decided to take one of the beginner war axe. After that he fallowed Jonathan along the road until they reached a group of people sitting by a fence along the road.<br><br>Jonathan, “why are you all sitting around here I thought you would be at least halfway done by now.”<br><br>Player, “we where just taking a break sir!”<br><br>The players got up off the ground.<br><br>Jonathan, “well since you guys are still at it I brought along another one to join you.”<br><br>Jonathan motioned to Lucky.<br><br>Player, “nice to meet you.”<br><br>Lucky, “Nice to meet you to.”<br><br>Jonathan, “well come find me when you are done.”<br><br>Jonathan walked back towards the gate.<br><br>Player, “god this is irritating.”<br><br>Lucky, “what is?”<br><br>Player, “The lowest level animal I can find in the field is level 10.”<br><br>Lucky, “You’ve got to be joking.”<br><br>Player 2, “well he isn’t we’ve been chasing after them all day or running back to town if we run in to wolves are foxes.”<br><br>Lucky, “is this why there was warning not to start here?”<br><br>Player, “yes that is the case.”<br><br>Lucky, “Well I’m not giving up.”<br><br>Lucky quickly headed out into the field and spotted a rabbit and gave case to it but soon he was running back to the gate as a hoard of rabbits began to chase him.<br>___ _ ___<br>Aaron and Laee finally left the city heading west to the port city along the coast. He was looking at Aprils map while walking while once again he was in Enea’s form.<br><br>Aaron, “so you think there is a chosen on the northwestern Island?”<br><br>Laee, “yes I’ve heard some mention of a chosen there.”<br><br>Aaron, “anything else?”<br><br>Laee, “only that things have been getting worse there.”<br><br>Aaron, “great that coming from you is something.”<br><br>Laee, “I’ll be fine as long as I have you.”<br><br>They continued to walk down the road until the sun began to set. They stopped at clearing setting out their bedrolls and staring a fire.<br>Aaron, “let me guess you want to eat meat.”<br><br>Laee, “yes, meat and mead!”<br><br>Aaron began to cook a stew he had learned while back. He kept steering and adding the ingredients. As he finished his cooking a window popped up.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cooking has leveled up to Basic 5!</span><br><br>He quickly pored the food into two bowls and handed one to Laee who was already drinking Mead.<br><br>As Laee took in the first bite she gave a moan of satisfaction. <br><br>Laee, “Aaron you are the perfect cook! I want you to be my wife.”<br><br>Aaron groaned once again.<br><br>Aaron, “please stop teasing me.”<br><br>Laee, “I’m not teasing you! You are a good cook.”<br><br>Enea, “I wish I could eat some of your cooking Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron, “That would be nice.”<br><br>They continued to talk while eating and eventually Aaron had to carry a drunken Laee to her sleeping bag. Once she was tucked in Aaron cleaned up and put some more wood on the fire before lying down on his own sleeping bag.<br><br>As he lay there he stared at the night sky. After a while Aaron opened up his control panel to log out but before he could press the button a sleeping Laee rolled to lay half on top of him. His arms where blocked from hitting the button so he tried to slide out. But instead of sliding out the sleeping Laee hugged him tightly preventing him from moving. She soon began to talk in her sleep about random things then.<br><br>Laee, “Oh Aaron my precious…”<br><br>Aaron, “oh great this is going to be one long night.”<br><br>[Enea, “ah come on Laee I wanted to sleep next to Aaron to!”] </div>

Things have finally settled down since the battle with the bandits. Aaron and Laee had been helping where they could since and now finally had some free time. They decided to head to the forts great hall to access the new region control system. Aaron, “what do you guys think we should do.” Laee, “Build a brewery!” Aaron, “no we need to help improve the region!” [Enea, “We should look at our options first”] Aaron moved to the small throne type chair at the end of the hall at sat down. Do you wish to access Region Control Panel? Aaron, “yes.” A view of the Island appeared in front of Aaron having all known areas of interests marked down. Aaron could also see the amount of gold he had from all his adventures that had accumulated to just over 14,000 gold coins and 163 ancient gold coins. [Enea, “we should restore the fort first.”] [Aaron, “good idea.”] [Laee, What about my brewery!”] [Aaron, “Fine we will see.”] He access the forts control panel and began to do the repairs. First he fixed the supports and the parts of the collapsed. You have gained access to the forts treasury! You have gained a number 7 ancient gold coin and 1,089 gold coins with a few hundred silver and copper coins along with a number of other items. [Aaron, “we will have to see what’s in the treasury later.”] [Enae, “yes we will.”] [Laee , “Brewery, brewery… Aaron you wish to build a brewery.”] [Aaron, “If you keep this up I’ll burn down all the brewery’s I find and ban the drink.”] [Laee, “Come on that would upset a lot of others besides me.”] Aaron closed the window and continued on rebuilding the fort even adding a number of add on’s such as a training ground, a blacksmith and a small tavern exhausting his 15,000 gold coins. Aaron, “Lay do you know how much a gold coin is worth to the current gold coins?” Laee, “well the ones you have where made by us a long time ago and we used almost pure gold so about 500 gold.” Aarons mouth dropped open with a stunned expression he still had another 85,000 gold to spend. Aaron quickly exited the forts control window and selected the regions transportation window. He repaired and cleared old covered roads to better travel. He then built a large canal system, after that he upgraded the Islands two main roads into a highway. Closing that window he looked at the region again. [Enae, “this land is still very hard on the people and the roads are still plaiged by monsters do you think that we should hire some soldiers to clear and defend the area?”] [Aaron, “that’s a good idea.”] [Laee, “Brewr…”] Aaron stared at Laee. Laee, “sorry.” He quickly looked back at the window and hired 1,000 swordsmen, and another 1,000 bowmen. He then set them to train for the next month before going off and patrolling the regions roads and guarding the towns. Closing that window he selected the Main regions towns and built a small temple in each one dedicated to the two Goddesses. You have gained +300 Faith! Aaron closed that window and selected Laee’s home town building many needed facilities and even her Brewery. He closed the window and looked at his remaining gold, which now was just under 5,000. He decided he should keep that for emergencies. Town has now become a City! Players may now choose to start at this City! What do you wish to name this City! [Aaron, “what do you guys think?”] [Enea, “what ever you wish to name it.”] [Laee, “Mead!”] [Aaron, “Ah I’ll just name it Laee since it is where here religions based and her home town.”] Aaron set the name to the city of Laee. The last thing he did was set the tax rate at 10% of earnings so each person only paid a tenth of their income. He looked at his regions stat panel. Region Stat Window Culture 40 Research 10 Military 50 Faith 45 Transportation 73 Mines 30 Technology 20 Sanitation 60% Aaron, “Well that’s a start.” [Enea, “The region should begin to prosper again.”] Laee, “yay a brewery!” Aaron, “is that all you can think about!?” \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ Kevil, Alimore, Merlin, and Marcella had started in Redstone Kingdom located at the center of the continent next to the other three starter kingdoms. For the first few days the city was swamped with the players from the Heavenly training grounds but now the players have slowly dispersed over the area. Since Kevil had talked to Aaron about what happened to him he has been studying up on the old Goddesses and anything else of interest. He compared it to his knowledge he had gained as a beta tester and something was not adding up. When he was a beta tester he had played at the end of the old wars era. From what he had gathered the during the beta the original cause of the war had long been forgotten by men. All they did was follow their god’s commands until kingdoms began to rise who followed a religion but did not join in the fighting as the beta ended one of the players had brokered a peace agreement to stop the conflict between the country’s and religious factions. A few facts emerged about a group of goddesses that was attacked and vanished from the world though they all mentioned something different. One note stated that the Goddesses had started the war in a bid for power while another was that the Goddesses had been the peacekeepers and that once they vanished the gods began to take action against each other. Either way the followers of those goddesses continued to try and be peace negotiators but eventually joined in or fell to the conflict. During his search for more information he discovered a book that was of the Sentinels faction that continued to fight for the goddesses beliefs until they fell. This book had their teaching and their beliefs written down. Along with that there was a large number of hidden subclasses and their abilities. Kevril had shown the rest of his party it and they all chose to take the sub classes. After that they started a guild after the group calling them selves “The Sentinels”. \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ After the tournament “The Seekers of the Land” became an official guild and quickly grew in numbers and in power. They where the first to control a fort and soon spread to control an entire province in Redstone. They where also the first to fight in a Guild battle as a rival guild tried to forcibly take a portion of their land. They where repelled and eventually had their land their land taken by the guild. Soon the guild wars of the central continent began to grow. \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ Alan once again excited over a new product for Mythical Legends. They had come out with an app for phones where you can view your character data talk with friends, and even trade items while outside of Mythical legends. After installing it on his phone he brought up his character stats and looked at them. As he did that a pop up appeared with a symbol for video chat. He clicked the button. Enea, “ah is that you Aaron!” Alan, “yes but how can you contact me outside the game?” Enea tilted her head to the side while looking at Alan. Enea, “I’m talking to you like I usually and do to the connection.” Alan, “this is the same for you as when we usually talk?” Enea, “yes though it’s irritating not being able to hear your thoughts.” Alan, “well that’s not so bad once and a while is it.” Enea, “No but I feel lonely.” Alan paused at that. “could you tell me about the world you are in?” Alan, “sure thing.” Alan and Enea continued to talk to each other for a time. He even showed her around his dorm room using the phones camera. Alan, “oh my batteries about to die.” Enea, “What’s about to die! Aaron what’s happening?” Alan, “No nothing is really dying its just a term we use when… when the energy proving this kind of spell is low and will cancel out soon.” Enea, “oh what a strange term to use for such a thing.” Alan, “well see you in a bit.” Laee quickly appeared on the screen, “ah I missed something interesting!” Alan, “don’t worry about it see you in a bit.” Aaron ended the video connection and headed to grab his headset. \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ Lucky had just started Mythical Legends and decided to begin in the Deathly Isles ignoring the warning of the other players that had just started there and from those from the other starting city’s. Lucky was excited and had created his character to resemble that of the old Vikings he liked. He had made his character very muscular and covered in scars. The last feature to his character was his long hair and beard that was a blond color. Once he appeared in the City of Laee he was quickly shocked to see a large number of players just like him deciding to start there. Lucky, “ah great I wanted to be able to adventure in unexplored areas before anyone else.” He quickly went to go find something to do. As he traveled around town looking around he came upon a peculiar site. There walking down the street was a young man in white and black armor that looked expensive and new. Hanging on him was a drunken women laughing. Aaron, “Come on Laee please get off me and why are you drinking in the middle of the day again?” Laee, “Ahhh come on sssweettyy the new Brew-brewery’s Mead is great!” Aaron, “I really should not have built that let alone allow you to use my money to buy any.“ Laee, “Ah but you promised to let me try some before we where to leave.” Aaron, “yes I said you could try some, but you used over 30 gold in one day just to drink.” Laee, “Ah come one both of you need to just relax.” Lucky overhearing this was confused but still walked forward to ask the man in the armor a question. Lucky, “Um kind sir do you know where I could join the local knights or where I can get some armor like yours.” Aaron looked at Lucky while giving a soft laugh. Aaron, “Well this armor is a one of a kind but if you want to become a Knight Jonathan has started to recruit at the guard house near the north gate.” While Aaron was talking to Lucky Laee reached her hand to poke Lucky’s beard. Laee, “Wwwhat a long beeaard I bet it to-took you a longgg time to grow it.” Aaron, “Laee stop doing that! One of these days you are going to get on someone’s bad side.” Laee, “AAAh but yoouu would pro-protect me.” Aaron turned back to Lucky. Aaron, “I’m sorry for my companion here she needs to learn some manors.” Lucky, “No problem and thank you for the information.” Aaron, “your welcome.” The two began to walk away. Laee, “Enea pleassse sstop winning alreadyyy.” Aaron looked at her. Laee, “Ah not you to Aaron.” Aaron shook his head. Aaron, “you know I was planning on heading out to find the next chosen today so why did you have to go run off and get drunk again?” Laee began to sing drunkenly, “oh Mead, Mead, The drink of the gods…” Lucky stared at them as they continued to walk away and thought they where crazy. He soon turned and headed for the north gatehouse to join the knight’s order. As he reached the gate he saw a few guards standing on each side of the gate and a large man sitting on a barrel next to the guard house with a massive war hammer setting next to him. Lucky quickly walked up to one of the guards. Guard, “what can I do for you adventurer?” Lucky, “I’m looking for a man by the name of Jonathan.” Guard, “oh the captains sitting right over there.” The guard pointed to the man sitting on the barrel. Lucky, “thanks.” Guard, “have a good day.” Lucky walked up to the large man. Jonathan, “What can I help you with young man?” Lucky, “I was tolled by a… I think his name was Aaron that you could teach me to become a knight.” Jonathan, “Oh you where sent by the chosen. Well I can teach you but you can’t just become a knight just like that. Let me see… you do look like a strong young man. Do you know anything about how to use a sword or any other form of weapon?” Lucky, “Um no sir I just started out.” Jonathan brushed in chin in thought for a moment. Jonathan, “well here’s the deal if you can kill a ten wild animals in the fields outside the city and bring me there pelts then I will teach you.” You have been offered a quest! Hunt 10 wild animals in the fields. Reward: Knights training Lucky, “I Accept!” Jonathan, “good to hear now grab your weapon of choice from the barrel here if you do not have a weapon and I’ll show you to the group that’s out there already.” Lucky searched through the barrel to find a good weapon. He decided to take one of the beginner war axe. After that he fallowed Jonathan along the road until they reached a group of people sitting by a fence along the road. Jonathan, “why are you all sitting around here I thought you would be at least halfway done by now.” Player, “we where just taking a break sir!” The players got up off the ground. Jonathan, “well since you guys are still at it I brought along another one to join you.” Jonathan motioned to Lucky. Player, “nice to meet you.” Lucky, “Nice to meet you to.” Jonathan, “well come find me when you are done.” Jonathan walked back towards the gate. Player, “god this is irritating.” Lucky, “what is?” Player, “The lowest level animal I can find in the field is level 10.” Lucky, “You’ve got to be joking.” Player 2, “well he isn’t we’ve been chasing after them all day or running back to town if we run in to wolves are foxes.” Lucky, “is this why there was warning not to start here?” Player, “yes that is the case.” Lucky, “Well I’m not giving up.” Lucky quickly headed out into the field and spotted a rabbit and gave case to it but soon he was running back to the gate as a hoard of rabbits began to chase him. \_\_\_ \_ \_\_\_ Aaron and Laee finally left the city heading west to the port city along the coast. He was looking at Aprils map while walking while once again he was in Enea’s form. Aaron, “so you think there is a chosen on the northwestern Island?” Laee, “yes I’ve heard some mention of a chosen there.” Aaron, “anything else?” Laee, “only that things have been getting worse there.” Aaron, “great that coming from you is something.” Laee, “I’ll be fine as long as I have you.” They continued to walk down the road until the sun began to set. They stopped at clearing setting out their bedrolls and staring a fire. Aaron, “let me guess you want to eat meat.” Laee, “yes, meat and mead!” Aaron began to cook a stew he had learned while back. He kept steering and adding the ingredients. As he finished his cooking a window popped up. Cooking has leveled up to Basic 5! He quickly pored the food into two bowls and handed one to Laee who was already drinking Mead. As Laee took in the first bite she gave a moan of satisfaction. Laee, “Aaron you are the perfect cook! I want you to be my wife.” Aaron groaned once again. Aaron, “please stop teasing me.” Laee, “I’m not teasing you! You are a good cook.” Enea, “I wish I could eat some of your cooking Aaron.” Aaron, “That would be nice.” They continued to talk while eating and eventually Aaron had to carry a drunken Laee to her sleeping bag. Once she was tucked in Aaron cleaned up and put some more wood on the fire before lying down on his own sleeping bag. As he lay there he stared at the night sky. After a while Aaron opened up his control panel to log out but before he could press the button a sleeping Laee rolled to lay half on top of him. His arms where blocked from hitting the button so he tried to slide out. But instead of sliding out the sleeping Laee hugged him tightly preventing him from moving. She soon began to talk in her sleep about random things then. Laee, “Oh Aaron my precious…” Aaron, “oh great this is going to be one long night.” [Enea, “ah come on Laee I wanted to sleep next to Aaron to!”]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Terra opened his eyes only to be blinded by rays of light coming from the window. "So you're awake?" came a voice from the darkness of the cabin he seemed to be in. Terra looked towards the direction to see the one and only Gandalf appear from said darkness. <br><br>"Sorry lad I gave you a good one" laughed Gandalf<br><br>Terra nodded his head to feel a sharp pain from the back of his skull. He ran a hand to the back and found a well sized bump. <br>"Hey Gandalf?"<br><br>"Gandalf?, who is that my name is Dreg" <br><br>"Well Dreg where am I" Terra finally got a good look at his surroundings. He seemed to be in a wooden cabin with ample furniture for one person. A single fire pit rested in the middle while there seemed to only be two windows. The sound of the forest ran about with the tweeting of birds and the rustle of the leaves.<br><br>Terra scrutinized Dreg as well. Dreg wore a gray cloak with leather armor peaking out from the inside. His staff made of a light brown wood and his pointy gray hat which stretched into a wisp. <br>"You are in my house, in the Lost woods." Replied Dreg.<br><br>"Why do they call it the Lost woods?" Asked Terra.<br><br>"Because they say that the spirits never rest here. They live on in their grief guiding wayward souls to their doom." Dreg said grimly as his eyes darkened.<br><br>"Then how could you live in a place like this?" <br><br>"Its just legends and stories in the mist boy"<br><br>"My name's not boy, its Terra" Terra got up and began to walk out the door when he felt a hand grab his wrist. He turned around to see the outstretched hand belong to Dreg. "Its best not to go out when its dark Terra. Wait till the morning." Terra looked outside to see the sun was indeed setting in the distance. He gave a light shrug as a reply and sat bag down and drifted back into sleep by the warm fire. <br><br>Dreg looked down at the sleeping person. He opened his palm and pointed it at the sleeping Terra. Light began to shine out of his palm as Dreg began to concentrate on the spell. The spell Dreg was using was a spell designed to determine what affinity a person has. I see muttered Dreg, he could be the one, but he's too weak....Lotherion......He could be the one.<br><br>Terra woke up once again to see Dreg looking down upon him. He got up and let out a hearty yawn before looking to Dreg.<br>"Good Morning?"<br><br>"Indeed. Terra I need your help."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Helping Dreg</span></span><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Quest Difficulty F</span><br>Go and bring back 10 piles of wood.<br><br>Unknown Reward<br>(If refused relationship with Dreg will decrease)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Terra looked at the window and nodded his head.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have accepted the quest</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>"You'll need this" Dreg said as he handed him a worn down axe.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Worn Down Axe</span><br>Durability: <span style="font-style: italic;">20/35</span><br>Attack Damage: <span style="font-style: italic;">5-6</span><br><br>A worn down axe from prolonged use. Although it has been used often, it fulfills its original purpose.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Terra went outside and took in the sounds of the forests before walking towards the nearest tree and giving it a hard swing. After an hour of swinging at the tree Terra heard a ping as a window blocked his vision. He took a break to eat some of the rye bread given to him and water before looking at the window that popped up.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Strength +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>??? So leveling up isn't the only way too gain stats in this game. Looking at this Terra began to swing at the tree some more and more. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Strength +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Strength +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Strength +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Agility +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Strength +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>.....<br><br>When Terra finally reached the middle of the tree he heard a creak and a crack before looking up to see the tree leaning...more like FALLING!!! Terra ran as fast as he could away from the tree as it came down he didn't forget to yell "TIMBER!!!". <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Strength +5<br>For cutting down your first tree</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Terra closed the window and began the work of cutting the fallen lumber into 10 sections. After he was done he went back to Dreg who was sitting conveniently outside blowing smoke rings with his pipe. "Dreg I finished cutting the wood."<br><br>"Good job" <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quest Completed!</span><br>Talk to Dreg for reward</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>"Now let me see your stat window Terra."<br><br>Terra raised an eyebrow at this but showed him his stats.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Terra</td><td width="25%">Primary Class</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td colspan="3">1</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health Regen/Sec</td><td width="25%">.2</td><td width="25%">Mana Regen/Sec</td><td width="25%">.2</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">35</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">20</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">15</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td colspan="3">10</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Dreg looked at the stats and nodded then looked at Terra.<br>"I think your ready."<br>Terra was left speechless as questions floated in his head. He could not answer back as Dreg got up and told him to come into the cabin. He lead them to the place where they slept and lifted up the bed Terra slept own to see a trapdoor. Dreg pulled it up revealing a ladder down a shaft. <br>"Down there is a dungeon. I kept my food supplies for the winter here until the spiders came and claimed it for their own. Go clean it up of the spiders that infest it."<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Clear The Infestation</span></span><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Quest Difficulty C</span><br><br>The Cellar of Dreg is infested with spiders. Dreg asked you to clear it out for him so he can eat the food stored in their for winter.<br><br>Unknown Reward<br>(Refusal will cause relationship with Dreg to decrease)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have accepted the quest</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>"You might also need these" Said Dreg as he gave him a set of armor and a sword.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leather Chestplate</span><br>Durability: 46/50<br>Defense: +20<br><br>A chestpiece made from the leather of multiple animals</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leather Helmet</span><br>Durability: 26/30<br>Defense: +10<br><br>A helmet made from the leather of multiple animals</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leather Boots</span><br>Durability: 26/30<br>Defense +10<br><br>Boots made from the leather of multiple animals</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leather Gloves</span><br>Durability: 13/15<br>Defense +5<br><br>Gloves made from the leather of multiple animals</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Sword</span><br>Durability: 50/50<br>Attack: 8-12<br><br>Sword forged by a average blacksmith. Very common.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Terra equipped all of the things Dreg gave him and went towards the shaft and began to descend.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have discovered <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spider Queen's Lair</span><br>Do you wish to enter?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dungeon:</span>You are the first to discover <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spider Queen's Lair</span><br>Reward: +150 Fame</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Halfway down he heard the echo of Dreg's voice saying good luck to him. Or was it my condolences? <br><br>Next chapter <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=116&amp;t=2381" target="_blank">http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=116&amp;t=2381</a><br><br>Author Note: Chapter 4 is being down as we speak but my break is up so it might take longer than whatever is usual to release it. This chapter was difficult in the fact that there are so many tables of codings I did. New found respect for other Authors who experience the same thing. </div>

Terra opened his eyes only to be blinded by rays of light coming from the window. "So you're awake?" came a voice from the darkness of the cabin he seemed to be in. Terra looked towards the direction to see the one and only Gandalf appear from said darkness. "Sorry lad I gave you a good one" laughed Gandalf Terra nodded his head to feel a sharp pain from the back of his skull. He ran a hand to the back and found a well sized bump. "Hey Gandalf?" "Gandalf?, who is that my name is Dreg" "Well Dreg where am I" Terra finally got a good look at his surroundings. He seemed to be in a wooden cabin with ample furniture for one person. A single fire pit rested in the middle while there seemed to only be two windows. The sound of the forest ran about with the tweeting of birds and the rustle of the leaves. Terra scrutinized Dreg as well. Dreg wore a gray cloak with leather armor peaking out from the inside. His staff made of a light brown wood and his pointy gray hat which stretched into a wisp. "You are in my house, in the Lost woods." Replied Dreg. "Why do they call it the Lost woods?" Asked Terra. "Because they say that the spirits never rest here. They live on in their grief guiding wayward souls to their doom." Dreg said grimly as his eyes darkened. "Then how could you live in a place like this?" "Its just legends and stories in the mist boy" "My name's not boy, its Terra" Terra got up and began to walk out the door when he felt a hand grab his wrist. He turned around to see the outstretched hand belong to Dreg. "Its best not to go out when its dark Terra. Wait till the morning." Terra looked outside to see the sun was indeed setting in the distance. He gave a light shrug as a reply and sat bag down and drifted back into sleep by the warm fire. Dreg looked down at the sleeping person. He opened his palm and pointed it at the sleeping Terra. Light began to shine out of his palm as Dreg began to concentrate on the spell. The spell Dreg was using was a spell designed to determine what affinity a person has. I see muttered Dreg, he could be the one, but he's too weak....Lotherion......He could be the one. Terra woke up once again to see Dreg looking down upon him. He got up and let out a hearty yawn before looking to Dreg. "Good Morning?" "Indeed. Terra I need your help." | Helping DregQuest Difficulty FGo and bring back 10 piles of wood.Unknown Reward(If refused relationship with Dreg will decrease) | | --- | Terra looked at the window and nodded his head. | You have accepted the quest | | --- | "You'll need this" Dreg said as he handed him a worn down axe. | A Worn Down AxeDurability: 20/35Attack Damage: 5-6A worn down axe from prolonged use. Although it has been used often, it fulfills its original purpose. | | --- | Terra went outside and took in the sounds of the forests before walking towards the nearest tree and giving it a hard swing. After an hour of swinging at the tree Terra heard a ping as a window blocked his vision. He took a break to eat some of the rye bread given to him and water before looking at the window that popped up. | Strength +1 | | --- | ??? So leveling up isn't the only way too gain stats in this game. Looking at this Terra began to swing at the tree some more and more. | Strength +1 | | --- | | Strength +1 | | --- | | Strength +1 | | --- | | Agility +1 | | --- | | Strength +1 | | --- | ..... When Terra finally reached the middle of the tree he heard a creak and a crack before looking up to see the tree leaning...more like FALLING!!! Terra ran as fast as he could away from the tree as it came down he didn't forget to yell "TIMBER!!!". | Strength +5For cutting down your first tree | | --- | Terra closed the window and began the work of cutting the fallen lumber into 10 sections. After he was done he went back to Dreg who was sitting conveniently outside blowing smoke rings with his pipe. "Dreg I finished cutting the wood." "Good job" | Quest Completed!Talk to Dreg for reward | | --- | "Now let me see your stat window Terra." Terra raised an eyebrow at this but showed him his stats. | Name | Terra | Primary Class | N/A | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Health | 100 | Mana | 100 | | Level | 1 | | | | Health Regen/Sec | .2 | Mana Regen/Sec | .2 | | Strength | 35 | Agility | 20 | | Wisdom | 10 | Intelligence | 10 | | Stamina | 100 | Vitality | 15 | | Dexterity | 10 | | | Dreg looked at the stats and nodded then looked at Terra. "I think your ready." Terra was left speechless as questions floated in his head. He could not answer back as Dreg got up and told him to come into the cabin. He lead them to the place where they slept and lifted up the bed Terra slept own to see a trapdoor. Dreg pulled it up revealing a ladder down a shaft. "Down there is a dungeon. I kept my food supplies for the winter here until the spiders came and claimed it for their own. Go clean it up of the spiders that infest it." | Clear The InfestationQuest Difficulty CThe Cellar of Dreg is infested with spiders. Dreg asked you to clear it out for him so he can eat the food stored in their for winter.Unknown Reward(Refusal will cause relationship with Dreg to decrease) | | --- | | You have accepted the quest | | --- | "You might also need these" Said Dreg as he gave him a set of armor and a sword. | Leather ChestplateDurability: 46/50Defense: +20A chestpiece made from the leather of multiple animals | | --- | | Leather HelmetDurability: 26/30Defense: +10A helmet made from the leather of multiple animals | | --- | | Leather BootsDurability: 26/30Defense +10Boots made from the leather of multiple animals | | --- | | Leather GlovesDurability: 13/15Defense +5Gloves made from the leather of multiple animals | | --- | | Iron SwordDurability: 50/50Attack: 8-12Sword forged by a average blacksmith. Very common. | | --- | Terra equipped all of the things Dreg gave him and went towards the shaft and began to descend. | You have discovered Spider Queen's LairDo you wish to enter? | | --- | | Dungeon:You are the first to discover Spider Queen's LairReward: +150 Fame | | --- | Halfway down he heard the echo of Dreg's voice saying good luck to him. Or was it my condolences? Next chapter <http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=116&t=2381> Author Note: Chapter 4 is being down as we speak but my break is up so it might take longer than whatever is usual to release it. This chapter was difficult in the fact that there are so many tables of codings I did. New found respect for other Authors who experience the same thing.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Will: Yes i want to change my class.<br><br>Class changed.<br><br>New Skill: Animal Empathy.<br>New Skill: Wilderness Lore.<br><br>Will: Inventory!<br><br>Herbalist knife.<br><br>Small bladed knife, thick but sharp blade.<br>Damage: 2-7<br>Effect: Increased herb yield.<br><br><br><br>Potion of Mana essence.<br><br>This potion is made of a variety of rare herbs, to increase awareness of the mind when it is used.<br><br>Effect: Increases Intelligence (+2) and Mana (+100).<br><br><br>Will was smitten at the quest reward since such items which permanently increase stats are quite hard to come by, Will downed the potion right away. Time to distribute stats into vitality,wisdom and check stats and the new class.<br><br>Will: Status Window.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Character Name</td><td width="25%">Will</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">5</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Druid</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td width="25%">None</td><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">240</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">570</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">18+5</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">15+5</td><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">23+20</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">12+20</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Offense</td><td width="25%">4</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Magic Resitance</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>* Intellect and wisdom added 20 points<br>* Vitality and Dexterity added 5 points<br>*Proficient with small blade and blunt weapons.<br>*Able to learn magic spells<br><br><br>Animal Empathy.<br><br>Used to keep a guard dog from barking at you, to get a wild bird to land on your hand or to keep a bear calm while you back off.<br>beginner level 1. (0%)<br><br><br>Will: Skill info “Wilderness Lore”.<br><br>Used to hunt in the wild, guide a party safely through frozen wastelands, identify signs that a foe lives nearby or avoid other natural hazards.<br>beginner level 1. (0%)<br><br><br>Bidding goodbye to the Old Sage Will decides to first learn some magic spells, as playing paladin earlier Will already has some prior knowledge about holy magic and the usage but it wouldn’t mean learning elemental spell will be easier. Making way to the Mage guild, Will was distracted by some useful grass growing by the roadsides and some gardens, as Will managed to reach the Mage guild the Herbalism skill advanced to beginner 3. Will seeked out the instructor right away after entering the Mage guild.<br><br>Will: Hello, I where could i find the library for some basic spell books.<br>Instructor: Which element mage are you?<br>Will: I haven’t picked an element yet and I am Druid class.<br><br>The instructor laughed quite loudly upon hearing Will’s class.<br><br>Instructor: Not even a real mage nor a decent priest, such a pity. Best be off and learn some earth spells you might be able to learn the most basic ones, you can find the earth affinity sector in the west wing of the guild.<br><br><br>Will thanked the instructor and left for the west wing didn’t wish to cause a scene nor further lower the relationship with the instructor. Will was awe struck seeing the difference between the north wing and west wing of the guild. The earth element department seemed like a warm cozy cottage, planked walls, several wood pillars with vines wrapped around them, a bit eerie but warm light filled the large hall. Will saw an old white bearded mage sitting at a messy desk flipping through a thick book and walked up to the mage.<br><br><br>Will: Hello, I would like to study and master earth element.<br><br>The mage examined Will carefully, seemingly another newbie.<br><br><br>Headmaster: Well then, new mages have only access to the beginner library, if you wish to learn more advanced spells and incarnations you will need to contribute to the mage guild, you can find the beginner library on the first door left.<br><br><br>Will just thanked the mage and left for the library. The library was quite small, three walls covered by bookcases, several small desks with candles on each. Wills hand brushing against the books sitting in the first bookcase. Will still had slightly over two weeks before able to leave the town. Picking out several books and moving to a vacant desk. Spending several days ingame finishing the first stack of books.<br><br>You have completed the book: “Instruction to Earthen Magic”.<br><br>Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis).<br>Earth Affinity increased by 1%<br><br><br>You have completed the book: “ The Earthen Kingdom”.<br><br>Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis).<br>Earth Affinity increased by 1%<br><br>You have completed the book: “Circle I Earthen Magic”.<br><br>Intelligence increased by 1 (+1Int).<br><br>You have learned “Tremble”.<br>You have learned “Stone Skin”.<br>You have learned “Earth Blessing”.<br>You have learned “Soul of Stone”.<br><br><br><br>Will: Skill info “Tremble”.<br><br>Tremble is the first basic crowd control earth spell by shaking the ground in the area, area radius determined by Character Intellect attribute. Lowering movement speed and Dexterity attribute of the enemy.<br>Mana cost: 20 mana per second.<br><br><br><br>Will: Skill info “Stone Skin”.<br><br>Hardens users skin over time increasing defense and closing bleeding wounds but lowering users mobility and Dexterity. Defense increased by 5%.<br>Beginner level 1 (0%).<br><br>Channel time: 2 seconds.<br>Mana cost : 15 mana per second.<br><br><br>Will: Skill info “Earth Blessing”.<br><br>Activating Earths rejuvenating power in the injured body by touch. Healing value determined by Wisdom attribute.<br>Beginner level 1 (0%).<br><br>Channel time : Touch.<br>Mana cost: 10 mana per second.<br><br><br>Will: Skill info “Soul of Stone”.<br><br>Imbue mana into stones and rocks adding random elemental attribute to the object. Mana cost determined by size of the object.<br>Beginner level 1 (0)%<br><br>Channel time: Instant.<br><br><br>After spending almost two weeks in the mage guild library, Will was itching for some action as the 4 week restriction time was over. Visiting the grocery store buying simple supplies Will left the town through the south gate to a quite large open field filled with adventures and a lot of rabbits, deers and few foxes around. Will breathed in deeply before taking first step out of the town, going around gathering few pebbles and some herbs coming by. Will enchanted the pebbles using Soul of Stone skill after enchanting a handful of stones Will moved towards a bulky tree, taking out knife and carving a dart board, moving away several steps taking one of the enchant pebble and throwing it at the tree, first patch of pebbles missing miserably, few throws later hitting the target Will gained a new skill “Throw”. Finally ready to start the hunt, Will started targeting rabbits, initiating the battle by throwing enchanted pebble at a rabbit, depending on the elemental it was either a quick battle or dragged out a while, Ice/Thunder element slowed/stunned the rabbit which made it a lot easier for Will to finish it off using the Herbalist knife but Fire/Earth element just increased the damage the pebble which in return the rabbit started escaping and Will had to chase it, luckily high Dexterity attribute helped Will chase down the injured rabbit. Several hours passed with Will hunting rabbits gaining a Level up and increasing knife mastery, throw skill and soul of stone skill in the process. Putting all the newly gained Attribute points into Intelligence Will was confident enough to move on to hunt deers. Using the same tactic as hunting rabbits but alas when Will hit the deer with Fire or Earth enchanted pebble they would just run away and Will was unable to chase them down, only managed to hunt and successfully kill the deers which were slowed or stunned. Another hour passed with Will hunting deers and finally Leveling up, this time Will added 5 Attribute points into Dexterity, enabling Will to chase and hunt deers when they try to escape, as Will was chasing a deer the deer disappeared into a small forest patch Will eagerly chased after but upon entering the forest noticed a fox, Will stopped and slowly started to back off and heard a low growling voice coming from the fox. Will activated Animal Empathy skill right away, lowering his stance hands slowly reaching into the pouch and pulling out few rabbit meat, placing them on the ground gently and starting to back off without making any rush movements, once Will was out of the forest sighed deeply and tried to relax and lower heartbeat when enough distance was cover Will called up skill window.<br><br><br>Will: Skill window.<br><br>Herbalism beginner: 3 (12%)<br>Alchemy beginner: 3 (51%)<br>Animal Empathy: 1 (10%)<br>Wilderness Lore: 1 (0%)<br>Simple Blade Mastery: 1 (74%)<br>Throw: 1 (80%)<br>Stone Skin: 1 (0%)<br>Earth Blessing: 1 (0%)<br>Soul of Stone: 1 (92%)<br><br><br><br>Will: Seems like these druid spells could be quite handy, though that fox would tear me to shreds, almost ready to call it a day, think I could level up few skills quickly with a bit more hunting.<br><br><br>Will hunted some deer again and was almost ready for another level up as noticed pop up window<br><br><br>Increased Soul of Stone to level 2.<br><br><br>Will smiled at the pop up window and got ready to leave for the town to get some well deserved rest and food, but Will was stopped by a wolf popping out of the forest patch, the wolf stared down on Will like a free meal. Will right away activated Animal Empathy skill and hoped to get away safe again, laying several pieces of rabbit and deer meat on the ground but this time the wolf ignored the offering and leaped at Will full force and took a bite out of Will’s leg another pop up window came up.<br><br>You have been crippled movement speed lowered by 15%.<br><br><br>Will was scared witless, as level 7 it was quite impossible to beat a wolf head on alone. Will pulled out the herbalist knife and tried to defend while chanting Earth blessing spell to heal up a bit, but the wolf didn’t let up, jumped away and rushed back toward Will in a zic zag motion and leaped toward Will’s throat. Will gave up on healing and tried best to defend against the incoming attack but the knife was close to useless, Will manage to slightly alter the wolf leap but it wasn’t enough Will’s throat got a big bleeding wound it wouldn’t take much and Will would bleed out, but Will countered by using Stone Skin spell increasing defense and closing the neck wound, sadly it wasn’t enough before Will managed to close the neck wound fully the wolf charged again and finally killed Will.<br><br><br>William got out of his capsule as it went black.<br><br>William: Animal Empathy my ass, can’t belive I got teared to piece by such a weak low monster. </div>

Will: Yes i want to change my class. Class changed. New Skill: Animal Empathy. New Skill: Wilderness Lore. Will: Inventory! Herbalist knife. Small bladed knife, thick but sharp blade. Damage: 2-7 Effect: Increased herb yield. Potion of Mana essence. This potion is made of a variety of rare herbs, to increase awareness of the mind when it is used. Effect: Increases Intelligence (+2) and Mana (+100). Will was smitten at the quest reward since such items which permanently increase stats are quite hard to come by, Will downed the potion right away. Time to distribute stats into vitality,wisdom and check stats and the new class. Will: Status Window. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Character Name | Will | Alignment | Neutral | | Level | 5 | Class | Druid | | Title | None | Fame | 0 | | Health | 240 | Mana | 570 | | Strength | 10 | Dexterity | 18+5 | | Vitality | 15+5 | Wisdom | 23+20 | | Intellect | 12+20 | Leadership | 0 | | Luck | 0 | Offense | 4 | | Defense | 1 | Magic Resitance | 0% | * Intellect and wisdom added 20 points * Vitality and Dexterity added 5 points *Proficient with small blade and blunt weapons. *Able to learn magic spells Animal Empathy. Used to keep a guard dog from barking at you, to get a wild bird to land on your hand or to keep a bear calm while you back off. beginner level 1. (0%) Will: Skill info “Wilderness Lore”. Used to hunt in the wild, guide a party safely through frozen wastelands, identify signs that a foe lives nearby or avoid other natural hazards. beginner level 1. (0%) Bidding goodbye to the Old Sage Will decides to first learn some magic spells, as playing paladin earlier Will already has some prior knowledge about holy magic and the usage but it wouldn’t mean learning elemental spell will be easier. Making way to the Mage guild, Will was distracted by some useful grass growing by the roadsides and some gardens, as Will managed to reach the Mage guild the Herbalism skill advanced to beginner 3. Will seeked out the instructor right away after entering the Mage guild. Will: Hello, I where could i find the library for some basic spell books. Instructor: Which element mage are you? Will: I haven’t picked an element yet and I am Druid class. The instructor laughed quite loudly upon hearing Will’s class. Instructor: Not even a real mage nor a decent priest, such a pity. Best be off and learn some earth spells you might be able to learn the most basic ones, you can find the earth affinity sector in the west wing of the guild. Will thanked the instructor and left for the west wing didn’t wish to cause a scene nor further lower the relationship with the instructor. Will was awe struck seeing the difference between the north wing and west wing of the guild. The earth element department seemed like a warm cozy cottage, planked walls, several wood pillars with vines wrapped around them, a bit eerie but warm light filled the large hall. Will saw an old white bearded mage sitting at a messy desk flipping through a thick book and walked up to the mage. Will: Hello, I would like to study and master earth element. The mage examined Will carefully, seemingly another newbie. Headmaster: Well then, new mages have only access to the beginner library, if you wish to learn more advanced spells and incarnations you will need to contribute to the mage guild, you can find the beginner library on the first door left. Will just thanked the mage and left for the library. The library was quite small, three walls covered by bookcases, several small desks with candles on each. Wills hand brushing against the books sitting in the first bookcase. Will still had slightly over two weeks before able to leave the town. Picking out several books and moving to a vacant desk. Spending several days ingame finishing the first stack of books. You have completed the book: “Instruction to Earthen Magic”. Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis). Earth Affinity increased by 1% You have completed the book: “ The Earthen Kingdom”. Wisdom increased by 1 (+1Wis). Earth Affinity increased by 1% You have completed the book: “Circle I Earthen Magic”. Intelligence increased by 1 (+1Int). You have learned “Tremble”. You have learned “Stone Skin”. You have learned “Earth Blessing”. You have learned “Soul of Stone”. Will: Skill info “Tremble”. Tremble is the first basic crowd control earth spell by shaking the ground in the area, area radius determined by Character Intellect attribute. Lowering movement speed and Dexterity attribute of the enemy. Mana cost: 20 mana per second. Will: Skill info “Stone Skin”. Hardens users skin over time increasing defense and closing bleeding wounds but lowering users mobility and Dexterity. Defense increased by 5%. Beginner level 1 (0%). Channel time: 2 seconds. Mana cost : 15 mana per second. Will: Skill info “Earth Blessing”. Activating Earths rejuvenating power in the injured body by touch. Healing value determined by Wisdom attribute. Beginner level 1 (0%). Channel time : Touch. Mana cost: 10 mana per second. Will: Skill info “Soul of Stone”. Imbue mana into stones and rocks adding random elemental attribute to the object. Mana cost determined by size of the object. Beginner level 1 (0)% Channel time: Instant. After spending almost two weeks in the mage guild library, Will was itching for some action as the 4 week restriction time was over. Visiting the grocery store buying simple supplies Will left the town through the south gate to a quite large open field filled with adventures and a lot of rabbits, deers and few foxes around. Will breathed in deeply before taking first step out of the town, going around gathering few pebbles and some herbs coming by. Will enchanted the pebbles using Soul of Stone skill after enchanting a handful of stones Will moved towards a bulky tree, taking out knife and carving a dart board, moving away several steps taking one of the enchant pebble and throwing it at the tree, first patch of pebbles missing miserably, few throws later hitting the target Will gained a new skill “Throw”. Finally ready to start the hunt, Will started targeting rabbits, initiating the battle by throwing enchanted pebble at a rabbit, depending on the elemental it was either a quick battle or dragged out a while, Ice/Thunder element slowed/stunned the rabbit which made it a lot easier for Will to finish it off using the Herbalist knife but Fire/Earth element just increased the damage the pebble which in return the rabbit started escaping and Will had to chase it, luckily high Dexterity attribute helped Will chase down the injured rabbit. Several hours passed with Will hunting rabbits gaining a Level up and increasing knife mastery, throw skill and soul of stone skill in the process. Putting all the newly gained Attribute points into Intelligence Will was confident enough to move on to hunt deers. Using the same tactic as hunting rabbits but alas when Will hit the deer with Fire or Earth enchanted pebble they would just run away and Will was unable to chase them down, only managed to hunt and successfully kill the deers which were slowed or stunned. Another hour passed with Will hunting deers and finally Leveling up, this time Will added 5 Attribute points into Dexterity, enabling Will to chase and hunt deers when they try to escape, as Will was chasing a deer the deer disappeared into a small forest patch Will eagerly chased after but upon entering the forest noticed a fox, Will stopped and slowly started to back off and heard a low growling voice coming from the fox. Will activated Animal Empathy skill right away, lowering his stance hands slowly reaching into the pouch and pulling out few rabbit meat, placing them on the ground gently and starting to back off without making any rush movements, once Will was out of the forest sighed deeply and tried to relax and lower heartbeat when enough distance was cover Will called up skill window. Will: Skill window. Herbalism beginner: 3 (12%) Alchemy beginner: 3 (51%) Animal Empathy: 1 (10%) Wilderness Lore: 1 (0%) Simple Blade Mastery: 1 (74%) Throw: 1 (80%) Stone Skin: 1 (0%) Earth Blessing: 1 (0%) Soul of Stone: 1 (92%) Will: Seems like these druid spells could be quite handy, though that fox would tear me to shreds, almost ready to call it a day, think I could level up few skills quickly with a bit more hunting. Will hunted some deer again and was almost ready for another level up as noticed pop up window Increased Soul of Stone to level 2. Will smiled at the pop up window and got ready to leave for the town to get some well deserved rest and food, but Will was stopped by a wolf popping out of the forest patch, the wolf stared down on Will like a free meal. Will right away activated Animal Empathy skill and hoped to get away safe again, laying several pieces of rabbit and deer meat on the ground but this time the wolf ignored the offering and leaped at Will full force and took a bite out of Will’s leg another pop up window came up. You have been crippled movement speed lowered by 15%. Will was scared witless, as level 7 it was quite impossible to beat a wolf head on alone. Will pulled out the herbalist knife and tried to defend while chanting Earth blessing spell to heal up a bit, but the wolf didn’t let up, jumped away and rushed back toward Will in a zic zag motion and leaped toward Will’s throat. Will gave up on healing and tried best to defend against the incoming attack but the knife was close to useless, Will manage to slightly alter the wolf leap but it wasn’t enough Will’s throat got a big bleeding wound it wouldn’t take much and Will would bleed out, but Will countered by using Stone Skin spell increasing defense and closing the neck wound, sadly it wasn’t enough before Will managed to close the neck wound fully the wolf charged again and finally killed Will. William got out of his capsule as it went black. William: Animal Empathy my ass, can’t belive I got teared to piece by such a weak low monster.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> ?A wish is wish because it was never meant to become true ????? That is what I believe? <br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #0080FF;">Prologue: ? Promise ?</span></span></span> <br> <br>That day the moonlit sky shone a blazing red. <br> <br>Raging flames razed the earth purging all in its path leaving only ashes behind. Even so not a single sound could be heard except for the sound of the roaring flames. Everything was destroyed and no life could endure such harsh environment. <br> <br>Amidst the living inferno lies a single house. <br> <br>Roofless and consumed by flames, it was at the brink of destruction. Everyone was supposed to be dead yet in that single house there were signs of life. It was faint but soft sounds of breathing could be heard inside the house. <br> <br>Somewhere inside the house a pair of twins of male and female with burnt and bloodied clothes was sitting against each other’s back staring at the sky dreamily as if in a trance ignoring everything around them. Both of them were identical yet they were not entirely the same. <br> <br>Their long hair, uncut since they were born were of the same length but one of them was a reddish-blonde like the colour of the sunset while the other was a silvery-blonde much like the colour of the moon currently above them. Two pair of lustrous eyes shone a blazing red and an azure blue matching the twin’s hair feature. <br>Slowly, they started to whisper to each other continuing each other’s words. <br> <br>“Everyone… “ <br> <br>“Everyone is dead. There is no one left to control us, to hurt us or…” <br> <br>“…to love us.” <br> <br>“From now on we are free. Free and alone. But…” <br> <br>“Hey, do you think we will die? If both of us die then that’s the end…? No, I don’t want that. We’ll live on…” <br> <br>“…live and prevail to the very end.” <br> <br>They stopped staring at the sky and faced each other. Red meets blue. It was as if they were looking into a mirror only with different colours in them. They gazed silently into each other eyes, both understanding the other’s intentions. <br> <br>“If we…” <br> <br>“…if one of us dies then, the one alive will live for the other. Living on and keep moving forward. Because…” <br> <br>“…I am you…” <br> <br>“…and you are me.” <br> <br>They closed their eyes and intertwined their hands with each other while pulling their body as close as they can. <br> <br>“Then…” <br> <br>“Yeah…” <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">““It’s a promise.””</span> </div>

?A wish is wish because it was never meant to become true ????? That is what I believe? Prologue: ? Promise ? That day the moonlit sky shone a blazing red. Raging flames razed the earth purging all in its path leaving only ashes behind. Even so not a single sound could be heard except for the sound of the roaring flames. Everything was destroyed and no life could endure such harsh environment. Amidst the living inferno lies a single house. Roofless and consumed by flames, it was at the brink of destruction. Everyone was supposed to be dead yet in that single house there were signs of life. It was faint but soft sounds of breathing could be heard inside the house. Somewhere inside the house a pair of twins of male and female with burnt and bloodied clothes was sitting against each other’s back staring at the sky dreamily as if in a trance ignoring everything around them. Both of them were identical yet they were not entirely the same. Their long hair, uncut since they were born were of the same length but one of them was a reddish-blonde like the colour of the sunset while the other was a silvery-blonde much like the colour of the moon currently above them. Two pair of lustrous eyes shone a blazing red and an azure blue matching the twin’s hair feature. Slowly, they started to whisper to each other continuing each other’s words. “Everyone… “ “Everyone is dead. There is no one left to control us, to hurt us or…” “…to love us.” “From now on we are free. Free and alone. But…” “Hey, do you think we will die? If both of us die then that’s the end…? No, I don’t want that. We’ll live on…” “…live and prevail to the very end.” They stopped staring at the sky and faced each other. Red meets blue. It was as if they were looking into a mirror only with different colours in them. They gazed silently into each other eyes, both understanding the other’s intentions. “If we…” “…if one of us dies then, the one alive will live for the other. Living on and keep moving forward. Because…” “…I am you…” “…and you are me.” They closed their eyes and intertwined their hands with each other while pulling their body as close as they can. “Then…” “Yeah…” ““It’s a promise.””

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1120&amp;p=6100#p6100" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a> <br> <br>Author's Note: <br> <br>I haven't died yet guys! Sorry about the extremely late update. My parents decided not to pay for the Internet so I'm cut off and the library is quite out of the way. Only recently did I get back my Internet on the phone but I can't post my story through it sadly. So I can't tell when the next chapter will come, Sunday is out of the question so expect it some time next week. A prologue might appear on Friday if I manage to come here again but can't make any promises. (The times I can come to library are Thursdays and Fridays but not always either). <br> <br>Back on the chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Many things happened that will lead to even more things to come. After writing I noticed it was kind of rushed and wasn't sure why. Maybe I'll edit it someday but for now I'll concentrate on writing further on :) <br> <br> <br><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">****</span></span> <br> <br>The castle was shining brilliantly. Its towers reaching for the sky in a grand manner, stained glass windows gleaming in all colours, large stone beasts sitting on narrow edges ready to pounce. Down below, where giant doors ornamented with gold stood, opened up a large assemble of nobles were standing in wait. They wore their best clothes adorned with rich colours from all over the continent.&nbsp; <br> <br>Players were crowding around them, interested in what was going on. The nobles were &nbsp;ignoring all the adventurers because of their low fame and chatting only about court among themselves. In the middle of them stood a man in his early twenties. He wore gold and silver to show his rank. To make it even more obvious he put a silver crown. He was the lord of this city and people had to know it.&nbsp; <br> <br>He was waiting for the adventurers he sent to reclaim the Vascas castle to return and announce their victory. Earlier that day a scout had come to him. The guy said that an army was approaching and everyone in it looked happy and well off so it could only mean they had won. That would be very good news for him. <br> <br>The sun was high up but the air was still cold. A freezing gust flowed from time to time, chilling him to the bone. Where were those fighters? He couldn't wait till he could come back to his cosy warm room.&nbsp; <br> <br>Bum! Bum!&nbsp; <br> <br>A constant sound of many feet hitting ground could finally be heard coming from far away. Players looked around in wonder, guessing among themselves what it might be. It had been quite some time since the recruitment and most had even forgotten about them leaving. This allowed the friends of those who had left to be in a spotlight for the moment. They knew all about it and could spread lots of far-fetched tales which became less believe by each moment passing.&nbsp; <br> <br>And then the heroes entered the city. First walked the leader in his best armour holding a scary looking war scythe in his hand with his officers flaking him from behind. After them went the army - warriors, rangers, casters and many others with their heads raised high up in the air and backs straight. Their weapons shined from having been polished for hours.&nbsp; <br> <br>There was a certain aura surrounding them from which all the citizens could sense their joy and pride. Those people had worked hard and now were sowing the fruits of it.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Welcome back, my faithful warriors! I trust you to have completed the mission" the lord said with his hands raised in the air as if he was blessing them. His long sleeves were swinging gently making him feel like a pope.&nbsp; <br> <br>Monthu stepped forward and came down on his knee. "We've annihilated the evil forces of goblins that had taken over the castle and saved those who had survived. The remaining two councilmen are sending you their deepest gratitude" he said and took out a letter from his inner pocket, handing it to the lord.&nbsp; <br> <br>He wanted to act out his part well. The soldiers liked playing real army and he didn't want to disappoint them by being only a normal player. "Many of us had stayed with them and this letter explains everything. It was written by Councilman Doran." <br> <br>"I hope you passed my dearest wish for them to be well. It is all I want" the lord said taking the letter. He put it in his pocket and murmured some kind of a blessing over the man's head. Then he extended it to supposedly get it over everyone.&nbsp; <br> <br>He wasn't sure if that actually did anything but he got into a habit of blessing those that did well even though he was no cleric. The skill was created for it but it was so strangely written that he couldn't say what in the world it meant. But no one had called him out on pretending so maybe something happened when he chanted that nonsense.&nbsp; <br> <br>Finished with the appearances, he turned around and, followed by the nobles, returned to the castle. He went to the chosen room and sat down to wait until Sir Elimas brought the leading party for him to congratulate personally. Those who had followed him went to the ballroom. There were a few bards singing and many refreshments there in preparation of a large celebration in the evening.&nbsp; <br> <br>He relaxed in his chair and yawned. The day was so boring. Hopefully the upcoming conversation would prove more interesting. <br> <br>"Go this way, please" a male voice said which he recognized as his right hand's.&nbsp; <br> <br>That signalled for him to prepare his cards and make sure he won the exchange. <br> <br>"Come in" he said once the knock sounded and plastered a fake smile on. He had noticed people trusted him more this way than when he remained with a normal expression, his lips in a line. "I'm happy to see you all here" he said good-naturedly. <br> <br>"What exactly were we invited here for?" Monthu asked, standing in front of his group which was clearly missing a member like last time. The lord calmly turned to Sir Elimas. "Was I not clear enough when I said I wanted to see all of them?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"He wasn't with them..." the guy said quietly. He was used to the lord's anger and ignored it most if the time.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Where is your last member?" the lord asked, turning his suddenly cold and lifeless eyes towards the group.&nbsp; <br> <br>"If you mean Ace, he's left the team." <br> <br>"Did he go to the quest with you?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Yes." <br> <br>"Did he help you finish it?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Yes." <br> <br>"Does he want to get the reward for it?" <br> <br>"I suppose so" <br> <br>"Then tell him to get here right now!" the lord said in a dagger sharp voice, making the group involuntarily take a step back.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Fine but I can't promise he'll come" Monthu said rolling his eyes; he couldn't understand why would Ace be needed. <br> <br>/The lord wants to see you because you skipped it the last time we met him. Will you come?/ <br> <br>/If he threatens to not give me my reward, then yes./ <br> <br>/.../&nbsp; <br> <br>"He said that you have to threaten the reward or else he can't make it" Monthu said relaying what he was told. It was up to the lord to understand what that could mean. <br> <br>Sparks of interest appeared in the man's eyes but he remained collected. "Then I do that. In case he doesn't show up, he'll be removed from the heroes list and his reward nullified. That is my word"&nbsp; <br> <br>/You've just been threatened by removal from the heroes list/ Monthu wrote. <br> <br>/He did what? I didn't ask for him to remove me, just not give me the reward! Keep him busy I'll be right there!/ Ace wrote back in a hurry and explained what's happening to Vera in two words before running off once again. She wondered why he suddenly started to run away all the time when the fact that he left all alone in an unknown city got to her. The search was called in moments. <br> <br>Nothing of that was known in the castle. People were working normally and allowed the young boy to storm past them. No one even stopped him to ask how he knew the layout so well that he never hesitated before choosing one of the paths when they branched out.&nbsp; <br> <br>Dang!&nbsp; <br> <br>The lord's doors burst open making him raise his head. What he saw was a panting young boy with a mane of golden curls and a small flame circling his head. <br> <br>"Don't… you... dare... to re…move... me!" he said between breaths. After a few moments he came closer and sat on the man's table right before the guy. "Do you hear me?" he asked in a shrill voice. <br> <br>"I've wanted to meet you for quite some time, traveller Ace" the lord said, relaxing in his chair and creating some distance between them. "I've heard many rumours concerning your existence."&nbsp; <br> <br>"Really? People are talking about me?" Ace asked happily. There was an eager expression on his face as he pushed himself closer to the man getting in his face again. <br> <br>The guy tried to back away inconspicuously but the back of the chair prevented him so he gave up on the idea. "Depends on where you listen and what for." <br> <br>"Huh?" Ace asked tilting his head to the right, reminding very much of an owl.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I have all kinds of people under my command and a few brought some strange rumours about a killer taking up my city as his hunting place. Do you know anything about it?" the man asked looking straight into the kid's eyes.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Of course!" Ace said indignantly. "Who doesn't know about him? He's a menace that you did nothing to stop from rampaging and killing innocent people!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"And that's how my fault?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"You're the lord! You must take care of your people and protect them from getting slaughtered!" Ace said, pointing at the man's nose who swatted the hand away. <br> <br>"And what was I supposed to do? No one even saw him, so how could I catch him? A? Any genius ideas?" the lord asked angrily.&nbsp; <br> <br>They looked at each other with anger in their eyes. Ace didn't answer but lord saw an accusation in his eyes that said much more than any words could. And the kid wasn't backing down. The man stood up in a bout of blind rage and throwing all the papers from the table down turned to leave. At the door he stopped.&nbsp; <br> <br>And burst out laughing.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You're good. I give you that" he said, still chuckling. Shaking his head he slowly returned to his seat. "You almost made me forget why I brought you here in the first place"&nbsp; <br> <br>The kid looked at him with calm eyes in which he noticed a hidden intelligence that he hadn't seen before. He was good at reading people and using it to his advantage, that's why under a year he managed to gain the position of a city lord. But now he got fooled by the kid's looks, underestimating the guy because of how young he looked. That was a rookie mistake and it almost cost him his entire plan.&nbsp; <br> <br>The mistake shouldn't be repeated and the kid held in the highest regard of his skills from now on. "I think it's time to stop with the pretending and talk about the important matters." <br> <br>"What pretending?" the kid asked with a genuine surprise in his voice. "That's who I am." <br> <br>"I really doubt that. You don't really strike me as a kid" the man said almost rolling his eyes. <br> <br>"But I am!" the kid cried out with annoyance in his voice. "Why can't people understand that?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Because you're way too smart to be one? No kid would ever go out of his way to prepare for the mission instead of going into a castle. On top of that you masterfully changed the subject when I picked the Silver Wing. Kid's don't do that." <br> <br>"But they treat me like one and repeat that I'm a kid every single day!" Ace said crossing his arms and glaring at the guy. "Why else would they do that if I wasn't one?" <br> <br>"You sound like a NPC who needs his problems solved before they agree to help you out" the man said, making Ace smile.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Could you do that?" Ace asked hopefully. <br> <br>"I didn't even get what you were saying, so hardly. But do you plan to talk to me finally?" <br> <br>"That depends whether I'll understand you" Ace said getting both his legs up and sitting down cross legged on the table. He put his right arm on the knee to support his chin and looked at the man with clear blue eyes. <br> <br>"Oh I think you will. The topic is Silver Wing" the lord said looking at Ace but the kid didn't move a muscle. He just looked.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Fine, let me explain it to you. A few months ago a monster started to rampage in my city. He was quite well-known for having lived in the capital for long. There were no leads on him besides the fact that he had light hair, blood-red eyes and no one ever saw him before the dagger was already in their hearts. Nothing that he could be tracked by.&nbsp; <br> <br>“But then one day a kid came to my right hand man and forced him into complying" the lord said expecting a reaction. Denial or something but Ace stayed still as if he was a statue.&nbsp; <br> <br>"There were no connections beside the kid knowing facts he shouldn't and having light curls escaping a dark purple scarf. But he gained suspicion when he didn't show up to take up his prize. On top of that Silver Wing took a break when he left for a mission too. Do you see where I'm going?" <br> <br>Ace's eyes became a bit darker blue but he still didn't say anything. <br> <br>"I've been thinking about it a lot and collected even more information on the killer. My personal spies questioned every victim themselves until one of them said he saw a slightly pointed ear before his death. He also mentioned the point being much smaller than an elf’s and maybe even half-elf’s. I thought about it a lot and was about to discard it as fake when I remembered a certain race, not like any other. They had slightly pointed ears, thick extremely strong hair but looked human otherwise. It was a race that nobody ever chose. And here I can see one specimen right before my eyes. I hope you don't think it's a coincidence?" <br> <br>"Maybe..." Ace said finally, a strange gleam appearing in his eyes. <br> <br>"Don't try to threaten me. Even if you kill me, I'll be reborn and free to tell your secret to the world" the lord said but there was no smile on his face. He was playing with fire at the moment. He surely could be reborn but Ace might be waiting there for him or hire someone to repeatedly kill him. On top of that it would be extremely hard to convince anyone that the sweet kid before him was a heartless killer. <br> <br>Ace knew that too. He had a tremendous advantage with that but he preferred to tread carefully. This time they might not believe the guy but if more people started talking about it, it would cast a shadow of doubt on him, constricting his movements. "What do you want?" he asked straightforwardly. The man was good enough to see through all the hastily made trickery anyway.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I want to hire you." <br> <br>"Wait... What?" Ace asked surprised. He expected to get threatened and forced to do something, not to be offered a job. <br> <br>"I want to unite the Oradin kingdom and for that I'll need many things. A master assassin is a vital one and you're one of the best I've seen. On top of that, no one will ever think of suspecting you for anything" the lord said heatedly, his eyes blazing. <br> <br>Ace's eyes widened. "That's not a dream of someone who thinks small. Are you sure it's within your grasp?" <br> <br>"Crystal clear. I've risen to the position of the lord in half a year while others only learnt how to use their skills well. All I need to start moving on from here is a few people in key positions I could trust. That is all" the lord said putting his hands on the table and grilling Ace with his feverish gaze. <br> <br>"So confident. You're so going down soon" Ace said shaking his head with a laugh. He didn't believe the guys dream. It was a hard path to becoming a city lord but creating a kingdom from many separate castles that have no wish to do so? A madmen's mutterings. <br> <br>"I don't ask you to believe me. All I want is to borrow your strength. You will start seeing my way later on when I have conquered and won over all the lands around Lasran!" <br> <br>"You're so sure of it. Why not then? Let's see how far you can go before falling. Just remember I'll be there to tell you "I told you so"! What is your plan for now?" <br> <br>"And you think I'll be stupid enough to reveal it? I'll hire you officially secretly and give you your mission." <br> <br>"And if I do everything well, you might one day tell me your genius plans?" Ace asked with a laugh. He wasn't sure about the guys success rate but was eagerly waiting for his mission. He never expected a chance to become an assassin for hire, not even talking to be a royal one. There would be many new things to see and so much fun to have! "Do you plan to make me into a spy to?" <br> <br>"Do you have that much free time?" the lord asked raising his eyebrow.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace thought for a moment. Vera would never agree to it but he wasn't planning on staying by her side anyway. "I might. Do you have anything interesting?" <br> <br>"Aren't you a bit too eager? I thought you didn't trust in my abilities?" the lord asked suspiciously. <br> <br>"I don't. I'm just going to help you as long as I find it fun being a royal assassin. If I get bored, that'll be the last you will see of me. So tell, what do you have in mind now?" Ace asked, dragging himself a bit forward so he was looking down on the man if only slightly.&nbsp; <br> <br>The lord relaxed back in his chair escaping the kid's gaze. "I didn't expect you to jump at the opportunity so I haven't prepared anything. Come back in the evening I'll have it all figured out by then" <br> <br>"Too much work. I won't have time to chat with you later on. So it's now or never." <br> <br>"What about the chat system?" <br> <br>"What about it?" <br> <br>"Will you be on?" <br> <br>"Yes, but I don't remember having you in my friends list." <br> <br>The lord's eyes flashed angrily but he extended his hand and took Ace's. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*L has requested to become your friend. Do you accept?*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>"L? Seriously?" Ace laughed. "Where did you even come up with that? That’s a name that reaches the heights of ingenuity!" <br> <br>"Just accept it and leave. I have a lot of work to do" the lord said, angrily picking up a random document that had somehow remained on the corner of a table and starting to read it.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Of course, of course!" Ace said, still laughing and jumped down from the table. He stretched his muscles from a real life habit and left after making a mocking bow. “Single letter…” he muttered chuckling&nbsp; <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*L has been registered as a friend*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Out of the room he went to wonder around the castle lost in his thoughts. Everything would be nice and good but first he had to somehow get rid of Vera which wasn't an easy task. She was like a leech draining his life energy and it always hurt to get it off you.&nbsp; <br> <br>He needed some kind of a plan, a reason why he should travel alone. Something, something... There had to be a way... Accidentally he went into a small chapel. It was eerily quiet inside. 'If I came here, I might as well pay my respects.' <br> <br>He found the small picture of a golden haired beauty looking innocently with her hands behind her back from which pearly white wings sprouted and fell on his knees before it. He took out a dried flower from his backpack and put it on the small plate for offerings. After that Ace took out his Kris and cut at his finger to let a drop of blood land on the flower. It shined yellow for a moment before losing colour once again. <br>"Ariel, the fooled one, hear my prayer and help your servant in his time of need. I bow my head before your suffering and share mine. If death befalls me, take me to your side and let us watch the world be swallowed in flames together" he said in a makeshift prayer. It was a random match of different ideas but it was a genuine effort. He really felt for the goddess and understood her pain in a way.&nbsp; <br> <br>There was no answer so after around an hour he stood up, dusted his clothes off and left. Leaving he heard two stable boys talking in a corner.&nbsp; <br> <br>"... mad! &nbsp;There's no way we can do that!" <br> <br>"Why not? It's not like we have anything here and out there we could become heroes! Can you imagine it? Us heroes!" <br> <br>"But what would we do after running away? Where would we get food and shelter? We'd die from cold! Do you remember that the winter is coming?" the other said annoyed. He was surely the logically thinking one of the two. <br> <br>'Running away for real... Not only have a few steps made to only get found again in an hour or two. How awesome would that be? But it's impossible... Or is it?' He thought about it. The getting away part could be easily achieved but what would be the reasoning? How could he explain it to her in real life? How? <br> <br>"It's great" <br> <br>"Amazing! It's the best thing ever!" Par said in a shout waking Ace up from his musing. He stopped in the corridor deciding whether he wanted to see them or not. He didn't. [Shadow Veil].&nbsp; <br> <br>He stood against the wall and prepared to wait for them to pass. Par was talking about a new skill book he obtained as a reward and Ace's mind was working. He had a general idea of what had to be done and that required Monthu, Hawk and Aurora gone from the picture for some time.&nbsp; <br> <br>His mind finally clear, he moved and went to follow the group. If they didn't feel like leaving Par alone any time soon, he was ready to make them. There was nothing that could stop him now that he had a way of escaping Vera's clutches. <br> <br>While he was planning his escape a certain duo was talking down a very dark and dangerous alley. <br> <br>"Why didn't you kill him?" <br> <br>"When you said he's a monster, I thought you meant something else than his powers. You should have told me it's a suicide mission so I could have refused from the start and not wasted all this time. You know I don't like dying?" a certainly female voice answered, waving her hand in the air.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What do you know about him? It should have been a piece of cake for someone like you!" the man said angrily.&nbsp; <br> <br>"He's a bastard of a highest level! He always went alone in the middle of enemies' base and still survived somehow. Also he made us do the same. He lured large groups of mobs simply so he could watch how we fight for our lives! And later on he tricked us into opening the gates and left us alone against a never-ending onslaught of mobs!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"I suppose you didn't die?" the man asked raising an eyebrow mockingly but in the darkness it was missed by his partner. <br> <br>"It was a close call" the voice said angrily.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Do you plan on getting revenge? He deserves it for making you go through all of it!" <br> <br>"He? I don't think so. It's all your fault that I had to go there and suffer" she said calmly and with a swift motion stabbed the man. It did little damage but she repeated it a hundred times more, so fast that the unprepared man couldn't do anything, only watch his health bar drop rapidly. When it was below five percent the rogue stopped the attacks and watched as the man fell to the ground like a heavy log.&nbsp; <br> <br>He still had some consciousness so she squatted down and whispered in his ear. "Next time hire a madman for suicide missions and get me only for delicate matters. Otherwise, you might get a bad name in the organization and you don't want that, do you?"&nbsp; <br> <br>There was fury in the man's eyes but the female smiled at him and patted the cheek as if he was a bad child and left. Soon enough the man took his last breath and was forcefully logged off. Now he had a lot of time to think of revenge that he wasn't going to get.&nbsp; <br> <br>If he even tried to touch her, the whole organization would be on his head and he would have no choice but to create a new character for himself. But there was a person he could reach. A certain monster whose fault it all was. &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> <br>That guy was unknowingly following his own prey and was growing more frustrated by the moment. 'Why can't he take a step without Monthu? How am I to make the plan work if he's so spineless?' Ace growled in his mind. It had been an hour without any progress. He had noticed Vera's shadow a few times but she didn't get too close to the group, although there was someone tailing them besides him. Luckily that guy was less skilled than Ace and couldn't see him.&nbsp; <br> <br>They followed the group for three hours more before Ace's chance showed up. Monthu walked into a blacksmith's shop with Hawk while Aurora was looking at all the jewellery in display on counters nearby. Par was supposed to have stayed by her but he had wondered off to the candy stall.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Two chocolate frogs, please!" Ace said to the merchant giving him a silver.&nbsp; <br> <br>Par was about to run away but Ace stopped him with his free hand. "Take this first" he said forcing a chocolate treat in his hand. "It's for you." <br> <br>"Thanks" Par said in a murmur, taking it discreetly and looking around to make sure no one was watching. Then he started to munch on the treat as if it was going to be taken from him at any moment. "I shouldn't be talking to you, you know" he said between bites, following everyone around with his eyes. <br> <br>"Really?" Ace asked faking surprise. "I thought we were friends? Did I do something I shouldn't have?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Monthu was very angry because I lied to him. He said you're a bad influence and I shouldn't stay around you. I trust his judgement but..." Par said quietly with his head down, the last chocolate leg forgotten.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Don't you find it unfair?" Ace asked, crossing his arms over his chest. <br> <br>"Hm?" <br> <br>"Vera is saying the same thing to me! Almost. She said that Monthu is a bad person and I should never talk to him again! That's why she didn't even want to let me finish the quest! Can you believe that?" he asked with righteous anger in his voice.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What? Monthu is the best ever! How could she say that?" Par asked, not understanding how anyone could think differently.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I think grownups sometimes make mistakes too" Ace said with grimness in his voice. <br> <br>"You mean...?" Par asked wide mouthed. <br> <br>"Yes. We're friends and should stay that way. Didn't we agree on it that night in the castle?" <br> <br>"Uhm... I don't think we said anything of the like..." Par said quietly. <br> <br>"But we were looking for a plan to stay together! So it counts! What's even better is I have it, all I want to know is whether you still wish to be my friend or not!" Ace said in a clear voice gazing right in Par's eyes. There was a question in his own but a different one when the asked. It was more of an accusation that wanted you to tell if you really had lied. Par couldn't say no to that without feeling like a traitor so he did what he felt like he had to. <br> <br>"I do" he said. <br> <br>Ace's eyes lightened up. "That's great! Who cares if the whole world is against us if we have each other? Let's go!" he said turning around and taking a few steps in the other direction than where Aurora stood. <br> <br>"I can't go! Brother won't let me!" Par said taking a step back while shaking his head; the frog leg still remained in his hand abandoned. <br> <br>"Do you wish to be friends or not?" Ace asked angrily. "I'm tired of you acting like your brother is the god! He isn't! You should think yourself at least for once! I went behind Vera's back, thought up a plan and am probably angering my parents all for the sake of staying friends with you!&nbsp; <br> <br>“But you, you can't do a single thing by yourself! I thought you were a person but now I see I was mistaken! You're nothing but a puppet controlled by Monthu! Sorry to have wasted your time, oh highness!" he shouted out mockingly, adding an exaggerated bow to it and angrily left ignoring the tears in Par's eyes.&nbsp; <br> <br>He had done all he could and if the kid was a spineless worm, nothing would change it. He'll create another plan to escape. In the end no one was on his side. To hell with it, he can do it all alone too. All he needed was a new excuse and he was good at creating them. A day or two more and he'll be free no matter what.&nbsp; <br> <br>Tired and angry he went to the tavern Vera had checked in and went to the room left for him. He laid on the bed and counted wood lines on the ceiling. Five, six, eleven, who cared, fifteen, sixteen, great, twenty, thirty, forty, hate it, hundred. He was sleeping when the doors opened up for a moment before closing again and getting locked from outside.&nbsp; <br> <br>*** <br> <br>"Par what is wrong?" Aurora asked later in the day. Since Monthu came back from the blacksmith's shop, the kid walked with his head down and he started to cry when she bought a treat to cheer him up. That was not normal!&nbsp; <br> <br>"Nothing" Par said in a murmur, lowering his head even more. <br> <br>"Monthu!" she said angrily. "Look at your brother! He's suffering because of something and you're doing nothing to remedy that!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"What? Isn't it you who always listens to each of his problems night and day?" the guy asked surprised. It was rare that Par would need anything being such a model child while it was even rarer to see Aurora angry, and she was at the moment. 'What is happening here?' <br> <br>"He's not talking to me! Hawk let's go somewhere so the two can share their secrets without having to kick us out!" she said and marched off dragging Hawk with her. The guy threw Monthu an apologetic look and followed the cleric.&nbsp; <br> <br>Monthu shrugged having no idea why she was suddenly so mad and looked at his brother who was glaring holes in the road. <br> <br>"What's with you? You know you've just angered Aurora and will have to apologize to her later, right?" <br> <br>"No! I don't want to!" Par said, raising his glare at his brother who only now noticed that something was extremely wrong here. Par never ever disagreed or glared at anyone. He just wasn't that kind of a person. <br> <br>"Par? What is wrong?" he asked gently taking his brother from the main street and entering an empty alley. "You know you can tell me everything, right?"&nbsp; <br> <br>Tears appeared in Par's eyes but he shook his head. "You never listen to me! Why should I?" he said pretending to be strong but his voice shook along with his whole body.&nbsp; <br> <br>"That's not true. Why would you ever think that?" Monthu asked taken aback.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Because it is!" Par said angrily, lightly hitting Monthu's shoulder and running away. He quickly left the alley and entered the main street. Then he disappeared from his brother's sight before the guy could even grasp what had happened.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Par, wait!" he shouted out but it was already too late. The kid was away and he hadn't the slightest idea why and where to. There was only one place Monthu knew where his brother could go and he went there without a moment's delay.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Hey, wake up!" someone said shaking Ace's shoulder.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Tiiiiirrrrrred" Ace said with a yawn and turned to the other side. He had no wish to get up now. There was still no plan. <br> <br>"Time to get up, sweetie! There's a carnival today and I know how you love fire shows" Vera said taking a step back before Ace jumped out of his bed. <br> <br>"Fire show? What are we waiting for? Let's go!" the kid said ready to run but Vera stopped him.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Wait a moment, I need to brush your hair first" <br> <br>"It's a game, they always look the same!" Ace said annoyed. The game removed such necessities although there was a way to enable them in the options. He didn't.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Just let me do it, okay?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Fine" Ace said keeping his voice in check and sitting down with his back to Vera.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Good boy" she said with a laugh and took out a brush. She used it to straighten the curls and untangle them but after a moment they all returned back to their places. <br> <br>Ace sat still as if he was made of stone. He had closed his eyes and was breathing deeply. She made him feel like an obedient dog she took care of. There had to be a way out.&nbsp; <br> <br>A few ages later she was done and he could stand up. Smiling he led her out of the inn and followed by thirty or so people they marched to the main street. The sun had set so various lanterns hung from the houses and Vera took his hand. 'Was that supposed to make me feel safer?' he laughed in his mind and made [Flare] stay still before his head and light the way.&nbsp; <br> <br>But they didn't make it to the carnival. A group of three stopped them right before the entrance. The main man holding a scythe looked huge and there was fury in his eyes.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What did you do to him?" he asked in a growl, pointing the weapon to Ace's neck whose eyes widened.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Get the hell away from him" Vera said angrily pushing the scythe away with her rapier and taking a defensive stance in front of Ace. "Who do you think you are, pointing a weapon at him like that?" The followers took their position at her sides pushing Ace all the way back.&nbsp; <br> <br>He stood there for a moment before deciding he wouldn't hear anything useful. Then using [Hiding in Plain Sight] he walked around them and entered the carnival. <br> <br>Right at the entrance were ten stalls selling all kinds of masks. He looked over them and chose a fox shaped one that covered his eyes and nose. Further on he saw more stalls of which most sold different kinds of treats. He chose a few animal shaped lollipops and went ahead. <br> <br>There he finally saw what he was looking for. Mimes, sword eaters, illusionists and musicians were on every corner, among stalls selling their talent. He stopped for a moment at each one and dropped a few silvers receiving smiles and grateful nods. What a sad life of an artist.&nbsp; <br> <br>At one turn a painter was sitting and hopelessly watching people pass by without stopping. Ace went to him and sat on the opposite chair. "Are you good?" he asked. <br> <br>"Uhmm..." the young man looked at him with surprise. He had come here to maybe earn a few silvers for painting materials but it seemed pointless now. No one wanted a portrait and he had paid a five silver entrance fee! It had been his worst idea ever.&nbsp; <br> <br>"So are you going to draw or not?" Ace asked with a bright smile that didn't go well with his impatient question at all. To motivate the man he took out a gold coin and put it on his canvas. "If I look any similar, it'll be yours" <br> <br>"Really?" the man asked, his eyes lightening up. <br> <br>"Yes" Ace said nodding and relaxing in the uncomfortable chair.&nbsp; <br> <br>He watched the man study him and then pick up a paintbrush with grim determination. His hand moved with quick and sure strokes, never hesitating or stopping. After some time a crowd started to gather around and talk in hushed voices. Ace like the painter paid them no attention and kept his eyes on the moving brush. It was slowing down little by little. The man's eyes went to Ace more and more often leaving for a second only to return back.&nbsp; <br> <br>His shoulders drooped and he spoke up. "It's not a masterpiece but I hope you see yourself there"&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace stood up and walked around to see the painting. He was surprised in a good way. In the picture you could mistake for a photo sat a young beast men ruler. He wore rich clothes, had one leg over the other and gazed ahead. The look was that of a soulless monster. Someone, who would smile seeing a kid being beheaded just as he smiles when two lovers reunite after many trials. There was nothing good in that dark eyed youngster hidden behind a fox’s mask. <br> <br>"You've done it quite well" Ace said in a level voice, lovingly watching the painting. It was the best thing ever. He took the golden coin back. <br> <br>"But you don't like it? I knew I shouldn't have put you on a throne and drawn that jungle behind. Sorry for the wasted time" the painter said with a sigh. <br> <br>Ace laughed. "You got it wrong. I love it and a single coin isn't nearly enough!" he said with a smile and got a pouch out. He pushed it in the surprised man's hands and picked the painting up. The best purchase ever! &nbsp;He was away before the man opened the pouch and saw a hundred gold coins shining inside. He had the biggest smile in his life.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace walked on watching all the wonders around, listening to music, hearing bard tales and eating as many treats as he wanted. The carnival was a blast. The only thing missing to perfection was a fire show. But it had to be somewhere around. Vera would have never lied to him.&nbsp; <br> <br>"... and see people who have conquered fire! They're here! The Fire-Breathers!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Yes!" Ace screamed in joy and ran in the direction the voice was coming from. He was about to push through the crowd to the centre when someone grabbed him by the shoulder.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Ace? Is it you?" the voice asked. <br> <br>Ace squinted at the guy. It was hard to see in the shadows that were made by all the lanterns but the one before him wasn't wearing a mask. And it was a kid. "Par?" he asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?" His face soon became angry and he brushed the kid's hand off. "Go away. I don't need you to destroy my evening off."&nbsp; <br> <br>"Wait!" Par shouted out before Ace could leave. "I changed my mind! I don't want to do only what I'm told! They don't have the right to choose who I can be friends and who not!" he said in one breath. <br> <br>Ace looked at him with wide eyes. He hadn't expected that for sure. He was pressing his luck when he suggested such a thing so it was no surprise, even if it made him extremely annoyed, that the kid had refused. So why was the kid here? He was a good boy, not one who never followed a rule in his life like Ace had. "Are you sure?" <br> <br>"I want to... see the world through my own eyes" Par said looking straight. His gaze was strong but his voice wavered. Now was the time for Ace to say that he was wrong and let Par come back to his family. He was still young and innocent, uncorrupted by the evils of the world that so many young people succumbed to. There was still a chance to keep him the same. <br> <br>But Ace wasn't a hero. He wasn't going to suffer so someone else could have a better life. Maybe it made him evil, maybe a bad, egoistic person or maybe… just maybe it showed that he simply was a normal weak human that wished for a happy life. Many people sprout words about sacrifice and putting others before oneself but how often does that truly happen? In an equation between dreams and reality, other people don’t fit in. <br> <br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1169" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a> </div>

[Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1120&p=6100#p6100) Author's Note: I haven't died yet guys! Sorry about the extremely late update. My parents decided not to pay for the Internet so I'm cut off and the library is quite out of the way. Only recently did I get back my Internet on the phone but I can't post my story through it sadly. So I can't tell when the next chapter will come, Sunday is out of the question so expect it some time next week. A prologue might appear on Friday if I manage to come here again but can't make any promises. (The times I can come to library are Thursdays and Fridays but not always either). Back on the chapter, I hope you enjoy it. Many things happened that will lead to even more things to come. After writing I noticed it was kind of rushed and wasn't sure why. Maybe I'll edit it someday but for now I'll concentrate on writing further on :) **** The castle was shining brilliantly. Its towers reaching for the sky in a grand manner, stained glass windows gleaming in all colours, large stone beasts sitting on narrow edges ready to pounce. Down below, where giant doors ornamented with gold stood, opened up a large assemble of nobles were standing in wait. They wore their best clothes adorned with rich colours from all over the continent.  Players were crowding around them, interested in what was going on. The nobles were  ignoring all the adventurers because of their low fame and chatting only about court among themselves. In the middle of them stood a man in his early twenties. He wore gold and silver to show his rank. To make it even more obvious he put a silver crown. He was the lord of this city and people had to know it.  He was waiting for the adventurers he sent to reclaim the Vascas castle to return and announce their victory. Earlier that day a scout had come to him. The guy said that an army was approaching and everyone in it looked happy and well off so it could only mean they had won. That would be very good news for him. The sun was high up but the air was still cold. A freezing gust flowed from time to time, chilling him to the bone. Where were those fighters? He couldn't wait till he could come back to his cosy warm room.  Bum! Bum!  A constant sound of many feet hitting ground could finally be heard coming from far away. Players looked around in wonder, guessing among themselves what it might be. It had been quite some time since the recruitment and most had even forgotten about them leaving. This allowed the friends of those who had left to be in a spotlight for the moment. They knew all about it and could spread lots of far-fetched tales which became less believe by each moment passing.  And then the heroes entered the city. First walked the leader in his best armour holding a scary looking war scythe in his hand with his officers flaking him from behind. After them went the army - warriors, rangers, casters and many others with their heads raised high up in the air and backs straight. Their weapons shined from having been polished for hours.  There was a certain aura surrounding them from which all the citizens could sense their joy and pride. Those people had worked hard and now were sowing the fruits of it.  "Welcome back, my faithful warriors! I trust you to have completed the mission" the lord said with his hands raised in the air as if he was blessing them. His long sleeves were swinging gently making him feel like a pope.  Monthu stepped forward and came down on his knee. "We've annihilated the evil forces of goblins that had taken over the castle and saved those who had survived. The remaining two councilmen are sending you their deepest gratitude" he said and took out a letter from his inner pocket, handing it to the lord.  He wanted to act out his part well. The soldiers liked playing real army and he didn't want to disappoint them by being only a normal player. "Many of us had stayed with them and this letter explains everything. It was written by Councilman Doran." "I hope you passed my dearest wish for them to be well. It is all I want" the lord said taking the letter. He put it in his pocket and murmured some kind of a blessing over the man's head. Then he extended it to supposedly get it over everyone.  He wasn't sure if that actually did anything but he got into a habit of blessing those that did well even though he was no cleric. The skill was created for it but it was so strangely written that he couldn't say what in the world it meant. But no one had called him out on pretending so maybe something happened when he chanted that nonsense.  Finished with the appearances, he turned around and, followed by the nobles, returned to the castle. He went to the chosen room and sat down to wait until Sir Elimas brought the leading party for him to congratulate personally. Those who had followed him went to the ballroom. There were a few bards singing and many refreshments there in preparation of a large celebration in the evening.  He relaxed in his chair and yawned. The day was so boring. Hopefully the upcoming conversation would prove more interesting. "Go this way, please" a male voice said which he recognized as his right hand's.  That signalled for him to prepare his cards and make sure he won the exchange. "Come in" he said once the knock sounded and plastered a fake smile on. He had noticed people trusted him more this way than when he remained with a normal expression, his lips in a line. "I'm happy to see you all here" he said good-naturedly. "What exactly were we invited here for?" Monthu asked, standing in front of his group which was clearly missing a member like last time. The lord calmly turned to Sir Elimas. "Was I not clear enough when I said I wanted to see all of them?"  "He wasn't with them..." the guy said quietly. He was used to the lord's anger and ignored it most if the time.  "Where is your last member?" the lord asked, turning his suddenly cold and lifeless eyes towards the group.  "If you mean Ace, he's left the team." "Did he go to the quest with you?"  "Yes." "Did he help you finish it?"  "Yes." "Does he want to get the reward for it?" "I suppose so" "Then tell him to get here right now!" the lord said in a dagger sharp voice, making the group involuntarily take a step back.  "Fine but I can't promise he'll come" Monthu said rolling his eyes; he couldn't understand why would Ace be needed. /The lord wants to see you because you skipped it the last time we met him. Will you come?/ /If he threatens to not give me my reward, then yes./ /.../  "He said that you have to threaten the reward or else he can't make it" Monthu said relaying what he was told. It was up to the lord to understand what that could mean. Sparks of interest appeared in the man's eyes but he remained collected. "Then I do that. In case he doesn't show up, he'll be removed from the heroes list and his reward nullified. That is my word"  /You've just been threatened by removal from the heroes list/ Monthu wrote. /He did what? I didn't ask for him to remove me, just not give me the reward! Keep him busy I'll be right there!/ Ace wrote back in a hurry and explained what's happening to Vera in two words before running off once again. She wondered why he suddenly started to run away all the time when the fact that he left all alone in an unknown city got to her. The search was called in moments. Nothing of that was known in the castle. People were working normally and allowed the young boy to storm past them. No one even stopped him to ask how he knew the layout so well that he never hesitated before choosing one of the paths when they branched out.  Dang!  The lord's doors burst open making him raise his head. What he saw was a panting young boy with a mane of golden curls and a small flame circling his head. "Don't… you... dare... to re…move... me!" he said between breaths. After a few moments he came closer and sat on the man's table right before the guy. "Do you hear me?" he asked in a shrill voice. "I've wanted to meet you for quite some time, traveller Ace" the lord said, relaxing in his chair and creating some distance between them. "I've heard many rumours concerning your existence."  "Really? People are talking about me?" Ace asked happily. There was an eager expression on his face as he pushed himself closer to the man getting in his face again. The guy tried to back away inconspicuously but the back of the chair prevented him so he gave up on the idea. "Depends on where you listen and what for." "Huh?" Ace asked tilting his head to the right, reminding very much of an owl.  "I have all kinds of people under my command and a few brought some strange rumours about a killer taking up my city as his hunting place. Do you know anything about it?" the man asked looking straight into the kid's eyes.  "Of course!" Ace said indignantly. "Who doesn't know about him? He's a menace that you did nothing to stop from rampaging and killing innocent people!"  "And that's how my fault?"  "You're the lord! You must take care of your people and protect them from getting slaughtered!" Ace said, pointing at the man's nose who swatted the hand away. "And what was I supposed to do? No one even saw him, so how could I catch him? A? Any genius ideas?" the lord asked angrily.  They looked at each other with anger in their eyes. Ace didn't answer but lord saw an accusation in his eyes that said much more than any words could. And the kid wasn't backing down. The man stood up in a bout of blind rage and throwing all the papers from the table down turned to leave. At the door he stopped.  And burst out laughing.  "You're good. I give you that" he said, still chuckling. Shaking his head he slowly returned to his seat. "You almost made me forget why I brought you here in the first place"  The kid looked at him with calm eyes in which he noticed a hidden intelligence that he hadn't seen before. He was good at reading people and using it to his advantage, that's why under a year he managed to gain the position of a city lord. But now he got fooled by the kid's looks, underestimating the guy because of how young he looked. That was a rookie mistake and it almost cost him his entire plan.  The mistake shouldn't be repeated and the kid held in the highest regard of his skills from now on. "I think it's time to stop with the pretending and talk about the important matters." "What pretending?" the kid asked with a genuine surprise in his voice. "That's who I am." "I really doubt that. You don't really strike me as a kid" the man said almost rolling his eyes. "But I am!" the kid cried out with annoyance in his voice. "Why can't people understand that?"  "Because you're way too smart to be one? No kid would ever go out of his way to prepare for the mission instead of going into a castle. On top of that you masterfully changed the subject when I picked the Silver Wing. Kid's don't do that." "But they treat me like one and repeat that I'm a kid every single day!" Ace said crossing his arms and glaring at the guy. "Why else would they do that if I wasn't one?" "You sound like a NPC who needs his problems solved before they agree to help you out" the man said, making Ace smile.  "Could you do that?" Ace asked hopefully. "I didn't even get what you were saying, so hardly. But do you plan to talk to me finally?" "That depends whether I'll understand you" Ace said getting both his legs up and sitting down cross legged on the table. He put his right arm on the knee to support his chin and looked at the man with clear blue eyes. "Oh I think you will. The topic is Silver Wing" the lord said looking at Ace but the kid didn't move a muscle. He just looked.  "Fine, let me explain it to you. A few months ago a monster started to rampage in my city. He was quite well-known for having lived in the capital for long. There were no leads on him besides the fact that he had light hair, blood-red eyes and no one ever saw him before the dagger was already in their hearts. Nothing that he could be tracked by.  “But then one day a kid came to my right hand man and forced him into complying" the lord said expecting a reaction. Denial or something but Ace stayed still as if he was a statue.  "There were no connections beside the kid knowing facts he shouldn't and having light curls escaping a dark purple scarf. But he gained suspicion when he didn't show up to take up his prize. On top of that Silver Wing took a break when he left for a mission too. Do you see where I'm going?" Ace's eyes became a bit darker blue but he still didn't say anything. "I've been thinking about it a lot and collected even more information on the killer. My personal spies questioned every victim themselves until one of them said he saw a slightly pointed ear before his death. He also mentioned the point being much smaller than an elf’s and maybe even half-elf’s. I thought about it a lot and was about to discard it as fake when I remembered a certain race, not like any other. They had slightly pointed ears, thick extremely strong hair but looked human otherwise. It was a race that nobody ever chose. And here I can see one specimen right before my eyes. I hope you don't think it's a coincidence?" "Maybe..." Ace said finally, a strange gleam appearing in his eyes. "Don't try to threaten me. Even if you kill me, I'll be reborn and free to tell your secret to the world" the lord said but there was no smile on his face. He was playing with fire at the moment. He surely could be reborn but Ace might be waiting there for him or hire someone to repeatedly kill him. On top of that it would be extremely hard to convince anyone that the sweet kid before him was a heartless killer. Ace knew that too. He had a tremendous advantage with that but he preferred to tread carefully. This time they might not believe the guy but if more people started talking about it, it would cast a shadow of doubt on him, constricting his movements. "What do you want?" he asked straightforwardly. The man was good enough to see through all the hastily made trickery anyway.  "I want to hire you." "Wait... What?" Ace asked surprised. He expected to get threatened and forced to do something, not to be offered a job. "I want to unite the Oradin kingdom and for that I'll need many things. A master assassin is a vital one and you're one of the best I've seen. On top of that, no one will ever think of suspecting you for anything" the lord said heatedly, his eyes blazing. Ace's eyes widened. "That's not a dream of someone who thinks small. Are you sure it's within your grasp?" "Crystal clear. I've risen to the position of the lord in half a year while others only learnt how to use their skills well. All I need to start moving on from here is a few people in key positions I could trust. That is all" the lord said putting his hands on the table and grilling Ace with his feverish gaze. "So confident. You're so going down soon" Ace said shaking his head with a laugh. He didn't believe the guys dream. It was a hard path to becoming a city lord but creating a kingdom from many separate castles that have no wish to do so? A madmen's mutterings. "I don't ask you to believe me. All I want is to borrow your strength. You will start seeing my way later on when I have conquered and won over all the lands around Lasran!" "You're so sure of it. Why not then? Let's see how far you can go before falling. Just remember I'll be there to tell you "I told you so"! What is your plan for now?" "And you think I'll be stupid enough to reveal it? I'll hire you officially secretly and give you your mission." "And if I do everything well, you might one day tell me your genius plans?" Ace asked with a laugh. He wasn't sure about the guys success rate but was eagerly waiting for his mission. He never expected a chance to become an assassin for hire, not even talking to be a royal one. There would be many new things to see and so much fun to have! "Do you plan to make me into a spy to?" "Do you have that much free time?" the lord asked raising his eyebrow.  Ace thought for a moment. Vera would never agree to it but he wasn't planning on staying by her side anyway. "I might. Do you have anything interesting?" "Aren't you a bit too eager? I thought you didn't trust in my abilities?" the lord asked suspiciously. "I don't. I'm just going to help you as long as I find it fun being a royal assassin. If I get bored, that'll be the last you will see of me. So tell, what do you have in mind now?" Ace asked, dragging himself a bit forward so he was looking down on the man if only slightly.  The lord relaxed back in his chair escaping the kid's gaze. "I didn't expect you to jump at the opportunity so I haven't prepared anything. Come back in the evening I'll have it all figured out by then" "Too much work. I won't have time to chat with you later on. So it's now or never." "What about the chat system?" "What about it?" "Will you be on?" "Yes, but I don't remember having you in my friends list." The lord's eyes flashed angrily but he extended his hand and took Ace's. | *L has requested to become your friend. Do you accept?* | | --- | "L? Seriously?" Ace laughed. "Where did you even come up with that? That’s a name that reaches the heights of ingenuity!" "Just accept it and leave. I have a lot of work to do" the lord said, angrily picking up a random document that had somehow remained on the corner of a table and starting to read it.  "Of course, of course!" Ace said, still laughing and jumped down from the table. He stretched his muscles from a real life habit and left after making a mocking bow. “Single letter…” he muttered chuckling  | *L has been registered as a friend* | | --- | Out of the room he went to wonder around the castle lost in his thoughts. Everything would be nice and good but first he had to somehow get rid of Vera which wasn't an easy task. She was like a leech draining his life energy and it always hurt to get it off you.  He needed some kind of a plan, a reason why he should travel alone. Something, something... There had to be a way... Accidentally he went into a small chapel. It was eerily quiet inside. 'If I came here, I might as well pay my respects.' He found the small picture of a golden haired beauty looking innocently with her hands behind her back from which pearly white wings sprouted and fell on his knees before it. He took out a dried flower from his backpack and put it on the small plate for offerings. After that Ace took out his Kris and cut at his finger to let a drop of blood land on the flower. It shined yellow for a moment before losing colour once again. "Ariel, the fooled one, hear my prayer and help your servant in his time of need. I bow my head before your suffering and share mine. If death befalls me, take me to your side and let us watch the world be swallowed in flames together" he said in a makeshift prayer. It was a random match of different ideas but it was a genuine effort. He really felt for the goddess and understood her pain in a way.  There was no answer so after around an hour he stood up, dusted his clothes off and left. Leaving he heard two stable boys talking in a corner.  "... mad!  There's no way we can do that!" "Why not? It's not like we have anything here and out there we could become heroes! Can you imagine it? Us heroes!" "But what would we do after running away? Where would we get food and shelter? We'd die from cold! Do you remember that the winter is coming?" the other said annoyed. He was surely the logically thinking one of the two. 'Running away for real... Not only have a few steps made to only get found again in an hour or two. How awesome would that be? But it's impossible... Or is it?' He thought about it. The getting away part could be easily achieved but what would be the reasoning? How could he explain it to her in real life? How? "It's great" "Amazing! It's the best thing ever!" Par said in a shout waking Ace up from his musing. He stopped in the corridor deciding whether he wanted to see them or not. He didn't. [Shadow Veil].  He stood against the wall and prepared to wait for them to pass. Par was talking about a new skill book he obtained as a reward and Ace's mind was working. He had a general idea of what had to be done and that required Monthu, Hawk and Aurora gone from the picture for some time.  His mind finally clear, he moved and went to follow the group. If they didn't feel like leaving Par alone any time soon, he was ready to make them. There was nothing that could stop him now that he had a way of escaping Vera's clutches. While he was planning his escape a certain duo was talking down a very dark and dangerous alley. "Why didn't you kill him?" "When you said he's a monster, I thought you meant something else than his powers. You should have told me it's a suicide mission so I could have refused from the start and not wasted all this time. You know I don't like dying?" a certainly female voice answered, waving her hand in the air.  "What do you know about him? It should have been a piece of cake for someone like you!" the man said angrily.  "He's a bastard of a highest level! He always went alone in the middle of enemies' base and still survived somehow. Also he made us do the same. He lured large groups of mobs simply so he could watch how we fight for our lives! And later on he tricked us into opening the gates and left us alone against a never-ending onslaught of mobs!"  "I suppose you didn't die?" the man asked raising an eyebrow mockingly but in the darkness it was missed by his partner. "It was a close call" the voice said angrily.  "Do you plan on getting revenge? He deserves it for making you go through all of it!" "He? I don't think so. It's all your fault that I had to go there and suffer" she said calmly and with a swift motion stabbed the man. It did little damage but she repeated it a hundred times more, so fast that the unprepared man couldn't do anything, only watch his health bar drop rapidly. When it was below five percent the rogue stopped the attacks and watched as the man fell to the ground like a heavy log.  He still had some consciousness so she squatted down and whispered in his ear. "Next time hire a madman for suicide missions and get me only for delicate matters. Otherwise, you might get a bad name in the organization and you don't want that, do you?"  There was fury in the man's eyes but the female smiled at him and patted the cheek as if he was a bad child and left. Soon enough the man took his last breath and was forcefully logged off. Now he had a lot of time to think of revenge that he wasn't going to get.  If he even tried to touch her, the whole organization would be on his head and he would have no choice but to create a new character for himself. But there was a person he could reach. A certain monster whose fault it all was.    That guy was unknowingly following his own prey and was growing more frustrated by the moment. 'Why can't he take a step without Monthu? How am I to make the plan work if he's so spineless?' Ace growled in his mind. It had been an hour without any progress. He had noticed Vera's shadow a few times but she didn't get too close to the group, although there was someone tailing them besides him. Luckily that guy was less skilled than Ace and couldn't see him.  They followed the group for three hours more before Ace's chance showed up. Monthu walked into a blacksmith's shop with Hawk while Aurora was looking at all the jewellery in display on counters nearby. Par was supposed to have stayed by her but he had wondered off to the candy stall.  "Two chocolate frogs, please!" Ace said to the merchant giving him a silver.  Par was about to run away but Ace stopped him with his free hand. "Take this first" he said forcing a chocolate treat in his hand. "It's for you." "Thanks" Par said in a murmur, taking it discreetly and looking around to make sure no one was watching. Then he started to munch on the treat as if it was going to be taken from him at any moment. "I shouldn't be talking to you, you know" he said between bites, following everyone around with his eyes. "Really?" Ace asked faking surprise. "I thought we were friends? Did I do something I shouldn't have?"  "Monthu was very angry because I lied to him. He said you're a bad influence and I shouldn't stay around you. I trust his judgement but..." Par said quietly with his head down, the last chocolate leg forgotten.  "Don't you find it unfair?" Ace asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Hm?" "Vera is saying the same thing to me! Almost. She said that Monthu is a bad person and I should never talk to him again! That's why she didn't even want to let me finish the quest! Can you believe that?" he asked with righteous anger in his voice.  "What? Monthu is the best ever! How could she say that?" Par asked, not understanding how anyone could think differently.  "I think grownups sometimes make mistakes too" Ace said with grimness in his voice. "You mean...?" Par asked wide mouthed. "Yes. We're friends and should stay that way. Didn't we agree on it that night in the castle?" "Uhm... I don't think we said anything of the like..." Par said quietly. "But we were looking for a plan to stay together! So it counts! What's even better is I have it, all I want to know is whether you still wish to be my friend or not!" Ace said in a clear voice gazing right in Par's eyes. There was a question in his own but a different one when the asked. It was more of an accusation that wanted you to tell if you really had lied. Par couldn't say no to that without feeling like a traitor so he did what he felt like he had to. "I do" he said. Ace's eyes lightened up. "That's great! Who cares if the whole world is against us if we have each other? Let's go!" he said turning around and taking a few steps in the other direction than where Aurora stood. "I can't go! Brother won't let me!" Par said taking a step back while shaking his head; the frog leg still remained in his hand abandoned. "Do you wish to be friends or not?" Ace asked angrily. "I'm tired of you acting like your brother is the god! He isn't! You should think yourself at least for once! I went behind Vera's back, thought up a plan and am probably angering my parents all for the sake of staying friends with you!  “But you, you can't do a single thing by yourself! I thought you were a person but now I see I was mistaken! You're nothing but a puppet controlled by Monthu! Sorry to have wasted your time, oh highness!" he shouted out mockingly, adding an exaggerated bow to it and angrily left ignoring the tears in Par's eyes.  He had done all he could and if the kid was a spineless worm, nothing would change it. He'll create another plan to escape. In the end no one was on his side. To hell with it, he can do it all alone too. All he needed was a new excuse and he was good at creating them. A day or two more and he'll be free no matter what.  Tired and angry he went to the tavern Vera had checked in and went to the room left for him. He laid on the bed and counted wood lines on the ceiling. Five, six, eleven, who cared, fifteen, sixteen, great, twenty, thirty, forty, hate it, hundred. He was sleeping when the doors opened up for a moment before closing again and getting locked from outside.  *** "Par what is wrong?" Aurora asked later in the day. Since Monthu came back from the blacksmith's shop, the kid walked with his head down and he started to cry when she bought a treat to cheer him up. That was not normal!  "Nothing" Par said in a murmur, lowering his head even more. "Monthu!" she said angrily. "Look at your brother! He's suffering because of something and you're doing nothing to remedy that!"  "What? Isn't it you who always listens to each of his problems night and day?" the guy asked surprised. It was rare that Par would need anything being such a model child while it was even rarer to see Aurora angry, and she was at the moment. 'What is happening here?' "He's not talking to me! Hawk let's go somewhere so the two can share their secrets without having to kick us out!" she said and marched off dragging Hawk with her. The guy threw Monthu an apologetic look and followed the cleric.  Monthu shrugged having no idea why she was suddenly so mad and looked at his brother who was glaring holes in the road. "What's with you? You know you've just angered Aurora and will have to apologize to her later, right?" "No! I don't want to!" Par said, raising his glare at his brother who only now noticed that something was extremely wrong here. Par never ever disagreed or glared at anyone. He just wasn't that kind of a person. "Par? What is wrong?" he asked gently taking his brother from the main street and entering an empty alley. "You know you can tell me everything, right?"  Tears appeared in Par's eyes but he shook his head. "You never listen to me! Why should I?" he said pretending to be strong but his voice shook along with his whole body.  "That's not true. Why would you ever think that?" Monthu asked taken aback.  "Because it is!" Par said angrily, lightly hitting Monthu's shoulder and running away. He quickly left the alley and entered the main street. Then he disappeared from his brother's sight before the guy could even grasp what had happened.  "Par, wait!" he shouted out but it was already too late. The kid was away and he hadn't the slightest idea why and where to. There was only one place Monthu knew where his brother could go and he went there without a moment's delay.  "Hey, wake up!" someone said shaking Ace's shoulder.  "Tiiiiirrrrrred" Ace said with a yawn and turned to the other side. He had no wish to get up now. There was still no plan. "Time to get up, sweetie! There's a carnival today and I know how you love fire shows" Vera said taking a step back before Ace jumped out of his bed. "Fire show? What are we waiting for? Let's go!" the kid said ready to run but Vera stopped him.  "Wait a moment, I need to brush your hair first" "It's a game, they always look the same!" Ace said annoyed. The game removed such necessities although there was a way to enable them in the options. He didn't.  "Just let me do it, okay?"  "Fine" Ace said keeping his voice in check and sitting down with his back to Vera.  "Good boy" she said with a laugh and took out a brush. She used it to straighten the curls and untangle them but after a moment they all returned back to their places. Ace sat still as if he was made of stone. He had closed his eyes and was breathing deeply. She made him feel like an obedient dog she took care of. There had to be a way out.  A few ages later she was done and he could stand up. Smiling he led her out of the inn and followed by thirty or so people they marched to the main street. The sun had set so various lanterns hung from the houses and Vera took his hand. 'Was that supposed to make me feel safer?' he laughed in his mind and made [Flare] stay still before his head and light the way.  But they didn't make it to the carnival. A group of three stopped them right before the entrance. The main man holding a scythe looked huge and there was fury in his eyes.  "What did you do to him?" he asked in a growl, pointing the weapon to Ace's neck whose eyes widened.  "Get the hell away from him" Vera said angrily pushing the scythe away with her rapier and taking a defensive stance in front of Ace. "Who do you think you are, pointing a weapon at him like that?" The followers took their position at her sides pushing Ace all the way back.  He stood there for a moment before deciding he wouldn't hear anything useful. Then using [Hiding in Plain Sight] he walked around them and entered the carnival. Right at the entrance were ten stalls selling all kinds of masks. He looked over them and chose a fox shaped one that covered his eyes and nose. Further on he saw more stalls of which most sold different kinds of treats. He chose a few animal shaped lollipops and went ahead. There he finally saw what he was looking for. Mimes, sword eaters, illusionists and musicians were on every corner, among stalls selling their talent. He stopped for a moment at each one and dropped a few silvers receiving smiles and grateful nods. What a sad life of an artist.  At one turn a painter was sitting and hopelessly watching people pass by without stopping. Ace went to him and sat on the opposite chair. "Are you good?" he asked. "Uhmm..." the young man looked at him with surprise. He had come here to maybe earn a few silvers for painting materials but it seemed pointless now. No one wanted a portrait and he had paid a five silver entrance fee! It had been his worst idea ever.  "So are you going to draw or not?" Ace asked with a bright smile that didn't go well with his impatient question at all. To motivate the man he took out a gold coin and put it on his canvas. "If I look any similar, it'll be yours" "Really?" the man asked, his eyes lightening up. "Yes" Ace said nodding and relaxing in the uncomfortable chair.  He watched the man study him and then pick up a paintbrush with grim determination. His hand moved with quick and sure strokes, never hesitating or stopping. After some time a crowd started to gather around and talk in hushed voices. Ace like the painter paid them no attention and kept his eyes on the moving brush. It was slowing down little by little. The man's eyes went to Ace more and more often leaving for a second only to return back.  His shoulders drooped and he spoke up. "It's not a masterpiece but I hope you see yourself there"  Ace stood up and walked around to see the painting. He was surprised in a good way. In the picture you could mistake for a photo sat a young beast men ruler. He wore rich clothes, had one leg over the other and gazed ahead. The look was that of a soulless monster. Someone, who would smile seeing a kid being beheaded just as he smiles when two lovers reunite after many trials. There was nothing good in that dark eyed youngster hidden behind a fox’s mask. "You've done it quite well" Ace said in a level voice, lovingly watching the painting. It was the best thing ever. He took the golden coin back. "But you don't like it? I knew I shouldn't have put you on a throne and drawn that jungle behind. Sorry for the wasted time" the painter said with a sigh. Ace laughed. "You got it wrong. I love it and a single coin isn't nearly enough!" he said with a smile and got a pouch out. He pushed it in the surprised man's hands and picked the painting up. The best purchase ever!  He was away before the man opened the pouch and saw a hundred gold coins shining inside. He had the biggest smile in his life.  Ace walked on watching all the wonders around, listening to music, hearing bard tales and eating as many treats as he wanted. The carnival was a blast. The only thing missing to perfection was a fire show. But it had to be somewhere around. Vera would have never lied to him.  "... and see people who have conquered fire! They're here! The Fire-Breathers!"  "Yes!" Ace screamed in joy and ran in the direction the voice was coming from. He was about to push through the crowd to the centre when someone grabbed him by the shoulder.  "Ace? Is it you?" the voice asked. Ace squinted at the guy. It was hard to see in the shadows that were made by all the lanterns but the one before him wasn't wearing a mask. And it was a kid. "Par?" he asked in surprise. "What are you doing here?" His face soon became angry and he brushed the kid's hand off. "Go away. I don't need you to destroy my evening off."  "Wait!" Par shouted out before Ace could leave. "I changed my mind! I don't want to do only what I'm told! They don't have the right to choose who I can be friends and who not!" he said in one breath. Ace looked at him with wide eyes. He hadn't expected that for sure. He was pressing his luck when he suggested such a thing so it was no surprise, even if it made him extremely annoyed, that the kid had refused. So why was the kid here? He was a good boy, not one who never followed a rule in his life like Ace had. "Are you sure?" "I want to... see the world through my own eyes" Par said looking straight. His gaze was strong but his voice wavered. Now was the time for Ace to say that he was wrong and let Par come back to his family. He was still young and innocent, uncorrupted by the evils of the world that so many young people succumbed to. There was still a chance to keep him the same. But Ace wasn't a hero. He wasn't going to suffer so someone else could have a better life. Maybe it made him evil, maybe a bad, egoistic person or maybe… just maybe it showed that he simply was a normal weak human that wished for a happy life. Many people sprout words about sacrifice and putting others before oneself but how often does that truly happen? In an equation between dreams and reality, other people don’t fit in. [Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1169)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The Beast<br>Chapter 1: Awakening<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction… of sorts<br>By Halosty<br><br>It all started when a player in Royal Road pulled one too many mobs in a fight. His skills were enough to defeat all ten of them if he had not made a few mistakes. However, he slipped up several times during the battle. Once or twice, he missed when he should have hit. He also failed to dodge some of their attacks when he was able to. His biggest mistake was losing count of how many he was fighting, and losing track of just one, when he thought the battle was over.<br><br>*You have a received a Critical Hit!*<br>*You have died*<br><br> Of course, this death caused all his friends to laugh at him, and lost him a level. It may seem insignificant, but it was this very thing that changed the fate of many players. How did a player being lower level change the course of the game? Not at all. For this story is not about this player. Instead, it is the story of the victor of the battle that day. Yes, this is the story of the animal known (mostly) as… The Beast.<br><br>----------------------<br>*Ding*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained a level!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> This was the message shown to the victor of the battle. Normally, as a monster, the stat points from this level would be distributed automatically by the AI. However, this was a special case. Many people would have called it a bug, but that would be just shortsightedness on their part. Nexon eradicated all bugs almost instantly, with the help of their governing AI, known as The Goddess. Perhaps it is more correct to say that Nexon helped the AI fix the bugs.<br><br> It mattered not who helped whom. Instead, all that mattered was that this beast was given the choice in how to develop, or at least the appearance of choice. It was also less constrained by the normal restrictions placed on monsters. It felt no compulsion to stay in the area of its birth. Moreso, it was given desires that many of the monsters did not feel, or at least never truly fulfilled. The desire for power was birthed in the beast.<br><br> Unlike the others of its kind, it felt no compassion for its kin. Perhaps it sensed that they were not so aware as itself. Perhaps it had no mercy in its heart. Regardless, the desire for power it felt drove it to slay its former kin, cautiously, one at a time. Some it crush beneath its body, driven by an increased strength. Others had their necks pierced by its sharp incisors.<br><br> In time, the beast leveled again. It increased its strength once more, since members of its kind increased in agility more rapidly by nature, thus it could shore up its weaknesses. It also gained a skill.<br><br>Natural Weapon Mastery (Similar to unarmed mastery for humanoids, affects fighting with the creature’s own body)Beginner level 1<br>Increases attack power with natural weapons by 5%<br>Increases attack speed with natural weapons by 10%<br><br> Then, another key moment in the development of The Beast occurred. Nighttime fell. At night, monsters increase in strength by 50%, but provide 30% more experience. This provides a risk for players hunting at night, offset by the reward of more experience. However, The Beast, although it was not yet called this by anyone, recognized nighttime as an advantage. Monsters were 50% stronger? It was a monster, so it gained this advantage as well. This completely removed any increased danger from the equation. Instead, The Beast was left with 30% more experience gained.<br><br> Eventually, it had to sleep. However, it waited for it to be day, then found a secluded spot to rest. From this point on, The Beast would hunt from dusk until dawn, squeezing the most it could get out of its advantage at night. During the day, it would hide from players. It had no qualms that it was not yet strong enough to take them on alone, and especially not if the players themselves were in groups. In addition, it had no desire to work with any of the others of its kind, who were weak and stupid. Thus, it avoided players.<br><br> The night hunts went on for some time, until finally another significant event occurred.<br>*Ding*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>*Optional Ability Available*<br>*Warning: Any decision made is permanent*<br><br>Night Hunter<br>Increase statistics by 100% at night instead of 50%, but have only 50% statistics during the day.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> As usual, the beast acted on instinct- although an instinct more refined than that of the others. It knew that if it chose to accept the ability, it would be despairingly weak during the day, and yet four times as powerful as that during the night. Surely, the choice of caution was to refuse the ability.<br><br>*You have gained Night Hunter*<br><br> Caution was for the weak. The Beast would be a creature of the night, and strike fear into the hearts of many players and monsters alike. Soon, it would return to its hunting, but not before it satisfied its hunger. It was time to feed. Stalking through the night, it came upon a most delectable treat, completely defenseless to its newfound power.<br> <br> It chomped off the head of its prey in a single bite. Well, more of a nibble really. It was a rabbit after all. Carrots were sure tasty.<br><br>End Chapter 1:Awakening<br><br>…You didn’t think I was gonna write something even remotely serious, did you? I guess you didn't read my other fanfic if you thought that. </div>

The Beast Chapter 1: Awakening A Royal Road Fan Fiction… of sorts By Halosty It all started when a player in Royal Road pulled one too many mobs in a fight. His skills were enough to defeat all ten of them if he had not made a few mistakes. However, he slipped up several times during the battle. Once or twice, he missed when he should have hit. He also failed to dodge some of their attacks when he was able to. His biggest mistake was losing count of how many he was fighting, and losing track of just one, when he thought the battle was over. *You have a received a Critical Hit!* *You have died* Of course, this death caused all his friends to laugh at him, and lost him a level. It may seem insignificant, but it was this very thing that changed the fate of many players. How did a player being lower level change the course of the game? Not at all. For this story is not about this player. Instead, it is the story of the victor of the battle that day. Yes, this is the story of the animal known (mostly) as… The Beast. ---------------------- *Ding* | You have gained a level! | | --- | This was the message shown to the victor of the battle. Normally, as a monster, the stat points from this level would be distributed automatically by the AI. However, this was a special case. Many people would have called it a bug, but that would be just shortsightedness on their part. Nexon eradicated all bugs almost instantly, with the help of their governing AI, known as The Goddess. Perhaps it is more correct to say that Nexon helped the AI fix the bugs. It mattered not who helped whom. Instead, all that mattered was that this beast was given the choice in how to develop, or at least the appearance of choice. It was also less constrained by the normal restrictions placed on monsters. It felt no compulsion to stay in the area of its birth. Moreso, it was given desires that many of the monsters did not feel, or at least never truly fulfilled. The desire for power was birthed in the beast. Unlike the others of its kind, it felt no compassion for its kin. Perhaps it sensed that they were not so aware as itself. Perhaps it had no mercy in its heart. Regardless, the desire for power it felt drove it to slay its former kin, cautiously, one at a time. Some it crush beneath its body, driven by an increased strength. Others had their necks pierced by its sharp incisors. In time, the beast leveled again. It increased its strength once more, since members of its kind increased in agility more rapidly by nature, thus it could shore up its weaknesses. It also gained a skill. Natural Weapon Mastery (Similar to unarmed mastery for humanoids, affects fighting with the creature’s own body)Beginner level 1 Increases attack power with natural weapons by 5% Increases attack speed with natural weapons by 10% Then, another key moment in the development of The Beast occurred. Nighttime fell. At night, monsters increase in strength by 50%, but provide 30% more experience. This provides a risk for players hunting at night, offset by the reward of more experience. However, The Beast, although it was not yet called this by anyone, recognized nighttime as an advantage. Monsters were 50% stronger? It was a monster, so it gained this advantage as well. This completely removed any increased danger from the equation. Instead, The Beast was left with 30% more experience gained. Eventually, it had to sleep. However, it waited for it to be day, then found a secluded spot to rest. From this point on, The Beast would hunt from dusk until dawn, squeezing the most it could get out of its advantage at night. During the day, it would hide from players. It had no qualms that it was not yet strong enough to take them on alone, and especially not if the players themselves were in groups. In addition, it had no desire to work with any of the others of its kind, who were weak and stupid. Thus, it avoided players. The night hunts went on for some time, until finally another significant event occurred. *Ding* | *Optional Ability Available**Warning: Any decision made is permanent*Night HunterIncrease statistics by 100% at night instead of 50%, but have only 50% statistics during the day. | | --- | As usual, the beast acted on instinct- although an instinct more refined than that of the others. It knew that if it chose to accept the ability, it would be despairingly weak during the day, and yet four times as powerful as that during the night. Surely, the choice of caution was to refuse the ability. *You have gained Night Hunter* Caution was for the weak. The Beast would be a creature of the night, and strike fear into the hearts of many players and monsters alike. Soon, it would return to its hunting, but not before it satisfied its hunger. It was time to feed. Stalking through the night, it came upon a most delectable treat, completely defenseless to its newfound power. It chomped off the head of its prey in a single bite. Well, more of a nibble really. It was a rabbit after all. Carrots were sure tasty. End Chapter 1:Awakening …You didn’t think I was gonna write something even remotely serious, did you? I guess you didn't read my other fanfic if you thought that.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The mini bastille launched their bolts at the ships with all striking their target and spreading fire. On one of the ships the sails where already burning away as the crew tried their best to put out the fires. The other ships hull was lit shortly before being put out.<br><br>Opals ship passed between the two still heading to the port. <br><br>Opal, “Quickly reload!”<br><br>The crew quickly worked on reloading as the third ship came at them with the other two ramming into each other.<br><br>Aaron, “nice one.”<br><br>Opal, “thanks!”<br><br>Laee’s cheeks swelled up in anger of the compliment and turned to the third ship. She quickly casted the fireball repeatedly launching each one at the ship exploding on contact. The ship had sections flying off while the rest of the ship turned in to pure fames. <br><br>Laee, “how did you like those fireworks?!”<br><br>Aaron, “I think you actually overdid it a bit.”<br><br>Laee’s jaw dropped while Opal laughed out hysterically. Opal soon stopped laughing and started to give out more commands to her crew seeing more ships begin to head this way.<br><br>Opal looked at the flags flying on the ships coming at her there where three of the same flags that she did not recognized while the fourth flag was exactly like hers with all its markings.<br><br>Opal, “what are they doing with them!?”<br><br>She turned to the pirates manning the bastille.<br><br>Opal, “Aim for the first two and then prepare to target the other two but do not fire upon the friendly flag unless I say so.”<br><br>Pirates, “yes captain.”<br><br>They quickly started to reload and target the ships.<br><br>Aaron, “what there is a friendly ship.”<br><br>Opal turned to him, “I’m not just captain of this ship I also have control over a number of other ships.”<br><br>Aaron said, “Then you are a admiral?” <br><br> “if I was in the navy yes but we are one of the pirate clans.”<br><br> “Pirate clans aren’t you in a guild?”<br><br>I’ll tell you some time but right now we need to make it to port.”<br><br> “right sorry.”<br><br> “No need to apologize.”<br><br>Laee hopped in front of Aaron and said, “Aaron why don’t you pay more attention to me.”<br><br>Aaron sighed shaking his head.<br><br>[Enea, “it is not a good time Laee.”]<br><br>[Laee, “but she’s hogging Aarons attention.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “she is not I’m trying to keep an eye on the battle since it could get bad for us at any moment.”]<br><br>[Enea and Laee, “Oh really.”]<br><br>Aaron turned to the nearing ships. As they drew closer the crew made the last of the preparations.<br><br>Opal checked to see if they where done then turned to the ships before giving the command to fire again. The bolts flew at the ships striking the hulls side and even fully going through causing water to seep in. the ships also sent their own volleys. The first ship missed but the second ones bolts hit.<br><br>Opal ordered a number of the crew to put the fires out and patch any leaks with tar. Aaron and Laee quickly went to help put out the fires either using magic or buckets to put water on the fires. <br><br>Opal was angry now, “how dare they harm my precious baby!”<br><br>She walked over to one of the bastille and launched the next volley herself with a few fireballs from Laee lighting the third ship on fire.<br>The fourth ship soon came along side theirs and launched their hooks over the railings. Soon there were undead pirates coming over along with a large male demon and necromancer leading them.<br><br>Demon, “finally some fresh meat!”<br><br>Opal, “What have you done to my clans men!”<br><br>Necromancer, “oh they have had a change of allegiance since their deaths.”<br><br>Opal drew her blades with a pure look of hatred on her face.<br><br>“No one touches my comrades!”<br><br>She and a number of other pirates charged at the attackers with their cutlasses at the ready. Aaron drew his swords and ran towards the necromancer but was stopped as the demon came forward dropping one of the pirates disintegrating body of his curved black sword.<br>“Oh if it isn’t the chosen that the moron Crazed has been having so much trouble.”<br><br>Aaron took up a fighting stance, “Well Crazed is just a lazy bandit after all.”<br><br>The demon laughed, “Ha Is that what you think about that piece of trash! He is one of the great lords hands not a bandit.”<br><br>[Enea, “be carful Aaron you do not have anything but the holly aura to truly harm them.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’m really starting to wish that we had a cleric with us.”]<br><br>[Enea, “well one of the chosen is strong at holly magic and healing.”]<br><br>[Laee, “yes but she is one lousy drinking partner.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Laee is this really a good time!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Its always a good time when it comes to Alcohol.”] <br><br>Aaron jumped to the side as the demon came forward bringing his sword down. He quickly struck back but was blocked so he turned his swing into a punch strait to the demons face.<br>The demon stepped back clutching his face while still pointing his sword at Aaron. <br><br>“How dare a mere mortal lay a hand on me!”<br><br>The Demon charged at Aaron but was thrown back over the rail from one of Laee’s fire balls.<br><br>She began to laugh, “we are no mere mortals.”<br><br>She turned to Aaron.<br><br>“You now owe me another drink Aaron.”<br><br>“How can I owe you another drink wait I already owe you one!”<br><br>[Enea, “this really is not the time for this Aaron.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Tell that to Laee.”]<br><br>[Enea, “there is no point to since she doesn’t listen.”]<br><br>[Laee, “hay!”]<br><br>Aaron quickly moved forward to take out the rising undead that was created from the pirate killed by the demon. He took of its sword arm and then its head before it could even respond to his presence. <br><br>Laee began to freeze the undead and launch fireballs at the ship. Aaron tuned to face the necromancer that was facing off against Opal when something jumped from the railing at hem. He quickly jumped back as the soaking wet demon landed where be had ben standing.<br><br>“How annoying of that mage to interfere.”<br><br>“Ah great your back!”<br><br>“do you really think that I could be taken out that easily did you.”<br><br>Aaron did not say anything as he activated fire blade while swinging his swords at the demon. The demon blocked the attack and brought his blade across to remove Aaron’s neck but he had ducked. He brought his blades into the demons chest.<br><br>Aaron began to attack the demon trying to find its weak point but could barely see any opening. The demons attacks where starting to hum his arms and slide him back with each strike of the swords. Aaron quickly sidestepped and activated shadow step to get behind the demon but was gain blocked even though the attack should be faster then the eye could catch.<br><br>“you are to obvious with your attacks.”<br><br>[Laee, “I’m going to make an opening so be ready to take the chance.”]<br><br>Laee fired another fireball at the demon but the attack was blocked. Aaron used shadow step again as the fireball was about to strike the demon. He quickly struck at the sword arm cutting deeply before activating Shadow step again to strike the demons legs. Aaron activated Shadow step once more taking off the demons head as it was falling due to the previous attacks.<br><br>“how is this possible…”<br><br>Laee, “nice one Aaron.”<br><br>The demon disintegrated before he hit the ground. Aaron quickly picked up his loot before turning to see the skeletons collapsing from the Necromancers death.<br><br>“no one uses the dead of my clan!”<br><br>Opal was still angry but was beginning to move to check the ships damage. She mumbled to herself seeing that one of the bastille was damaged and needed to be repaired.<br><br>“Everyone back to your stations we are making one finale push for the port.”<br><br>The pirates quickly moved at the captains order by working on the Bastille and preparing for anymore boarding’s.<br><br>The ship began to increase its speed again outrunning the first attacking ship. They continued through the Ships and finally broke through the blockade of ships. They where forced to stop by one of the ships defending the city. They first made sure we where not going to attack before quickly going over the ship and letting them through.<br><br>Opals ship slowly made its way to the dock damaged from its multiple battles and the storm it had been through. On the dock where a number of guards and the docks inspector.<br><br>The group on the dock attached a gangplank with the assistance of one of the pirates. Soon the guards where on the ship checking for any hostile movement.<br><br>Inspector, “what is your business her during this time of war!”<br><br>Aaron stepped forward, “I am the Chosen of the Goddess Enea and I am here to help.”<br><br>Inspector, “As if another chosen would be here.”<br><br>A woman walked up the gangplank.<br><br>Woman, “I would not be so sure of that inspector.”<br><br>The man quickly bowed to the woman.<br><br>Inspector, “I was not expecting you Chosen!”<br><br>Woman, “I give these people permission to enter the city.”<br><br>Inspector, “as you wish my lady.”<br><br>Aaron finally got a good look of the woman as she turned to them. She was in a fancy Cleric robe that was as revealing as Laee’s. She also had Dark red hair just like Aaron had since he was in Enea’s form.<br><br><img src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l567/GruntLord/rozanne-19-egtl-corticarte-apa-lagranges-aus-poly-phonica.png" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi1124.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fl567...honica.png"><br><br>Woman, “It’s good to see you again Laee.”<br><br>Laee, “its good to see you to Kris.” </div>

The mini bastille launched their bolts at the ships with all striking their target and spreading fire. On one of the ships the sails where already burning away as the crew tried their best to put out the fires. The other ships hull was lit shortly before being put out. Opals ship passed between the two still heading to the port. Opal, “Quickly reload!” The crew quickly worked on reloading as the third ship came at them with the other two ramming into each other. Aaron, “nice one.” Opal, “thanks!” Laee’s cheeks swelled up in anger of the compliment and turned to the third ship. She quickly casted the fireball repeatedly launching each one at the ship exploding on contact. The ship had sections flying off while the rest of the ship turned in to pure fames. Laee, “how did you like those fireworks?!” Aaron, “I think you actually overdid it a bit.” Laee’s jaw dropped while Opal laughed out hysterically. Opal soon stopped laughing and started to give out more commands to her crew seeing more ships begin to head this way. Opal looked at the flags flying on the ships coming at her there where three of the same flags that she did not recognized while the fourth flag was exactly like hers with all its markings. Opal, “what are they doing with them!?” She turned to the pirates manning the bastille. Opal, “Aim for the first two and then prepare to target the other two but do not fire upon the friendly flag unless I say so.” Pirates, “yes captain.” They quickly started to reload and target the ships. Aaron, “what there is a friendly ship.” Opal turned to him, “I’m not just captain of this ship I also have control over a number of other ships.” Aaron said, “Then you are a admiral?” “if I was in the navy yes but we are one of the pirate clans.” “Pirate clans aren’t you in a guild?” I’ll tell you some time but right now we need to make it to port.” “right sorry.” “No need to apologize.” Laee hopped in front of Aaron and said, “Aaron why don’t you pay more attention to me.” Aaron sighed shaking his head. [Enea, “it is not a good time Laee.”] [Laee, “but she’s hogging Aarons attention.”] [Aaron, “she is not I’m trying to keep an eye on the battle since it could get bad for us at any moment.”] [Enea and Laee, “Oh really.”] Aaron turned to the nearing ships. As they drew closer the crew made the last of the preparations. Opal checked to see if they where done then turned to the ships before giving the command to fire again. The bolts flew at the ships striking the hulls side and even fully going through causing water to seep in. the ships also sent their own volleys. The first ship missed but the second ones bolts hit. Opal ordered a number of the crew to put the fires out and patch any leaks with tar. Aaron and Laee quickly went to help put out the fires either using magic or buckets to put water on the fires. Opal was angry now, “how dare they harm my precious baby!” She walked over to one of the bastille and launched the next volley herself with a few fireballs from Laee lighting the third ship on fire. The fourth ship soon came along side theirs and launched their hooks over the railings. Soon there were undead pirates coming over along with a large male demon and necromancer leading them. Demon, “finally some fresh meat!” Opal, “What have you done to my clans men!” Necromancer, “oh they have had a change of allegiance since their deaths.” Opal drew her blades with a pure look of hatred on her face. “No one touches my comrades!” She and a number of other pirates charged at the attackers with their cutlasses at the ready. Aaron drew his swords and ran towards the necromancer but was stopped as the demon came forward dropping one of the pirates disintegrating body of his curved black sword. “Oh if it isn’t the chosen that the moron Crazed has been having so much trouble.” Aaron took up a fighting stance, “Well Crazed is just a lazy bandit after all.” The demon laughed, “Ha Is that what you think about that piece of trash! He is one of the great lords hands not a bandit.” [Enea, “be carful Aaron you do not have anything but the holly aura to truly harm them.”] [Aaron, “I’m really starting to wish that we had a cleric with us.”] [Enea, “well one of the chosen is strong at holly magic and healing.”] [Laee, “yes but she is one lousy drinking partner.”] [Aaron, “Laee is this really a good time!”] [Laee, “Its always a good time when it comes to Alcohol.”] Aaron jumped to the side as the demon came forward bringing his sword down. He quickly struck back but was blocked so he turned his swing into a punch strait to the demons face. The demon stepped back clutching his face while still pointing his sword at Aaron. “How dare a mere mortal lay a hand on me!” The Demon charged at Aaron but was thrown back over the rail from one of Laee’s fire balls. She began to laugh, “we are no mere mortals.” She turned to Aaron. “You now owe me another drink Aaron.” “How can I owe you another drink wait I already owe you one!” [Enea, “this really is not the time for this Aaron.”] [Aaron, “Tell that to Laee.”] [Enea, “there is no point to since she doesn’t listen.”] [Laee, “hay!”] Aaron quickly moved forward to take out the rising undead that was created from the pirate killed by the demon. He took of its sword arm and then its head before it could even respond to his presence. Laee began to freeze the undead and launch fireballs at the ship. Aaron tuned to face the necromancer that was facing off against Opal when something jumped from the railing at hem. He quickly jumped back as the soaking wet demon landed where be had ben standing. “How annoying of that mage to interfere.” “Ah great your back!” “do you really think that I could be taken out that easily did you.” Aaron did not say anything as he activated fire blade while swinging his swords at the demon. The demon blocked the attack and brought his blade across to remove Aaron’s neck but he had ducked. He brought his blades into the demons chest. Aaron began to attack the demon trying to find its weak point but could barely see any opening. The demons attacks where starting to hum his arms and slide him back with each strike of the swords. Aaron quickly sidestepped and activated shadow step to get behind the demon but was gain blocked even though the attack should be faster then the eye could catch. “you are to obvious with your attacks.” [Laee, “I’m going to make an opening so be ready to take the chance.”] Laee fired another fireball at the demon but the attack was blocked. Aaron used shadow step again as the fireball was about to strike the demon. He quickly struck at the sword arm cutting deeply before activating Shadow step again to strike the demons legs. Aaron activated Shadow step once more taking off the demons head as it was falling due to the previous attacks. “how is this possible…” Laee, “nice one Aaron.” The demon disintegrated before he hit the ground. Aaron quickly picked up his loot before turning to see the skeletons collapsing from the Necromancers death. “no one uses the dead of my clan!” Opal was still angry but was beginning to move to check the ships damage. She mumbled to herself seeing that one of the bastille was damaged and needed to be repaired. “Everyone back to your stations we are making one finale push for the port.” The pirates quickly moved at the captains order by working on the Bastille and preparing for anymore boarding’s. The ship began to increase its speed again outrunning the first attacking ship. They continued through the Ships and finally broke through the blockade of ships. They where forced to stop by one of the ships defending the city. They first made sure we where not going to attack before quickly going over the ship and letting them through. Opals ship slowly made its way to the dock damaged from its multiple battles and the storm it had been through. On the dock where a number of guards and the docks inspector. The group on the dock attached a gangplank with the assistance of one of the pirates. Soon the guards where on the ship checking for any hostile movement. Inspector, “what is your business her during this time of war!” Aaron stepped forward, “I am the Chosen of the Goddess Enea and I am here to help.” Inspector, “As if another chosen would be here.” A woman walked up the gangplank. Woman, “I would not be so sure of that inspector.” The man quickly bowed to the woman. Inspector, “I was not expecting you Chosen!” Woman, “I give these people permission to enter the city.” Inspector, “as you wish my lady.” Aaron finally got a good look of the woman as she turned to them. She was in a fancy Cleric robe that was as revealing as Laee’s. She also had Dark red hair just like Aaron had since he was in Enea’s form.  Woman, “It’s good to see you again Laee.” Laee, “its good to see you to Kris.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> “We can’t stay here forever; let’s return to the dome and explore the other tunnel.”<br><br>“Okay.” I replied to Pandora as I noticed some kind of whirlpool behind the red rocks. I decided to ignore it for now.<br><br>Soon we reached the exit of the cave. Wanting to leave the narrow tunnel, I hurried towards the dome.<br>A hand grabbed me from behind and pulled me back fast enough for me to see a round giant mouth where my body had been a second ago. <br><br>“Thanks… how did you know that thing was there?”<br><br>“I have a skill which helps me sense fighting spirit of monsters before battle.”<br><br>After a closer look at the dome, we noticed that the once empty place was now infested with huge worm –like creatures, dozens of them roamed around aimlessly.<br><br><img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQdbfOO2hA8CmpHDIGLX3c3lNd_CwF5_1vEzpWnk_dvbGUz49zS" border="0" alt="https%3a%2f%2fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%2fimage...dvbGUz49zS"><br><br>“They’re disgusting…” Pandora said.<br><br>“Well you don’t have to fight them if you don’t want to.” I shrugged.<br><br>“No, I’ll annihilate them all… it’s payback time.” <br><br>As soon as we noticed one of the mobs separate from the others, we attacked.<br>Before it could notice us, Pandora’s blade was about to cut it in half.<br>I remembered.<br><br>“Stop! Don’t do it.” I yelled but her blade had already slashed the worm.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Boss battle: Mongolian death worm.<br>Although no different than other death worms in appearance, the Mongolian death worm has the ability to regenerate almost indefinitely and no known way of killing it exists.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>She turned towards me.<br><br>“Why? It’s dead isn’t it?” She said and failed to notice the two rising figures behind her.<br><br>With no time to explain I ran in her direction. <br>Both worms attacked, with my PenSword I stopped the sharp teeth of one of them while the other bashed into me but did little damage(compared to the other one )since it did not have teeth.<br>-600 HP<br>The headless worm tried to attack me again, it rose as high as a tree and was about to slam into me.<br>My blade stuck in the others mouth, I could only watch as the huge worm fell like a log.<br>-slash<br>Pandora split it in half only to regret the decision immediately. <br> Like the first time the two bodies started to squiggle and soon rose, we lost the advantage, the worms now outnumbered us. <br>She panicked.<br><br>“How do we kill them?!” <br><br>“Just stab them until they run out of health…” I told her with no actual proof that it might work, after all the monster, unlike any enemy until now, did not have a HP bar.<br><br>-stab<br>-stab<br><br>The battle went on for more than an hour and we were getting tired and our health was not looking good either.<br>Since then, due to the carelessness of a certain someone, the three worms had become sixteen.<br><br>Although we were severely outnumbered, somehow the battle did not get harder; the small worms had a hard time attacking and had lost their flexibility … but they were still alive and slowly grew bigger.<br><br>“Let’s cut them until they can’t move.” We both said in unison.<br><br>And so we did.<br>-slash<br>-slash<br>-slash<br>-slash<br><br>Soon the battlefield was filled with thin meat slices scattered everywhere.<br>Blood dripped from my clothes, it was not mine. <br>We had cut through each ring in its body and each ring alone could only wiggle.<br>But they were still alive and they slowly grew in thickness. <br>It was then that I noticed something each segment had… a beating heart.<br>I sent my blade through it and the piece of meat stopped squirming.<br><br>“Pierce their hearts before they regenerate.”<br>.<br>.<br>.<br>We repeated the process more than 300 times until only one was left, its head.<br>My legs were shaking as I neared the head, and with the strength I had left in me I gave the finishing blow.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have killed the undying Mongolian death worm.<br>The legendary Mongolian death worm, thought to be immortal is dead.<br>Fame +200.<br>-level up x 10</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The simple worm we had battled turned out to be a boss monster and one that severely out leveled us as well.<br><br>I saw Pandora going through the pile of meat gathering drops as she did after every battle and sat down waiting for her to finish.<br>*trring.* New skill<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Due to not picking up drops since you began playing you have gained a new skill:<br>Luck of the lazy- passive (does not have levels)<br>Drops end up in your bag without you taking them.<br>Settings:<br>1. loot all drops<br>2.Loot rare drops<br>3. loot equipment<br>4.custom</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As soon as I read the sign I noticed my bag got a lot heavier.<br><br>I saw Pandora’s disappointed look.<br><br>“Too bad it didn’t drop anything.”<br><br>I quickly changed the setting to 4 making it so I only took half the items (and all the equipment).<br><br>“We need help; we can’t kill all the worms here by ourselves.”<br>“You’re right… it would take a lifetime to do so.”<br>“Then go up and find someone in the city.”<br>“But the mobs here will slaughter you if you’re alone.”<br>“They won’t, I noticed that none of them go to the cave… it must be a safe area”<br>“Okay then.”<br><br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alone I come here<br>Powerless and in fear<br><br>With Darkness to fight<br>And wrongs to make right<br><br>I call for your might<br>Come to me, wings of light.</span></span>” <br><br>**********<br><br>A mage, a priest and a knight planned on attacking the wolves’ den.<br>As they neared the dungeon a winged creature flew out of the dark hole close by, the light creature disappeared before they could have a look at it.<br>“Maybe it’s an even or something.”<br>“Let’s jump down.”<br>“But we’ll die.” <br>“Come on, maybe they started the rumor that you die because they wanted to keep it a secret.”<br><br>After they agreed to do it… they jumped.<br><br>-30 minutes later<br><br>You are dead.<br>*******************<br><br>The time limit of Wing of light was over before I could reach the city. I would need a few more hours to get there if I walked.<br>Soon I was walking through the field filled with rabbits and foxes.<br>I remembered my first battle with a rabbit.<br>As soon as one of the hares came close to me I stabbed it with my quill.<br>It died… I was surprised. I needed to look at the feather.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Archangel’s feather. Durability-indestructible dmg 15 (ego item)<br>The feather of Michael. A.K.A. one of Freya’s three artifacts. <br>Cannot be dropped on death. <br>Cannot be traded.<br>Can be returned to the church.<br>All stats are increased by 1x character level.<br>Faith +1015<br>Cannot kill humans unless they have the murderers mark or attack you first.<br>Damage against undead/demon 2x</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Its properties had changed and damage had increased.<br>After checking the item I strode towards the city gates.<br>The city was as lively as ever, people were forming parties and merchants had filled the street with stalls.<br>Seeing as how both Pandora and I preferred close combat, our other member should either be a mage or an archer.<br>My eyes started to study each and everyone present, each looked stronger than the other, yet my gaze was stuck on a dark hooded player who had sat down and was reading a book.<br>From his equipment you could see that he was strong and high-leveled.<br>I got close to him.<br>“Hello.”<br>“…”<br>“Would you like to join me and my friend in a dungeon?<br><br>The hooded boy slowly raised his head with animosity.<br>“Leav…”<br> The moment he looked at me, he closed his mouth… he smiled. <br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>~<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Creepy</span></span>~<br><br>***********<br><br>-Merl, we’re waiting for you at the guild house.<br>-I can’t come; I’m leaving for a while.<br>-Why?<br>-No reason.<br>-For how long?<br>-I don’t know. <br>-what about the guild?<br>-The fan club will be fine without me.<br>-it’s not a fan club.<br>-then what’s the guild’s name?<br>-J.R fan club.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Turn Whispers off.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>***********<br>Alcaeus<br>“Are we going to jump into the hole?”<br>“Yes.”<br>“We’ll die.”<br>“We won’t just hold on to me. Trust me Merl.”<br><br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alone I come here<br>Powerless and in fear<br><br>With Darkness to fight<br>And wrongs to make right…</span></span> </div>

“We can’t stay here forever; let’s return to the dome and explore the other tunnel.” “Okay.” I replied to Pandora as I noticed some kind of whirlpool behind the red rocks. I decided to ignore it for now. Soon we reached the exit of the cave. Wanting to leave the narrow tunnel, I hurried towards the dome. A hand grabbed me from behind and pulled me back fast enough for me to see a round giant mouth where my body had been a second ago. “Thanks… how did you know that thing was there?” “I have a skill which helps me sense fighting spirit of monsters before battle.” After a closer look at the dome, we noticed that the once empty place was now infested with huge worm –like creatures, dozens of them roamed around aimlessly.  “They’re disgusting…” Pandora said. “Well you don’t have to fight them if you don’t want to.” I shrugged. “No, I’ll annihilate them all… it’s payback time.” As soon as we noticed one of the mobs separate from the others, we attacked. Before it could notice us, Pandora’s blade was about to cut it in half. I remembered. “Stop! Don’t do it.” I yelled but her blade had already slashed the worm. | Boss battle: Mongolian death worm.Although no different than other death worms in appearance, the Mongolian death worm has the ability to regenerate almost indefinitely and no known way of killing it exists. | | --- | She turned towards me. “Why? It’s dead isn’t it?” She said and failed to notice the two rising figures behind her. With no time to explain I ran in her direction. Both worms attacked, with my PenSword I stopped the sharp teeth of one of them while the other bashed into me but did little damage(compared to the other one )since it did not have teeth. -600 HP The headless worm tried to attack me again, it rose as high as a tree and was about to slam into me. My blade stuck in the others mouth, I could only watch as the huge worm fell like a log. -slash Pandora split it in half only to regret the decision immediately. Like the first time the two bodies started to squiggle and soon rose, we lost the advantage, the worms now outnumbered us. She panicked. “How do we kill them?!” “Just stab them until they run out of health…” I told her with no actual proof that it might work, after all the monster, unlike any enemy until now, did not have a HP bar. -stab -stab The battle went on for more than an hour and we were getting tired and our health was not looking good either. Since then, due to the carelessness of a certain someone, the three worms had become sixteen. Although we were severely outnumbered, somehow the battle did not get harder; the small worms had a hard time attacking and had lost their flexibility … but they were still alive and slowly grew bigger. “Let’s cut them until they can’t move.” We both said in unison. And so we did. -slash -slash -slash -slash Soon the battlefield was filled with thin meat slices scattered everywhere. Blood dripped from my clothes, it was not mine. We had cut through each ring in its body and each ring alone could only wiggle. But they were still alive and they slowly grew in thickness. It was then that I noticed something each segment had… a beating heart. I sent my blade through it and the piece of meat stopped squirming. “Pierce their hearts before they regenerate.” . . . We repeated the process more than 300 times until only one was left, its head. My legs were shaking as I neared the head, and with the strength I had left in me I gave the finishing blow. | You have killed the undying Mongolian death worm.The legendary Mongolian death worm, thought to be immortal is dead.Fame +200.-level up x 10 | | --- | The simple worm we had battled turned out to be a boss monster and one that severely out leveled us as well. I saw Pandora going through the pile of meat gathering drops as she did after every battle and sat down waiting for her to finish. *trring.* New skill | Due to not picking up drops since you began playing you have gained a new skill:Luck of the lazy- passive (does not have levels)Drops end up in your bag without you taking them.Settings:1. loot all drops2.Loot rare drops3. loot equipment4.custom | | --- | As soon as I read the sign I noticed my bag got a lot heavier. I saw Pandora’s disappointed look. “Too bad it didn’t drop anything.” I quickly changed the setting to 4 making it so I only took half the items (and all the equipment). “We need help; we can’t kill all the worms here by ourselves.” “You’re right… it would take a lifetime to do so.” “Then go up and find someone in the city.” “But the mobs here will slaughter you if you’re alone.” “They won’t, I noticed that none of them go to the cave… it must be a safe area” “Okay then.” “Alone I come here Powerless and in fear With Darkness to fight And wrongs to make right I call for your might Come to me, wings of light.” ********** A mage, a priest and a knight planned on attacking the wolves’ den. As they neared the dungeon a winged creature flew out of the dark hole close by, the light creature disappeared before they could have a look at it. “Maybe it’s an even or something.” “Let’s jump down.” “But we’ll die.” “Come on, maybe they started the rumor that you die because they wanted to keep it a secret.” After they agreed to do it… they jumped. -30 minutes later You are dead. ******************* The time limit of Wing of light was over before I could reach the city. I would need a few more hours to get there if I walked. Soon I was walking through the field filled with rabbits and foxes. I remembered my first battle with a rabbit. As soon as one of the hares came close to me I stabbed it with my quill. It died… I was surprised. I needed to look at the feather. | Archangel’s feather. Durability-indestructible dmg 15 (ego item)The feather of Michael. A.K.A. one of Freya’s three artifacts. Cannot be dropped on death. Cannot be traded.Can be returned to the church.All stats are increased by 1x character level.Faith +1015Cannot kill humans unless they have the murderers mark or attack you first.Damage against undead/demon 2x | | --- | Its properties had changed and damage had increased. After checking the item I strode towards the city gates. The city was as lively as ever, people were forming parties and merchants had filled the street with stalls. Seeing as how both Pandora and I preferred close combat, our other member should either be a mage or an archer. My eyes started to study each and everyone present, each looked stronger than the other, yet my gaze was stuck on a dark hooded player who had sat down and was reading a book. From his equipment you could see that he was strong and high-leveled. I got close to him. “Hello.” “…” “Would you like to join me and my friend in a dungeon? The hooded boy slowly raised his head with animosity. “Leav…” The moment he looked at me, he closed his mouth… he smiled. “Yes.” ~Creepy~ *********** -Merl, we’re waiting for you at the guild house. -I can’t come; I’m leaving for a while. -Why? -No reason. -For how long? -I don’t know. -what about the guild? -The fan club will be fine without me. -it’s not a fan club. -then what’s the guild’s name? -J.R fan club. | Turn Whispers off. | | --- | *********** Alcaeus “Are we going to jump into the hole?” “Yes.” “We’ll die.” “We won’t just hold on to me. Trust me Merl.” “Alone I come here Powerless and in fear With Darkness to fight And wrongs to make right…

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Volume 2 Chapter 3<br>Lessons in fire<br><br>On the eastern side of the mountain range that lined the border between the kingdoms of Palmer and Itsoeu was a mining town called Naybi. After Palmer opened its borders a flood of people came in to explore the uncharted area, and Naybi was the first to be discovered. On the slopes of that town was an area filled with anvils and fires, and among the many people using this area was Crane. <br><br>Before leaving the capital city of Itsoeu he had gone to the blacksmithing guild. For those who had not chosen the blacksmith profession to learn the skill of blacksmithing, they needed to bring their repair skill to beginner level 10 and pass a test to prove they had done so. Crane had just been given a rusted piece of armor and had to use his repair skill to bring it back to maximum durability. <br><br>Now he was putting the skill into practice and making swords. The portable mana powered smelter made the process fairly simple. Put ore into the smelter, use it to melt the iron into a glowing liquid, pour it into a mold, let cool, open mold, hammer edges, quence in water, sharpen and polish. <br><br>He was doing it just like everyone around him was doing it, in fact he was doing it exactly like they were. There were few people who practiced blacksmithing in places he could watch in the last city which is why he left for this mining town in the first place. But his works did not satisfy him, even though he was a beginner he still had a ring that increased the effects of blacksmithing by two levels and a blacksmith's hammer that increased the effects by another two levels, but his works were only marginally better than the guys around him. It might be different if his handicraft skill was higher but it had only gotten to level nine while he was learning to cook at the restaurant. If he wanted to make the most out of his rune smith skill he needed to reach intermediate level blacksmithing at least, but his priority at the moment was to create a new rapier for himself. <br><br>There were no places to buy a mold for a rapier so he tried to make his own out of clay, but the resulting rapier was about as strong as the first rapier he had acquire long ago. Crane packed up his smelter, ores, and molds and decided it was time to leave. <br><br>"Hey, you leaving?" One of the smiths Crane had gotten to know over the past week had caught him on his way out.<br><br>"Yup, I can't get any better here, I'm going to find a blacksmith who will let me be his apprentice."<br><br>"Ha, good luck with that, blacksmiths have a hard time becoming the apprentice of someone skilled. And you're not even that."<br><br>Gotten to know and become close were not the same thing, this guy basically considered Crane his rival while Crane had not even bothered to remember his name. He had correctly guessed that Crane’s work was superior to his own only because of his skill enhancing items and thought that because Crane relied on them that Crane was inferior to him. Truth was he was just jealous that Crane had acquired such rare items and was mad that Crane refused to sell them to him. Crane left without another word for the gates where he met up with Keagan. <br><br>Since Palmer's tourism was in low supply until recently there were no maps to tell Crane where to go. He could just take the road but last time he tried that some users got into a misunderstanding with Keagan which didn't end well. On the bright side Crane learned that if Keagan deals the final blow to a user without a murderer's mark or a lot of infamy Crane didn't get the murderer's mark himself. Still it was better to avoid roads.<br><br>Crane got on Keagan's back and he started running. It was default that when they didn't have destination to just run till they find a group of monsters. After about twenty minutes Keagan sensed a herd of Terror birds and ran to meet them. Since their fighting priorities were different when hunting, Crane got off and let Keagan do his thing. The pack noticed the pair and started their charge. For a group of Terror birds it was a small pack of about thirty. The levels of terror birds was determined by the area and indicated by the color of the feathers. These birds had green and brown feathers making them plains hunters which averaged level 110 or so. But when it comes to terror birds, the smaller the pack, the stronger the bird. Your average terror bird has a beak large enough to take off a man's head in one bite and legs strong enough to remove a lion's head in one kick. Crane guessed that with a pack this small their strength was well above average, possibly up to level 130. Crane used battle aura to make himself appear to be a predator who wanted the terror bird's territory. A group of seven broke off from the group Keagan was playing with and heading straight for Crane. <br><br>Although Crane had swords he could use, he found that the finesse rating of his form skills and rune sword skill took a hit when he used a sword that he wasn't used to, so recently he had been taking the opportunity to practiced weaponless combat. Using a combination of short dashing for speed and shouting for power, he smashed his fist into one of the nine foot tall bird's torsos, sending it reeling back. Crane had gained some confidence in attacking with his upper body, but he had not gotten the hang of kicking. He had practiced the forms enough at the monk's guild but he had trouble relying on instinct for when the right time to send a kick was. On this thought he decided to devote today to practice kicking. Crane weaved through the attacking beaks to the bird at the end of the group and tried for a series of roundhouse kicks. The first missed but before the long necked bird could counter, Crane's other leg came up and kicked the bird's head like a soccer ball. Roundhouse kicks were a pain to use but each lead easily into the next which made up for its weaknesses. Crane ducked the snapping beak that came from behind and gave the bird that followed him a good low kick, taking out its feet and causing the birds behind it to stumble over. Crane rose his front leg up then brought his weight down through his waist and onto his heel at the moment of its impact on the chest of the top bird.<br><br>The top and bottom bird died with a loud squawk. Although Crane didn't have the intuition to know when the right time to throw a kick was, he could still use them if he made the opportunity himself. While the remaining birds started to get out of their pile, Crane threw a barrage of punches at the base of the closest bird's neck until he heard the crunch that told him the bird's larynx had just be crushed.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill Level Up: Fist Mastery [3]<br>Increase Attack power unarmed (+30% ATK)<br>Increase Attack speed unarmed (+9% ATK SPD)</td></tr><tr><td>-Strength increased by 2 point. (+2 STR)<br>-Agility increased by 2 point. (+2 AGI)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Crane had acquired fist mastery while sparing with the monk's guild back in Itsoeu, and since losing his weapon had been fighting without without weapons to increase his proficiency. Unlike weapon proficiency, fist mastery had the effect of increasing stats with each level the skill increased, something that highly appealed to Crane.<br><br>Crane stood straight and rose his right knee. When the other birds that had gotten up charged Crane, he struck each with a simple front kick in where Crane assumed to be the location of the bird's diaphragm. Crane was no where near the point where his kicks were lightning fast, and his accuracy needed work too. Only one of the bird's seemed to have trouble inhaling after Crane's kick, the other two swiped the points of their beaks at Crane's chest. His health only reduced by 15% from the combined attacks, so these guys were probably about level 125. That was not even enough to train his endurance stat. Crane didn't want to get bored, so he dashed past the two birds to the bird that had trouble breathing and grabbed its ankle. Crane took a massive leap to the two birds while twisting his waist. It likely weighed at least 320 pounds but Crane threw the breathless bird like a sack of bricks at the other two, releasing it on impact then jumping into the pile to deliver each one it's final blow. <br><br>After killing the last bird, Crane looked around the area to see Keagan playing around. Unlike Crane, Keagan was already an expert at close combat. He had already partially crippled a dozen of the birds and the others had run away. <br><br>Fire cats of Keagan's level were not magical creatures per say. Their hair and bodies were fireproof, but that is about it. Like all cats, fire cats can produce oil which covers their hair, fire cats just produce a infinitely more, enough to keep the fire on their backs going indefinitely. If the fire goes out, they cannot reignite it themselves, though the oil does keep their fur waterproof when it is not being consumed by fire. Keagan was able to increase or halt the production of oil, which dimed or increased the amount of fire around him, but that was all the control he had over it. Keagan could swipe a flaming paw, but he could not breathe fire, he could become a charging fireball, but he could not cast fire magic. For now anyways.<br><br>Crane calmly walked around the area collecting the items that dropped from the dead while Keagan playfully inflicted terror on the birds that were still trying to run away with their crippled legs. One by one the slowest was killed, but instead of stopping to eat, Keagan continued to hunt. Crane had taught Keagan that although meat was good in the short run, experience was more valuable in the long run. Most predators would stop to eat the first thing they kill, allowing the rest in the pack to escape, but Keagan had been trained to go for the experience before the meat. Thanks to this habit and the 20% experience leech off Crane, Keagan had grown to just above level 190, stronger than any fire cat that had lived in the area he used to call home.<br><br>After killing and eating the last terror bird, Keagan looked to the south and flared the fire on his back. Crane noticed the signal for incoming and regrouped with Keagan. Crane yelled, "How many?" Keagan answered, "twelve, but the pack is strange, six of these, and six of you, coming fast."<br><br>Keagan's language skills needed a bit of improving, but the meaning was clear. Keagan sensed the fighting spirit of six terror birds and six Users. For Keagan to say they were fast meant they were coming at a speed that Crane and Keagan could not easily outrun.<br><br>Crane smiled at the idea and said, "Interesting, finish your meal and stay calm. If I decide to attack, you'll know."<br><br>Crane waited in one spot for the group to come, when six Users riding on the backs of six terror birds came into sight, Crane didn't bother to act surprised. At first glance Crane saw that none of the members had their names in red above their heads nor did they have the murderer's mark, but that meant little.<br><br>Five of the six pairs partially surrounded Crane and Keagan, but did nothing else. Keagan was calming laying down on the ground in front of the eaten carcass of a terror bird, giving him an appearance that looked dangerous, but not threatening. The sixth member, obviously a spearman from his armor and weapon, got off his terror bird and said, "Who are you who hunts Terror Birds alone with a Fire Cat?"<br><br>Most people looked at Keagan and said flaming sabertooth tiger, the fact that this man knew the correct name meant he was no fool. Crane answered, "My name is Crane, and this is my partner Keagan. I came to Palmer looking for a good blacksmith and information at least a thousand years old."<br><br>The spearman looked pensive for a moment before saying, "You're in luck, a two week walk southeast of here is a town called Kenysis. It is built upon the ruins of an ancient city, and has several renown blacksmiths."<br><br>Due to the fact that several of these people snickered when the spearman said Crane was 'in luck,' they had given away the group's agenda. Crane knew that if he weakened a User without a murderer's mark and let Keagan deal the final blow, Crane would not receive a murderer's mark himself. This group was likely a team of raiders that killed wandering users through the same means, preventing them from getting a murderer's mark themselves. Though if they had enough infamy like the guild he destroyed not to long ago, Crane could still kill them without getting the telltale red diamond on his forehead, but there was no way to know. <br><br>The biggest advantage such a group would have is that if they did not have that much infamy and one of them was killed by their targets, the target would get the murderer's mark themselves. Targets who did not know this would receive the murder's mark which caused more of their loot to drop after the other members of the group finished them. And targets who knew about it were unable to deal the final blow to the group and would be finished off by the terror birds. <br><br>Not that Crane had to worry about this, if he received the murderer's mark he just needed to kill monsters for a few days and it would go away. And even if the group didn't know that, the presence of Keagan presented the same threat to them as their terror birds did to others, mark free murder. These guys had to think twice about attacking because there was the possibility that Keagan could kill all their birds, and themselves. <br><br>Crane said, "Thank you for the information, I think I'll head there now. But before I go, I want to thank you for your help. Is there anything you want?" Crane was goading them into making a choice, to fight or not. <br><br>The spearman looked nervous for a moment before saying, "What do you got?"<br><br>Crane smiled and said, "I have one month of hunting's worth of potions, stamina, health, and mana. Since you've given me a destination, why don't you take them off my hands?"<br><br>The spearman's eyebrows raised in surprised, he had probably not expected something like that. He said, "I'd be glad to accept such a gift, but before I do, I must ask how you obtained so much."<br><br>This was to determine the size of Crane's pockets, potions aren't cheap after all, and someone who could buy a month's supply was worth the risk to take down. Crane answered, "I did a repeatable quest for the owner of a sorcery shop, he made the potions for me himself."<br><br>It wasn't too far from the truth and gave the impression Crane was not rich enough to risk fighting him and the Fire Cat. The spearman nodded and accepted the bottles of potions from Crane. Crane thanked them for the info again and the spearman got back onto his bird. He motioned for the group to follow him, and though some appeared not to thrilled, they all left. Keagan looked at them and asked Crane, "Why not kill them, they intended to do the same to you."<br><br>Crane answered, "Two reasons. First he gave me the info I wanted, although he intended on killing me, I was still in his debt and I needed to repay it. And second, with that bag of potions those guys will rampage throughout the kingdom, and likely acquire a bounty. Should we see them again, I will be able to collect that bounty myself."<br><br>Keagan smiled a bit at the thought of eating those terror birds the group rode as Crane go onto his back and said, "Two weeks by walking huh, let's take this time to train your stamina."<br><br>Keagan nodded and began sprinting.<br><br>---------------------------------------<br><br>After three days and nights of travel, stopping only for meals and when Keagan ran out of stamina, the pair reached the outskirts of the town of Kenysis. Crane got off Keagan's back and entered the town on his own, Keagan made quite a scene whenever he entered a town and although Crane usually didn't care, for this town he wanted to enter without trouble. <br><br>The town's surroundings had worn down stone walls just tall enough to trip over, an echo of the ancient city that had once covered the area. The areas further from the path had stone walls and houses that were not completely torn down, within them were marks that showed recent excavation.<br><br>Crane wandered around the ruins for a while, searching for clues that could lead him to whatever runes the kingdom contained. But to no avail. Looters, diggers, and time all played their part in wiping the every surface of the ruins smooth, whatever was once there could not be seen. After about two hours of circling the town, Crane came across a group of high tents with several people walking in and out between the tents, some of them were carrying items. <br><br>"Ahh, yes, umm, who are you exactly?"<br><br>When Crane walked up to the tents, one of the old men Crane believed to be an archeologist noticed him and approached the newcomer.<br><br>"I am a newcomer to Palmer Kingdom looking for ancient symbols that were once found here 1000 years ago."<br><br>The old man wrinkled his nose and said, "We are all newcomers to this land, the natives have long since excavated this place to their heart's contents. Now you say you are looking for symbols that were found 1000 years ago? If you had any knowledge of the past, you would understand how vague of a response that is."<br><br>Crane in fact did acquire a great deal of knowledge from the past and had purposely given such a vague answer. If it was known that the knowledge he sought was a source of great power, he would not get it easily. Crane brought out a piece of paper he had made with a group of the runes he suspected were somewhere in the kingdom drawn on them.<br><br>Three more people had gathered around the old man to look at the piece of paper. It must have been a very slow day.<br><br>"I think I saw this one somewhere in town."<br><br>One of the younger men, though still much older than Crane, had pointed to the rune Kenaz.<br><br>Crane acted casual, "That's cool, you remember where?"<br><br>The guy remained silent for a while before saying, "No, sorry, it really seems familiar, but I don't remember where I saw it in town."<br><br>Crane nodded and said, "Thank you so much for your help," and left. Knowing that there was a rune here in the first place was an excellent start, and knowing that it was in the town meant he no longer had to look around the empty ruins. The journal he had gave a general idea of what the rune was but not nearly enough to comprehend and use it. On Kenaz it said it had to do with controlled fire, but not much else. <br><br>The town was thick with a variety of buildings and people. Some of the buildings seemed to be made of refurbished old stone buildings while most were made of the wood that grew thick in the area. Crane walked around trying to get familiar with stores and gathering what info he could from NPCs. Within the town were three blacksmiths. Two of the blacksmiths were Users, they worked together producing a variety of reasonably priced weapons. The third was a unique shop around the center of the town. It was obvious that it did not produce the same quantity of goods as the other pair, but the quality of that place's goods far surpassed the others. The shop had a pair of towering smokestacks attached to the back wall that must have been about seventy feet tall. The base of each looked about six feet in diameter that decreased with height. The rims of the top were likely about four feet in diameter. The back of the shop however was the most interesting. There were a dozen anvils in an area with a open use forging oven on the wall attached to the smoke stacks. There were three Users there who were hammering their own weapons on the anvils, and two more who seemed to be baking their hammered items in the coals if the pit's fire. Definitely a good place to train blacksmithing. The only problem with training here as opposed to the mountain was the lack of a direct source of ores, but the they could still be acquired through the trade routes. <br><br>Crane walked into the NPC blacksmith's shop and asked the woman at the counter if he could speak to the blacksmith.<br><br>"Oh, you want custom equipment?" She said.<br><br>"Something like that, I'm in no hurry so whenever he has time, please tell me." Crane took a seat in the corner out of the way and the woman went into the back of the shop. After a moment she returned and said, " He is just finishing up sharpening a new blade, he will be out in a minute." Crane had examined the equipment before but had not seen the blacksmith himself. It seemed that he worked in a workshop in the back where his techniques could not be spied upon.<br><br>A few minutes later a six foot tall, burly, muscular man stepped out from the forge covered in sweat. Wrapped around his torso several times was a thick iron chain and on his leather belt was the tools of his trade. <br><br>"What can I do you ya kid?" The blacksmith was incredibly imposing, he had a low voice and looked like he would smash you through the wall if you crossed him. <br><br>Crane did not flinch though, he said, "Hello, my name is Crane, and I wish to learn the secrets of blacksmithing from you."<br><br>Crane had half expected him to burst out laughing, (it would not be the first time), but the man looked over the kid and said, "Are you a blacksmith?"<br><br>Crane shook his head. The smith raised his eyebrows and said, "You expect me to accept a apprentice who is not even a blacksmith? You got a lot of guts, but don't seen to be particularly bright."<br><br>The smith only needed one look at Crane to decided that he was a foolish child who did not know of the world. Crane had to change that. He used his skill battle aura to extend his fighting spirit and show him that he had some fighting experience. The smith turned around and glanced him over once more, it had an effect, but not much of one. Crane said, "What can I do to prove myself?"<br><br>The smith said, "Come with me." He walked to the entrance and went outside the store, revealing the wooden buckler on his back. Crane followed him. The smith took the round shield off his back and put it on his arm. He said, "hit me once, and you can be my apprentice."<br><br>Crane took one of the swords he had made out his inventory. He didn't need the greatest sword in the world to beat him, just something to hit him. Crane use majestic stance and stacked it with noble step. Without a rapier he only got a finesse rating of 50, but since it was stacked they should be enough. Crane used his Dash Power Lunge combo, which stacked with his stances was his fastest attack. He aimed to fake out the smith with his charge, forcing him to defend his head with his shield, blocking his vision, then going around him and attacking from the back. <br><br>Crane charged, but the smith jumped forward as well, screwing up Crane's contact point, Crane adjusted his aim to above the shield, but was too late to notice there was nothing there. The smith had raised his shield to cover the fact that he had lowered his head, Crane's aim was completely off and since the smith had stepped in, Crane did not have enough room to step to the side. It was too late to do anything, the shield had passed under Crane's sword and through his guard. It smashed Crane's face with all the weight Crane had put into his lunge, then doubled it by sending his head back, followed by his body, ten feet to where he had started.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have received a critical hit<br>You have been dealt a concussion, all stats reduced by 40%<br>You have been stunned</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Crane was back where he started but on his back. His health went from full to less than 30% in one hit, he was too dizzy to get up, and his body ached too much to move. After a moment his head became clear enough to realize he had been hit too hard for it to have been an ordinary attack, it was likely the skill shield bash, at high levels the skill was capable of reflecting damage. Crane thought that if he had been able to use the full strength of his routines he would likely be dead. After that moment of clarity he became aware of the biggest headache in his life, like he had a mountain of bricks stacked on top of his skull, putting an enormous pressure on it.<br><br>Crane still couldn't get up off his back but the smith had walked up within his view. He looked at his with the same eyes he showed when he rejected Crane. "You think because you've been in more fights than your peers that you're strong? You think because you've had some bad experiences that you've seen the dark side of the world? You're a kid. And I don't let kids become my apprentice."<br><br>The smith disappeared from Crane's sight, though he probably had just gone back inside his workshop. Crane still couldn't raise his head off the ground to see. After about a minute his stunned status was gone and five minutes after that his concussion and the headache that came with it was gone. When he raised his head the first thing he noticed was the crowd that had gathered around him. While on the ground several people had looked at him to make sure he was still alive, and it seemed they were collecting around him. <br><br>One of the guys Crane had previously seen working at an anvil said, "You tried to be his apprentice huh, I ain't never seen someone get rejected so bad man."<br><br>A woman said, "What about when the Blade Brothers asked him?" <br><br>Another man said, "Oh yea, that was epic!"<br><br>The blade brothers were the pair of Users who operated on the other side of the town. It seemed that Crane was far from the first person to ask this blacksmith for apprenticeship. Crane broke out some of what was left of his homemade potions and got ready for round two. Crane walked into the smith's shop and said, "Again." <br><br>The smith was putting weapons in the display and said, "Selfish kids don't think of anyone but themselves. I'm too busy to entertain you all day."<br><br>Crane lowered his gaze in shame, then after a moment said meekly, "Tomorrow?"<br><br>The smith let out a sigh and said, "Fine, once a day is all I will spare you."<br><br>Crane bowed his head and thanked him graciously.<br><br>---------------------------<br><br>Crane wandered around town, practiced blacksmithing behind the smith's shop for a while, and logged out. Time in Royal Road was four times faster than in real life, so if he spent four hours in real life, sixteen hours would pass in royal road. He looked at the clock and it was already midnight. Do Hyup got out of the capsule and onto the chair next to it, then moved from that to his bed. He set the clock for 5am and drifted to sleep. <br><br>At 4:56 a.m. he woke up. For some reason he always woke up just before he set his alarm. It was Sunday morning and he had one day left before his school week started. After taking a shower, eating breakfast, and changing the battery pack on his muscle stimulator, Hyup got back into the capsule just before 6am.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Connect to Royal Road?</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He answered, "Yes."<br><br>Back in Kenysis, Crane made his way to the smith's shop and said to the woman at the counter, "Hello again." She looked at Crane, rolled her eyes and said, "Please wait in the corner."<br><br>Crane waited for about two hours before the smith came out to put a sword in the case and saw Crane was sitting in the corner. The smith motioned for Crane to follow him outside again, without saying a word. He equipped his buckler and Crane got into the same position he was in last time. Before anything started, a crowd had already formed around him. Crane recognized half the faces there as the same ones from yesterday. Crane took out his sword and walked forward. However the smith didn't wait, he took the chain from his waist and let a few feet of it fall to the ground. Crane stopped and took Noble Step and Regal Guard's stance. This increased his movement speed, time perception, total defense, and luck. Crane was unsure of how the smith with attack with a chain, but no matter what he did, Crane would be prepared to dodge, counter, or parry anything he threw at him. The smith stepped forward, twisted his waist, and threw out his arm. It happened faster than a person could blink but to Crane it took about three seconds. The tip of the chain was hurtling towards Crane's wrist, he had a small flashback of the first time he had been in a fight, when his instructor had slashed his wrist. Crane used his increased time perception to slash the chain away to parry it. His sword caught the first chain link in the middle of his slash and the rest of it threw the trajectory of the chain to the side. After the movement passed his time perception returned to normal, but the chain kept coming. The parry had diverted about three feet of chain to his left but the chain behind that continued straight as an arrow, scraping by his wrist. <br>The parry was useless, Crane realized that since a chain didn't have a solid connection throughout, parrying one segment does not parry all of the weapon. The smith shook the chain from his end and Crane attempted to move to his side away from the chain. The wave flowed down the chain and when it reached Crane's distance the smith pulled it, causing the chain to chase and wrap around Crane's torso before he could duck under it. The next instant Crane was in the air with the chain tightly around him and being pulled to the smith. Crane's arms were bound but his instincts had kicked in. Crane revolved his legs using the movements of a round house kick to turn his body so his legs were facing the man's shield. As Crane's flying kick was about to land straight on the small round shield, it slightly tilted up and raised. The instant Crane's foot made contact the shield bumped it, causing Crane's kick to bounce off. The shield retracted enough for the smith to give another full power shield bash to Crane's face. Crane's center of gravity was still falling forward past the shield that got plowed into his face, twisting his body over in a complete rotation before face planting into the ground.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have received a critical hit<br>You have been dealt a concussion, all stats reduced by 40%<br>You have been stunned</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>"OOOhhhh!" The crowd around him simultaneous winced at the hit.<br><br>The smith tugged up the chain causing Crane to be thrown into the air a bit and land on the ground again. After wrapping the chain back around his torso he went back into his shop, leaving Crane on the ground with the words, "Each skill has a weakness, only a kid would think that learning many skills would make you stronger," before disappearing behind the wall.<br><br>"Did you see that?! The dude did a complete flip in the air! Someone check to see if he's still alive."<br><br>Listening to the spectator, Crane looked back to his health bar. He had a bit more health than last time but the fight lasted only a few seconds longer, and two of those seconds involved Crane being tossed in the air. When someone looked at Crane he met their eyes to shown he was still conscious and alive. The one good thing about a crowd was that their were too many witnesses to pickpocket him while he laid there stunned with another massive headache.<br><br>Losing twice to someone with no signs of improvement was the kind of thing to discourage your average fellow, but this was too similar to his training back at Yarsan. Back then, everyday was a series of losses against the same person who was far superior to Crane. Each battle brought to light one of Crane's many weaknesses which was a fine way to get rid of them. Although Crane was a jack of all trades class, that did not mean he had to learn every method of fighting possible. It was better to further the training of what he had. <br><br>After his headache wore off, Crane got up and wandered around the town looking for a good place to fight. Back in Itsoeu Crane had annihilated a guild with the worse reputation in the kingdom, and in doing so his fame had jumped to about 600. It allowed him to get some information off NPCs without familiarity, though not much. He was able to locate the area Users gathered before going outside the town.<br><br>-Hunting Party, looking for tracker<br>-Dungeon Party, need priest.<br>-Need Ranged Attacker!<br>-Need Tank!<br><br>Various players shouted out what they needed for a party, usually some specific specialist. Few people wanted a jack of all trades class. <br><br>Two men walked up to Crane, from the equipment he estimated a level 120 wizard and level 130 knight.<br><br>"Hey kid, need a party?"<br><br>Another hurdle he had to face when playing was that most Users were at least five years older than him, so they usually looked down on him. Crane sighed and replied, "I'm looking for a place to train, I specialize in mid range attacks." It wasn't a complete lie, although he didn't specialize in anything, he could deal the most damage at mid range with dash powered attacks.<br><br>"What level are you kid?"<br><br>Crane remained silent. Telling them he was far above their levels would make them leave, either because they wouldn't believe him or because they would. If he joined their low level party, he would get most of the experience for any monster he dealt damage to, a system which prevented high level Users from assisting in the leveling of low levels.<br><br>The Knight spoke up, "Nothing to say huh? Rude little punk."<br><br>Just then Crane got an idea. He said, "Who are you calling a punk old man, I would wipe the floor with you."<br><br>The man tensed up and said in a low growl, "Why you.... You wanna die little turd!"<br><br>Crane smiled mockingly and said, "Bring it on geezer."<br><br>The knight took a deep breath and moved his fingers in the air a bit. Crane looked around and saw he had gathered a crowd. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">A Knight has requested a duel. Due to the difference in level, rejection will lower fame.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Accept|Reject</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>If the Knight had been close to Crane's level or stronger Crane would receive some compensation for winning, but beating up someone weaker than you gave no such rewards. If Crane had challenged the Knight, the message would likely have included that defeating Crane would yield vast fame and Honor for the knight, but that would also reveal Crane's level. To prevent this Crane got the Knight to challenge him instead. <br><br>Crane motioned for the people around him to move away, and equipped his sword. "Accept."<br><br>A small countdown began in the top corner of his vision from ten. One aspect of duels is complete fairness, any buffs Crane used or had before the duel began were lost when the countdown reached zero, so he couldn't use his stances. Not that he needed to against this level of opponent. The only problem was that the Knight's sword was much stronger than Crane's. Crane was still using the sword he made himself, it was his best sword but it only had an attack strength of 13, compared to the Knight's greatsword which Crane recognized and knew to have an attack of 30. Crane didn't mind though, it was only fair that he had some handicap.<br><br>The timer hit zero and Crane dashed forward. then to the side, After the fight yesterday he decided charging into an unknown opponent was no longer a great idea. The knight's sixth sense ability would allow his to know the position of enemies which covered the Knight's blind spots. He didn't even have to look to know that Crane was at his seven o'clock trying to strike his legs. The knight swung his greatsword while shifting his stance by stepping back. Now Crane was in front of him and about to be sliced in two. Crane remembered the technique that the smith used on him and tried it himself. Crane moved his blue steel wrist guard in the path of the greatsword at an angle. The moment before it made contact Crane slammed his wrist into the blade of the sword, bumping it up along the angled guard, and using the force to push his own body down beneath the blade. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have parried a strong blow, chance of parrying raised by 1.5%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Crane still took a good deal of damage and his arm had gone numb but it was worth it to try out the smith's move. To the spectators it looked like the greatsword had jumped over Crane's body, and since Crane's sword was in his other hand and the blue steel wrist guard was covered by a sleeve, people had no idea what had happened. The large sword's momentum continued it through creating a large opening for Crane to attack. However Crane still had another problem, even with his strength, his sword would not be able to deal much damage through the knight's armor. If Crane tried, the sword would shatter before the knight. Instead of using the opening to attack, Crane put his hand on the knight's armor and said, "Isa, Isa, Isa, Isa!" A black aura spread from Crane's hand over the knight's armor, causing thick ice to grow over the iron sheet. If Crane's INT had match his level he would have gotten the same effect with a single rune call, but he put more of his stats each level into strength and agility instead of intellect and wisdom, so he had to waste almost 2k mana to get a decent ice sheet over the knight's armor. The knight hurried to take off his armor before it killed him. A moment later the full plate was inside a block of ice on the ground. Crane looked at the knight to see that his suspicions were true, the knight was a full tank type who wore cloth armor beneath chain mail beneath a full plate. Crane's own defense was very high, but his was nothing compared to the knight's. However now that the full plate was gone, so was at least half his defense. Crane's sword would be able to deal sufficient damage. <br><br>For the next five minutes Crane slowly ate away at the knight's health. Crane's body was fleet and nimble compared to the knight's and the man's greatsword did not touch Crane unless he wanted it to. Breathing heavily, the man said, "Wait!.. I yield."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The knight wishes to resign, you can accept under conditions, accept without conditions, or refuse to accept.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Crane could force to Knight to give Crane whatever he wanted, but doing so would look bad, so he said, "I accept. Next time, don't judge a book by it's cover."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have shown mercy and asked for nothing.<br>Fame rises by 5 points (+5 Fame)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Crane made his way to a pile of rubble and sat down. After sliding up his sleeve he put his hand over the blue steel guard that now had a large dent in it and said, "Repair." The wristguard glowed a bit then went back to normal, it's condition restored. One of e the perks of having intermediate level repair is that as long as the equipment isn't destroyed, it can be repaired to full durability. Crane wondered for a moment what it could do when it reached advanced levels, but then another pair of Users walked up to Crane. <br><br>"Saw your fight there, you're not bad. We need an attacker between level 150 and 190, you qualify?"<br><br>Crane could tell that the pair's equipment was about level 160, as long as Crane wasn't more than 30 levels above them, the experience would be shared fairly. Crane said, "Yea, for now anyways." The man who asked seemed to be of the mercenary class, and the other seemed to be a magic user, though he could not tell what kind. <br><br>Crane looked at the mercenary and said, "Will fighting be involved?"<br><br>He answered, "Well that is what you advertised yourself for, isn't it?"<br><br>Crane smiled. The whole point of provoking the knight into starting a fight was to get people to look beyond him as a kid and see a capable fighter. Crane said, "OK, I'm in."<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have Joined Byrce's Party.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The pair took Crane over to another pair, a priest and warrior. With the exception of the warrior, all the members were male. The priest walked over to Crane and said, "You're the guy who fought against Dighilt right?"<br><br>Crane asked, "Dighilt?"<br><br>The priest said, "You know, the blacksmith in the store with those huge smokestacks."<br><br>"Oh, never got his name, he never gave it to me."<br><br>"The priest nodded, "Yea, according to what we learned from the locals, he's always been like that. Though you still got off easy compared to Jered and Josh."<br><br>Crane gave him the same, questioning look. The priest rolled his eyes and said, "The Blade Brothers, Jered and Josh. They asked to be Dighilt's apprentices as soon as they got here, back when the borders had just opened. But Dighilt didn't like them for some reason, he beat them so bad, they couldn't move till I came around and healed them up."<br><br>Crane asked, "Those two strong?"<br><br>This time the warrior woman answered, "The pair could've taken out that knight in ten seconds. Although members of the craft classes don't make good fighters, those two got around that be specializing in different stats along with strength, Jered agility, Josh luck. Jered uses two sharp knives to repeatedly attack and Josh is able to break any armor he hits with his blacksmith hammer, thanks to his high odds of dealing a critical hit and his own knowledge of the weak points in armor. So one whittles away defense and the other whittles away health. It is an interesting thing to watch."<br><br>Crane said, "Oh, how did the fight go?"<br><br>"Well, Josh's lucky strikes were useless against the smith's wooden shield. The smith knew where its weak points were, and never let it get hit. And Jered got caught by Dighilt's chain. Even the most experienced get caught by that thing."<br><br>Crane nodded, "So how should I beat him?"<br><br>"Hah! You don't understand what I'm saying kid. You are not going to beat him. The man is a specialist with a high level and higher proficiency, he can't be beaten by guys like us. Not for a few years anyways. The only chance you have is to wait until you are strong enough to overpower him."<br><br>Crane wasn't going to give up that easily, if he had to do the impossible then he would do the impossible. Crane noticed that Bryce and the magician weren't around them, so he asked, "Where'd Bryce go?"<br><br>The warrior said, "Looking for more power hitters. This is a boss hunting party afterall."<br><br>Crane said with interest, "Boss hunting?"<br><br>The priest looked at Crane, "Oh, he didn't tell you? There is a big dungeon raid going on tomorrow, some local guild got the quest to defeat it but the place is too strong for them. A raiding party is being hired to wipe out the dungeon, and we are the guys responsible for defeating the boss."<br><br>"How's the boss room itself going to be?"<br><br>The priest smiled, "Everyone is expected to die."<br><br>"That hard huh?"<br><br>The priest nodded, "This is the third raid attempt, everyone member was killed in the last two. The difference this time is our boss party, Bryce has been here for the past three days looking for anyone who he feels capable enough to handle himself in the battle."<br><br>"So everyone else wipes out the dungeon, and we kill the boss?"<br><br>"That's the idea, plus there's a bonus. Besides the pay we'll be getting, members of the boss party will be allowed free access to the dungeon."<br><br>Crane understood what he meant. This dungeon was likely under the control of the local guild, to enter it non guild members would have to pay a fee.<br>Bryce and the magician came back with a knight, this one had gear about level 150, but his great axe had a 165 level requirement. <br><br>"This guy is Nonance, Nonance, these are the other party members."<br><br>The magician spoke up, "Do we have enough?"<br><br>Bryce replied, "We'd better, there isn't another person here above level 150. I also called in a favor at the mercenary's guild, six more will be waiting for us at the dungeon's entrance tomorrow."<br><br>Crane spoke up, "So what's the dungeon?"<br><br>Bryce took in a deep breath, "The Burnt Mansion, it is a two hours walk south east of the town. For those of you who don't know, the story goes like this. A hundred years ago there was a rich family in that house. It held several generations of their family and all their relatives. With each generation the family grew in size, and the house was expanded, it is like the size of a shopping mall now. Anyways, one day the whole place burnt down, but the family who lived their refused to leave. Now they hunt the place and possess the objects in the house, most notebly, the toys of the hundreds of children who were in the house. Now, the boss is the ghost of the guy who built the house, apparently he was there the whole time and his power increased with his family. The goal of the raid is to first get rid of his family to weaken the bosses power, then take out the boss ourselves."<br><br>Crane had read about the ghosts of Royal Road but had not fought any yet. But before he could say anything, the priest continued from there.<br><br>"For those of you who don't know, ghosts and spectres can only be hit under certain circumstances. Luckily I am a priest who specializes in buffs as opposed to healing, I can give each of your weapons a holy buff that will allow you to attack ghosts."<br><br>Crane was relieved that the team had this kind of specialist with them, but he had another point to ask about.<br><br>"Excuse me, but you said the boss's power increases with the amount of family members in his house?"<br><br>Bryce and the priest nodded, Crane continued, "Are you sure it is family members, or just ghosts?"<br><br>The priest asked, "What do you mean?"<br><br>Crane elaborated, "If the house is his domain, what if his power is determined by the number of dead people inside his house, not the number of family members?"<br><br>"What's the difference?"<br><br>"Dead people can be Users too. If the raiding party that wipes out the ghosts dies, then the boss will still have power. I'm only mentioning it because this is the third raid, and I am wondering why they were beaten the last two times. Maybe they had it wrong."<br><br>The priest spoke up after a moment, "Well, it isn't impossible. Hmm, if that guy draws power from our own dead, then what exactly are we supposed to do?"<br><br>Crane made a suggestion, "I can scare them away."<br><br>Everyone remained silent. This is usually the point where people laugh, but this group was assembled for competence, none of them were the types to underestimate a situation. Finally the magician broke the silence, "How?"<br><br>Crane smiled and sat down, "This is about half max, I was advised against using max in public."<br><br>Crane's Battle aura skill was almost intermediate and his fighting spirit was about 240. The skill channeled the effect of fighting spirit into other forms with many uses, though none were lethal, it was a very practical skill. Crane concentrated on his own fighting spirit, then imagined that something horrible would happen to every person in the area, like a herd of mountain trolls was about to come down and ripe the limbs of every person in the area apart. Crane had actually felt the exact feeling coming from a herd of mountain trolls before, so he was not making it up, just imitating it. <br><br>Every person gathered in the area tensed up. Some of the people removed their weapons, and started looking around. The feeling that someone was watching you, planning something sinister was not uncommon in the game, and every person there got the distinct feeling they should get out of there. No one person started running before the rest, but as a whole, the entire group suddenly decided to leave at a pace faster than walking. There were no screams, but the area had emptied in two minutes flat, save Crane's party.<br><br>The female warrior spoke up first, "Woah, what skill is that, I felt like I was being hunted by a pack of monsters."<br><br>Crane turned to the magician and priest and said, "You alright?"<br><br>They nodded, slowly. The strength of the effect was determined by the difference between Crane's fighting spirit and the affected. Most magic classes have little or no fighting spirit, so among the group those two would be the most affected. The mercenary however didn't even wince, the man was probably very close to Crane's level. He walked out to the empty area a few paces and stopped. "Would you like to join our party?"<br><br>Crane nat not seen anyone before Bryce had walked out there, but after asking, Crane noticed Bryce was standing in front of a hooded man. Crane didn't recognize the level of the equipment, but looking at the style caused only one word to enter his head. Assassin.<br><br>The assassin said, "Sssuure."<br><br>The mercenary class was a class above adventurer, and came with many practical skills, seeing the unseen was among them. The pair returned to the group and Bryce looked at Crane, "You really think you can scare the ghosts out of the house?"<br><br>Crane nodded, "Beings without form are more vulnerable to fighting spirit."<br><br>"Wait one moment." Bryce moved his hands around, likely bringing up some menus, then he started talking without noise. Crane could read lips, but he knew that Bryce was whispering with someone. A few minutes later Bryce spoke up. "The raid is scheduled to start in tomorrow at noon. We will head for the dungeon early to test the effectiveness of your skill, if it works, we will face the boss, if not, we will have to kill ghosts till the guild comes."<br><br>Bryce made sure everyone understood before taking them to the local guild's headquarters to borrow some horses. The party rode southeast with Bryce leading the way. After ten minutes of riding, the party reached the Burnt Mansion. Crane couldn't see it through the trees till he was closer but when they arrived he saw it was about four floors high and stretched further to the left and right then he could see.<br><br>The entrance to the house had about fifteen people there, all members of the local guild that claimed the dungeon. The took the horses off the party's hands and let the group in without charging.<br><br>The mansion was hot and gloomy, small rays of light pierced the wooden boards giving the area a soft light. "Ok kid, show us your stuff."<br><br>Crane nodded, his plan was to take care of the dungeon one floor at a time. Although his skill had a limit to about twenty meters for the strongest effect, the guild gave them a detailed map of the dungeon to use as a guide. Crane and the group wandered around for a minute before they found a group of floating toys. Two jack in the boxes, three string marionettes and three dolls, all of which had burnt marks over them. Crane activated his skill and imagined that if these spirits didn't leave right now, he would use the ice spells he learned not to long ago to chain them up and send them to hell. Since the thought was not an empty threat, more of a promise, the effect was noticeable. The toys fell to the ground and white spirits floated out of them and flew like the wind through the roof and far away. Crane was slightly disappointed he didn't get any experience, but he didn't actually fight anything, so it was understandable.<br><br>The priest spoke up, "I didn't feel anything that time."<br><br>Crane said, "Cause you're not dead, I made them understand if they did not leave, I would send them to hell."<br><br>Crane hear a small, 'hehe,' coming from beneath the assassin's hood. The other members did not think it was very funny. The party went to the stairs and gave Crane the map to the dungeon, for the next hour and a half Crane scared every ghost off the first floor. When he could not find anymore, he met up with the party at the stairs and they hit the second floor. <br><br>In this way the group made their way to the fourth floor. Crane took out every ghost there before hitting the boss's room. And before that the group returned to the lower floors to make sure the ghosts hadn't returned yet. A full day after entering, the entire mall sized mansion was empty of ghosts save one room. The priest buffed the party and gave everyone's attacks the holy attribute. The group hadn't fought anything in a day thanks to Crane, though none really thanked him for it. They were all itching to fight, Bryce kicked open the door to reveal a large round room with a ten portraits hanging on the walls, with a forty foot tall portrait hanging on the wall furthest in the back. It looked to be an old man in some military attire. Then, candles on the walls around the room started flaming up, the figure in the picture looked like it was decaying, until a skeleton in a uniform remained. Then an enormous ghost, twenty feet tall at least emerged from the painting with a red name above it, ‘Eustace’.<br><br>"YOU!!" He pointed his boney finger at Crane, "YOU CHASED AWAY MY FAMILY! ARHHHH!!!" He charged at the group but the mercenary appeared in front of him, slashing through him, "ARRGG!!" The ghost rolled to the side but still received a clean hit. "Come My Family!" At Eustace's call, spectres appeared from the other portraits, each about level 160. Crane felt he had gotten too much attention already, so he decided to go for the spectres and let everyone else fight Eustace. He extended his aura with the thought, "Stupid spectres, probably as weak as the old geezer." After his battle aura hit beginner level 8, he could get more specific on the thoughts he transmitted. The spectres who had been attacking whoever was closest stopped what they were doing and converged on Crane. 'Ok, maybe not my best idea.'<br><br>Crane imagined cutting each spectre so many times, they would be reduced to mist, then used his Majestic stance, 50!. He still couldn't get above 50 without a rapier, but he started his twelve forms skill and begun slicing with his holy blade. To his surprise the assassin appeared behind the spectres and dealt each a critical hit before disappearing again. Crane kept up his aggravation of the spectres and the assassin kept attacking each from behind. But there were too many spectres, he had to keep his priority on defending to prolong his fight so the others could concentrate on Eustace. The only reason they had not overwhelmed him instantly was because the spell Isa worked on them and slowed them sufficiently for Crane to keep up with them all.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Upgrade: Battle Aura [Basic to Intermediate]<br>Increases range of aura and power of effect</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>"Aarrgggg.." Crane heard the ghost scream one last time before everyone else came over to Crane and got the spectres off him. Crane killed two and the party got the rest. For being in the party that killed Eustace Crane got 15% toward his next level, but experience was never his incentive to come here. Crane counted up the party to see that everyone was still alive, though plenty beaten. Crane was a little disappointed he was unable to participate or even watch the fight, but no one in the group belittled his efforts in the battle. Bryce walked up to Crane and threw something to him. Crane caught it and saw it was a finely cut ruby. Bryce said, "That's your share of the boss's loot, you did real good. You ever consider becoming a mercenary?"<br><br>Crane shook his head, "I already got a class."<br><br>"I'm not an NPC offering a class change, you can be a mercenary by joining the guild."<br><br>He shook his head again, "No thanks, I am happy with the guild I'm in."<br><br>Bryce frowned, "Shame, you don't know what you're missing."<br><br>Crane could only smile, if he only knew.<br><br>Bryce spoke up again, "One other thing, I've spoken to the guild that hired us, for clearing out the monsters but not killing them, you're getting a quarter of what they were going to use to pay the raiding party with, it totals 1675 gold. You'll get it when we return, along with your contribution for being a member of the boss party, 800 gold." Crane didn't particularly care, but the warrior exclaimed, "That's not fair, why is he only getting a quarter? There's no difference between what he did except he didn't get the experience!"<br><br>Crane was slightly surprised at her outrage on his behalf, but Bryce held up his hand and said, "I know, they're cheap and willing to do whatever they can to pay less. Don't worry about it, he got what he came for."<br><br>The warrior looked over at Crane and asked, "What does he mean?"<br><br>Crane said, "Bryce knows I joined this party for the rights to fight in this dungeon without having to pay for it, though I don't remember telling him that."<br><br>Bryce raised his shoulders slightly and left for the exit, with the rest following behind. <br><br>The group quietly left the mansion and retrieved the horses from the men out front. After returning to the guild Crane got paid and received a pass that allowed non guild members to access the dungeon at any time. </div>

Volume 2 Chapter 3 Lessons in fire On the eastern side of the mountain range that lined the border between the kingdoms of Palmer and Itsoeu was a mining town called Naybi. After Palmer opened its borders a flood of people came in to explore the uncharted area, and Naybi was the first to be discovered. On the slopes of that town was an area filled with anvils and fires, and among the many people using this area was Crane. Before leaving the capital city of Itsoeu he had gone to the blacksmithing guild. For those who had not chosen the blacksmith profession to learn the skill of blacksmithing, they needed to bring their repair skill to beginner level 10 and pass a test to prove they had done so. Crane had just been given a rusted piece of armor and had to use his repair skill to bring it back to maximum durability. Now he was putting the skill into practice and making swords. The portable mana powered smelter made the process fairly simple. Put ore into the smelter, use it to melt the iron into a glowing liquid, pour it into a mold, let cool, open mold, hammer edges, quence in water, sharpen and polish. He was doing it just like everyone around him was doing it, in fact he was doing it exactly like they were. There were few people who practiced blacksmithing in places he could watch in the last city which is why he left for this mining town in the first place. But his works did not satisfy him, even though he was a beginner he still had a ring that increased the effects of blacksmithing by two levels and a blacksmith's hammer that increased the effects by another two levels, but his works were only marginally better than the guys around him. It might be different if his handicraft skill was higher but it had only gotten to level nine while he was learning to cook at the restaurant. If he wanted to make the most out of his rune smith skill he needed to reach intermediate level blacksmithing at least, but his priority at the moment was to create a new rapier for himself. There were no places to buy a mold for a rapier so he tried to make his own out of clay, but the resulting rapier was about as strong as the first rapier he had acquire long ago. Crane packed up his smelter, ores, and molds and decided it was time to leave. "Hey, you leaving?" One of the smiths Crane had gotten to know over the past week had caught him on his way out. "Yup, I can't get any better here, I'm going to find a blacksmith who will let me be his apprentice." "Ha, good luck with that, blacksmiths have a hard time becoming the apprentice of someone skilled. And you're not even that." Gotten to know and become close were not the same thing, this guy basically considered Crane his rival while Crane had not even bothered to remember his name. He had correctly guessed that Crane’s work was superior to his own only because of his skill enhancing items and thought that because Crane relied on them that Crane was inferior to him. Truth was he was just jealous that Crane had acquired such rare items and was mad that Crane refused to sell them to him. Crane left without another word for the gates where he met up with Keagan. Since Palmer's tourism was in low supply until recently there were no maps to tell Crane where to go. He could just take the road but last time he tried that some users got into a misunderstanding with Keagan which didn't end well. On the bright side Crane learned that if Keagan deals the final blow to a user without a murderer's mark or a lot of infamy Crane didn't get the murderer's mark himself. Still it was better to avoid roads. Crane got on Keagan's back and he started running. It was default that when they didn't have destination to just run till they find a group of monsters. After about twenty minutes Keagan sensed a herd of Terror birds and ran to meet them. Since their fighting priorities were different when hunting, Crane got off and let Keagan do his thing. The pack noticed the pair and started their charge. For a group of Terror birds it was a small pack of about thirty. The levels of terror birds was determined by the area and indicated by the color of the feathers. These birds had green and brown feathers making them plains hunters which averaged level 110 or so. But when it comes to terror birds, the smaller the pack, the stronger the bird. Your average terror bird has a beak large enough to take off a man's head in one bite and legs strong enough to remove a lion's head in one kick. Crane guessed that with a pack this small their strength was well above average, possibly up to level 130. Crane used battle aura to make himself appear to be a predator who wanted the terror bird's territory. A group of seven broke off from the group Keagan was playing with and heading straight for Crane. Although Crane had swords he could use, he found that the finesse rating of his form skills and rune sword skill took a hit when he used a sword that he wasn't used to, so recently he had been taking the opportunity to practiced weaponless combat. Using a combination of short dashing for speed and shouting for power, he smashed his fist into one of the nine foot tall bird's torsos, sending it reeling back. Crane had gained some confidence in attacking with his upper body, but he had not gotten the hang of kicking. He had practiced the forms enough at the monk's guild but he had trouble relying on instinct for when the right time to send a kick was. On this thought he decided to devote today to practice kicking. Crane weaved through the attacking beaks to the bird at the end of the group and tried for a series of roundhouse kicks. The first missed but before the long necked bird could counter, Crane's other leg came up and kicked the bird's head like a soccer ball. Roundhouse kicks were a pain to use but each lead easily into the next which made up for its weaknesses. Crane ducked the snapping beak that came from behind and gave the bird that followed him a good low kick, taking out its feet and causing the birds behind it to stumble over. Crane rose his front leg up then brought his weight down through his waist and onto his heel at the moment of its impact on the chest of the top bird. The top and bottom bird died with a loud squawk. Although Crane didn't have the intuition to know when the right time to throw a kick was, he could still use them if he made the opportunity himself. While the remaining birds started to get out of their pile, Crane threw a barrage of punches at the base of the closest bird's neck until he heard the crunch that told him the bird's larynx had just be crushed. | Skill Level Up: Fist Mastery [3]Increase Attack power unarmed (+30% ATK)Increase Attack speed unarmed (+9% ATK SPD) | | --- | | -Strength increased by 2 point. (+2 STR)-Agility increased by 2 point. (+2 AGI) | Crane had acquired fist mastery while sparing with the monk's guild back in Itsoeu, and since losing his weapon had been fighting without without weapons to increase his proficiency. Unlike weapon proficiency, fist mastery had the effect of increasing stats with each level the skill increased, something that highly appealed to Crane. Crane stood straight and rose his right knee. When the other birds that had gotten up charged Crane, he struck each with a simple front kick in where Crane assumed to be the location of the bird's diaphragm. Crane was no where near the point where his kicks were lightning fast, and his accuracy needed work too. Only one of the bird's seemed to have trouble inhaling after Crane's kick, the other two swiped the points of their beaks at Crane's chest. His health only reduced by 15% from the combined attacks, so these guys were probably about level 125. That was not even enough to train his endurance stat. Crane didn't want to get bored, so he dashed past the two birds to the bird that had trouble breathing and grabbed its ankle. Crane took a massive leap to the two birds while twisting his waist. It likely weighed at least 320 pounds but Crane threw the breathless bird like a sack of bricks at the other two, releasing it on impact then jumping into the pile to deliver each one it's final blow. After killing the last bird, Crane looked around the area to see Keagan playing around. Unlike Crane, Keagan was already an expert at close combat. He had already partially crippled a dozen of the birds and the others had run away. Fire cats of Keagan's level were not magical creatures per say. Their hair and bodies were fireproof, but that is about it. Like all cats, fire cats can produce oil which covers their hair, fire cats just produce a infinitely more, enough to keep the fire on their backs going indefinitely. If the fire goes out, they cannot reignite it themselves, though the oil does keep their fur waterproof when it is not being consumed by fire. Keagan was able to increase or halt the production of oil, which dimed or increased the amount of fire around him, but that was all the control he had over it. Keagan could swipe a flaming paw, but he could not breathe fire, he could become a charging fireball, but he could not cast fire magic. For now anyways. Crane calmly walked around the area collecting the items that dropped from the dead while Keagan playfully inflicted terror on the birds that were still trying to run away with their crippled legs. One by one the slowest was killed, but instead of stopping to eat, Keagan continued to hunt. Crane had taught Keagan that although meat was good in the short run, experience was more valuable in the long run. Most predators would stop to eat the first thing they kill, allowing the rest in the pack to escape, but Keagan had been trained to go for the experience before the meat. Thanks to this habit and the 20% experience leech off Crane, Keagan had grown to just above level 190, stronger than any fire cat that had lived in the area he used to call home. After killing and eating the last terror bird, Keagan looked to the south and flared the fire on his back. Crane noticed the signal for incoming and regrouped with Keagan. Crane yelled, "How many?" Keagan answered, "twelve, but the pack is strange, six of these, and six of you, coming fast." Keagan's language skills needed a bit of improving, but the meaning was clear. Keagan sensed the fighting spirit of six terror birds and six Users. For Keagan to say they were fast meant they were coming at a speed that Crane and Keagan could not easily outrun. Crane smiled at the idea and said, "Interesting, finish your meal and stay calm. If I decide to attack, you'll know." Crane waited in one spot for the group to come, when six Users riding on the backs of six terror birds came into sight, Crane didn't bother to act surprised. At first glance Crane saw that none of the members had their names in red above their heads nor did they have the murderer's mark, but that meant little. Five of the six pairs partially surrounded Crane and Keagan, but did nothing else. Keagan was calming laying down on the ground in front of the eaten carcass of a terror bird, giving him an appearance that looked dangerous, but not threatening. The sixth member, obviously a spearman from his armor and weapon, got off his terror bird and said, "Who are you who hunts Terror Birds alone with a Fire Cat?" Most people looked at Keagan and said flaming sabertooth tiger, the fact that this man knew the correct name meant he was no fool. Crane answered, "My name is Crane, and this is my partner Keagan. I came to Palmer looking for a good blacksmith and information at least a thousand years old." The spearman looked pensive for a moment before saying, "You're in luck, a two week walk southeast of here is a town called Kenysis. It is built upon the ruins of an ancient city, and has several renown blacksmiths." Due to the fact that several of these people snickered when the spearman said Crane was 'in luck,' they had given away the group's agenda. Crane knew that if he weakened a User without a murderer's mark and let Keagan deal the final blow, Crane would not receive a murderer's mark himself. This group was likely a team of raiders that killed wandering users through the same means, preventing them from getting a murderer's mark themselves. Though if they had enough infamy like the guild he destroyed not to long ago, Crane could still kill them without getting the telltale red diamond on his forehead, but there was no way to know. The biggest advantage such a group would have is that if they did not have that much infamy and one of them was killed by their targets, the target would get the murderer's mark themselves. Targets who did not know this would receive the murder's mark which caused more of their loot to drop after the other members of the group finished them. And targets who knew about it were unable to deal the final blow to the group and would be finished off by the terror birds. Not that Crane had to worry about this, if he received the murderer's mark he just needed to kill monsters for a few days and it would go away. And even if the group didn't know that, the presence of Keagan presented the same threat to them as their terror birds did to others, mark free murder. These guys had to think twice about attacking because there was the possibility that Keagan could kill all their birds, and themselves. Crane said, "Thank you for the information, I think I'll head there now. But before I go, I want to thank you for your help. Is there anything you want?" Crane was goading them into making a choice, to fight or not. The spearman looked nervous for a moment before saying, "What do you got?" Crane smiled and said, "I have one month of hunting's worth of potions, stamina, health, and mana. Since you've given me a destination, why don't you take them off my hands?" The spearman's eyebrows raised in surprised, he had probably not expected something like that. He said, "I'd be glad to accept such a gift, but before I do, I must ask how you obtained so much." This was to determine the size of Crane's pockets, potions aren't cheap after all, and someone who could buy a month's supply was worth the risk to take down. Crane answered, "I did a repeatable quest for the owner of a sorcery shop, he made the potions for me himself." It wasn't too far from the truth and gave the impression Crane was not rich enough to risk fighting him and the Fire Cat. The spearman nodded and accepted the bottles of potions from Crane. Crane thanked them for the info again and the spearman got back onto his bird. He motioned for the group to follow him, and though some appeared not to thrilled, they all left. Keagan looked at them and asked Crane, "Why not kill them, they intended to do the same to you." Crane answered, "Two reasons. First he gave me the info I wanted, although he intended on killing me, I was still in his debt and I needed to repay it. And second, with that bag of potions those guys will rampage throughout the kingdom, and likely acquire a bounty. Should we see them again, I will be able to collect that bounty myself." Keagan smiled a bit at the thought of eating those terror birds the group rode as Crane go onto his back and said, "Two weeks by walking huh, let's take this time to train your stamina." Keagan nodded and began sprinting. --------------------------------------- After three days and nights of travel, stopping only for meals and when Keagan ran out of stamina, the pair reached the outskirts of the town of Kenysis. Crane got off Keagan's back and entered the town on his own, Keagan made quite a scene whenever he entered a town and although Crane usually didn't care, for this town he wanted to enter without trouble. The town's surroundings had worn down stone walls just tall enough to trip over, an echo of the ancient city that had once covered the area. The areas further from the path had stone walls and houses that were not completely torn down, within them were marks that showed recent excavation. Crane wandered around the ruins for a while, searching for clues that could lead him to whatever runes the kingdom contained. But to no avail. Looters, diggers, and time all played their part in wiping the every surface of the ruins smooth, whatever was once there could not be seen. After about two hours of circling the town, Crane came across a group of high tents with several people walking in and out between the tents, some of them were carrying items. "Ahh, yes, umm, who are you exactly?" When Crane walked up to the tents, one of the old men Crane believed to be an archeologist noticed him and approached the newcomer. "I am a newcomer to Palmer Kingdom looking for ancient symbols that were once found here 1000 years ago." The old man wrinkled his nose and said, "We are all newcomers to this land, the natives have long since excavated this place to their heart's contents. Now you say you are looking for symbols that were found 1000 years ago? If you had any knowledge of the past, you would understand how vague of a response that is." Crane in fact did acquire a great deal of knowledge from the past and had purposely given such a vague answer. If it was known that the knowledge he sought was a source of great power, he would not get it easily. Crane brought out a piece of paper he had made with a group of the runes he suspected were somewhere in the kingdom drawn on them. Three more people had gathered around the old man to look at the piece of paper. It must have been a very slow day. "I think I saw this one somewhere in town." One of the younger men, though still much older than Crane, had pointed to the rune Kenaz. Crane acted casual, "That's cool, you remember where?" The guy remained silent for a while before saying, "No, sorry, it really seems familiar, but I don't remember where I saw it in town." Crane nodded and said, "Thank you so much for your help," and left. Knowing that there was a rune here in the first place was an excellent start, and knowing that it was in the town meant he no longer had to look around the empty ruins. The journal he had gave a general idea of what the rune was but not nearly enough to comprehend and use it. On Kenaz it said it had to do with controlled fire, but not much else. The town was thick with a variety of buildings and people. Some of the buildings seemed to be made of refurbished old stone buildings while most were made of the wood that grew thick in the area. Crane walked around trying to get familiar with stores and gathering what info he could from NPCs. Within the town were three blacksmiths. Two of the blacksmiths were Users, they worked together producing a variety of reasonably priced weapons. The third was a unique shop around the center of the town. It was obvious that it did not produce the same quantity of goods as the other pair, but the quality of that place's goods far surpassed the others. The shop had a pair of towering smokestacks attached to the back wall that must have been about seventy feet tall. The base of each looked about six feet in diameter that decreased with height. The rims of the top were likely about four feet in diameter. The back of the shop however was the most interesting. There were a dozen anvils in an area with a open use forging oven on the wall attached to the smoke stacks. There were three Users there who were hammering their own weapons on the anvils, and two more who seemed to be baking their hammered items in the coals if the pit's fire. Definitely a good place to train blacksmithing. The only problem with training here as opposed to the mountain was the lack of a direct source of ores, but the they could still be acquired through the trade routes. Crane walked into the NPC blacksmith's shop and asked the woman at the counter if he could speak to the blacksmith. "Oh, you want custom equipment?" She said. "Something like that, I'm in no hurry so whenever he has time, please tell me." Crane took a seat in the corner out of the way and the woman went into the back of the shop. After a moment she returned and said, " He is just finishing up sharpening a new blade, he will be out in a minute." Crane had examined the equipment before but had not seen the blacksmith himself. It seemed that he worked in a workshop in the back where his techniques could not be spied upon. A few minutes later a six foot tall, burly, muscular man stepped out from the forge covered in sweat. Wrapped around his torso several times was a thick iron chain and on his leather belt was the tools of his trade. "What can I do you ya kid?" The blacksmith was incredibly imposing, he had a low voice and looked like he would smash you through the wall if you crossed him. Crane did not flinch though, he said, "Hello, my name is Crane, and I wish to learn the secrets of blacksmithing from you." Crane had half expected him to burst out laughing, (it would not be the first time), but the man looked over the kid and said, "Are you a blacksmith?" Crane shook his head. The smith raised his eyebrows and said, "You expect me to accept a apprentice who is not even a blacksmith? You got a lot of guts, but don't seen to be particularly bright." The smith only needed one look at Crane to decided that he was a foolish child who did not know of the world. Crane had to change that. He used his skill battle aura to extend his fighting spirit and show him that he had some fighting experience. The smith turned around and glanced him over once more, it had an effect, but not much of one. Crane said, "What can I do to prove myself?" The smith said, "Come with me." He walked to the entrance and went outside the store, revealing the wooden buckler on his back. Crane followed him. The smith took the round shield off his back and put it on his arm. He said, "hit me once, and you can be my apprentice." Crane took one of the swords he had made out his inventory. He didn't need the greatest sword in the world to beat him, just something to hit him. Crane use majestic stance and stacked it with noble step. Without a rapier he only got a finesse rating of 50, but since it was stacked they should be enough. Crane used his Dash Power Lunge combo, which stacked with his stances was his fastest attack. He aimed to fake out the smith with his charge, forcing him to defend his head with his shield, blocking his vision, then going around him and attacking from the back. Crane charged, but the smith jumped forward as well, screwing up Crane's contact point, Crane adjusted his aim to above the shield, but was too late to notice there was nothing there. The smith had raised his shield to cover the fact that he had lowered his head, Crane's aim was completely off and since the smith had stepped in, Crane did not have enough room to step to the side. It was too late to do anything, the shield had passed under Crane's sword and through his guard. It smashed Crane's face with all the weight Crane had put into his lunge, then doubled it by sending his head back, followed by his body, ten feet to where he had started. | You have received a critical hitYou have been dealt a concussion, all stats reduced by 40%You have been stunned | | --- | Crane was back where he started but on his back. His health went from full to less than 30% in one hit, he was too dizzy to get up, and his body ached too much to move. After a moment his head became clear enough to realize he had been hit too hard for it to have been an ordinary attack, it was likely the skill shield bash, at high levels the skill was capable of reflecting damage. Crane thought that if he had been able to use the full strength of his routines he would likely be dead. After that moment of clarity he became aware of the biggest headache in his life, like he had a mountain of bricks stacked on top of his skull, putting an enormous pressure on it. Crane still couldn't get up off his back but the smith had walked up within his view. He looked at his with the same eyes he showed when he rejected Crane. "You think because you've been in more fights than your peers that you're strong? You think because you've had some bad experiences that you've seen the dark side of the world? You're a kid. And I don't let kids become my apprentice." The smith disappeared from Crane's sight, though he probably had just gone back inside his workshop. Crane still couldn't raise his head off the ground to see. After about a minute his stunned status was gone and five minutes after that his concussion and the headache that came with it was gone. When he raised his head the first thing he noticed was the crowd that had gathered around him. While on the ground several people had looked at him to make sure he was still alive, and it seemed they were collecting around him. One of the guys Crane had previously seen working at an anvil said, "You tried to be his apprentice huh, I ain't never seen someone get rejected so bad man." A woman said, "What about when the Blade Brothers asked him?" Another man said, "Oh yea, that was epic!" The blade brothers were the pair of Users who operated on the other side of the town. It seemed that Crane was far from the first person to ask this blacksmith for apprenticeship. Crane broke out some of what was left of his homemade potions and got ready for round two. Crane walked into the smith's shop and said, "Again." The smith was putting weapons in the display and said, "Selfish kids don't think of anyone but themselves. I'm too busy to entertain you all day." Crane lowered his gaze in shame, then after a moment said meekly, "Tomorrow?" The smith let out a sigh and said, "Fine, once a day is all I will spare you." Crane bowed his head and thanked him graciously. --------------------------- Crane wandered around town, practiced blacksmithing behind the smith's shop for a while, and logged out. Time in Royal Road was four times faster than in real life, so if he spent four hours in real life, sixteen hours would pass in royal road. He looked at the clock and it was already midnight. Do Hyup got out of the capsule and onto the chair next to it, then moved from that to his bed. He set the clock for 5am and drifted to sleep. At 4:56 a.m. he woke up. For some reason he always woke up just before he set his alarm. It was Sunday morning and he had one day left before his school week started. After taking a shower, eating breakfast, and changing the battery pack on his muscle stimulator, Hyup got back into the capsule just before 6am. | Connect to Royal Road? | | | --- | --- | | Yes|No | | He answered, "Yes." Back in Kenysis, Crane made his way to the smith's shop and said to the woman at the counter, "Hello again." She looked at Crane, rolled her eyes and said, "Please wait in the corner." Crane waited for about two hours before the smith came out to put a sword in the case and saw Crane was sitting in the corner. The smith motioned for Crane to follow him outside again, without saying a word. He equipped his buckler and Crane got into the same position he was in last time. Before anything started, a crowd had already formed around him. Crane recognized half the faces there as the same ones from yesterday. Crane took out his sword and walked forward. However the smith didn't wait, he took the chain from his waist and let a few feet of it fall to the ground. Crane stopped and took Noble Step and Regal Guard's stance. This increased his movement speed, time perception, total defense, and luck. Crane was unsure of how the smith with attack with a chain, but no matter what he did, Crane would be prepared to dodge, counter, or parry anything he threw at him. The smith stepped forward, twisted his waist, and threw out his arm. It happened faster than a person could blink but to Crane it took about three seconds. The tip of the chain was hurtling towards Crane's wrist, he had a small flashback of the first time he had been in a fight, when his instructor had slashed his wrist. Crane used his increased time perception to slash the chain away to parry it. His sword caught the first chain link in the middle of his slash and the rest of it threw the trajectory of the chain to the side. After the movement passed his time perception returned to normal, but the chain kept coming. The parry had diverted about three feet of chain to his left but the chain behind that continued straight as an arrow, scraping by his wrist. The parry was useless, Crane realized that since a chain didn't have a solid connection throughout, parrying one segment does not parry all of the weapon. The smith shook the chain from his end and Crane attempted to move to his side away from the chain. The wave flowed down the chain and when it reached Crane's distance the smith pulled it, causing the chain to chase and wrap around Crane's torso before he could duck under it. The next instant Crane was in the air with the chain tightly around him and being pulled to the smith. Crane's arms were bound but his instincts had kicked in. Crane revolved his legs using the movements of a round house kick to turn his body so his legs were facing the man's shield. As Crane's flying kick was about to land straight on the small round shield, it slightly tilted up and raised. The instant Crane's foot made contact the shield bumped it, causing Crane's kick to bounce off. The shield retracted enough for the smith to give another full power shield bash to Crane's face. Crane's center of gravity was still falling forward past the shield that got plowed into his face, twisting his body over in a complete rotation before face planting into the ground. | You have received a critical hitYou have been dealt a concussion, all stats reduced by 40%You have been stunned | | --- | "OOOhhhh!" The crowd around him simultaneous winced at the hit. The smith tugged up the chain causing Crane to be thrown into the air a bit and land on the ground again. After wrapping the chain back around his torso he went back into his shop, leaving Crane on the ground with the words, "Each skill has a weakness, only a kid would think that learning many skills would make you stronger," before disappearing behind the wall. "Did you see that?! The dude did a complete flip in the air! Someone check to see if he's still alive." Listening to the spectator, Crane looked back to his health bar. He had a bit more health than last time but the fight lasted only a few seconds longer, and two of those seconds involved Crane being tossed in the air. When someone looked at Crane he met their eyes to shown he was still conscious and alive. The one good thing about a crowd was that their were too many witnesses to pickpocket him while he laid there stunned with another massive headache. Losing twice to someone with no signs of improvement was the kind of thing to discourage your average fellow, but this was too similar to his training back at Yarsan. Back then, everyday was a series of losses against the same person who was far superior to Crane. Each battle brought to light one of Crane's many weaknesses which was a fine way to get rid of them. Although Crane was a jack of all trades class, that did not mean he had to learn every method of fighting possible. It was better to further the training of what he had. After his headache wore off, Crane got up and wandered around the town looking for a good place to fight. Back in Itsoeu Crane had annihilated a guild with the worse reputation in the kingdom, and in doing so his fame had jumped to about 600. It allowed him to get some information off NPCs without familiarity, though not much. He was able to locate the area Users gathered before going outside the town. -Hunting Party, looking for tracker -Dungeon Party, need priest. -Need Ranged Attacker! -Need Tank! Various players shouted out what they needed for a party, usually some specific specialist. Few people wanted a jack of all trades class. Two men walked up to Crane, from the equipment he estimated a level 120 wizard and level 130 knight. "Hey kid, need a party?" Another hurdle he had to face when playing was that most Users were at least five years older than him, so they usually looked down on him. Crane sighed and replied, "I'm looking for a place to train, I specialize in mid range attacks." It wasn't a complete lie, although he didn't specialize in anything, he could deal the most damage at mid range with dash powered attacks. "What level are you kid?" Crane remained silent. Telling them he was far above their levels would make them leave, either because they wouldn't believe him or because they would. If he joined their low level party, he would get most of the experience for any monster he dealt damage to, a system which prevented high level Users from assisting in the leveling of low levels. The Knight spoke up, "Nothing to say huh? Rude little punk." Just then Crane got an idea. He said, "Who are you calling a punk old man, I would wipe the floor with you." The man tensed up and said in a low growl, "Why you.... You wanna die little turd!" Crane smiled mockingly and said, "Bring it on geezer." The knight took a deep breath and moved his fingers in the air a bit. Crane looked around and saw he had gathered a crowd. | A Knight has requested a duel. Due to the difference in level, rejection will lower fame. | | | --- | --- | | Accept|Reject | | If the Knight had been close to Crane's level or stronger Crane would receive some compensation for winning, but beating up someone weaker than you gave no such rewards. If Crane had challenged the Knight, the message would likely have included that defeating Crane would yield vast fame and Honor for the knight, but that would also reveal Crane's level. To prevent this Crane got the Knight to challenge him instead. Crane motioned for the people around him to move away, and equipped his sword. "Accept." A small countdown began in the top corner of his vision from ten. One aspect of duels is complete fairness, any buffs Crane used or had before the duel began were lost when the countdown reached zero, so he couldn't use his stances. Not that he needed to against this level of opponent. The only problem was that the Knight's sword was much stronger than Crane's. Crane was still using the sword he made himself, it was his best sword but it only had an attack strength of 13, compared to the Knight's greatsword which Crane recognized and knew to have an attack of 30. Crane didn't mind though, it was only fair that he had some handicap. The timer hit zero and Crane dashed forward. then to the side, After the fight yesterday he decided charging into an unknown opponent was no longer a great idea. The knight's sixth sense ability would allow his to know the position of enemies which covered the Knight's blind spots. He didn't even have to look to know that Crane was at his seven o'clock trying to strike his legs. The knight swung his greatsword while shifting his stance by stepping back. Now Crane was in front of him and about to be sliced in two. Crane remembered the technique that the smith used on him and tried it himself. Crane moved his blue steel wrist guard in the path of the greatsword at an angle. The moment before it made contact Crane slammed his wrist into the blade of the sword, bumping it up along the angled guard, and using the force to push his own body down beneath the blade. | You have parried a strong blow, chance of parrying raised by 1.5% | | --- | Crane still took a good deal of damage and his arm had gone numb but it was worth it to try out the smith's move. To the spectators it looked like the greatsword had jumped over Crane's body, and since Crane's sword was in his other hand and the blue steel wrist guard was covered by a sleeve, people had no idea what had happened. The large sword's momentum continued it through creating a large opening for Crane to attack. However Crane still had another problem, even with his strength, his sword would not be able to deal much damage through the knight's armor. If Crane tried, the sword would shatter before the knight. Instead of using the opening to attack, Crane put his hand on the knight's armor and said, "Isa, Isa, Isa, Isa!" A black aura spread from Crane's hand over the knight's armor, causing thick ice to grow over the iron sheet. If Crane's INT had match his level he would have gotten the same effect with a single rune call, but he put more of his stats each level into strength and agility instead of intellect and wisdom, so he had to waste almost 2k mana to get a decent ice sheet over the knight's armor. The knight hurried to take off his armor before it killed him. A moment later the full plate was inside a block of ice on the ground. Crane looked at the knight to see that his suspicions were true, the knight was a full tank type who wore cloth armor beneath chain mail beneath a full plate. Crane's own defense was very high, but his was nothing compared to the knight's. However now that the full plate was gone, so was at least half his defense. Crane's sword would be able to deal sufficient damage. For the next five minutes Crane slowly ate away at the knight's health. Crane's body was fleet and nimble compared to the knight's and the man's greatsword did not touch Crane unless he wanted it to. Breathing heavily, the man said, "Wait!.. I yield." | The knight wishes to resign, you can accept under conditions, accept without conditions, or refuse to accept. | | --- | Crane could force to Knight to give Crane whatever he wanted, but doing so would look bad, so he said, "I accept. Next time, don't judge a book by it's cover." | You have shown mercy and asked for nothing.Fame rises by 5 points (+5 Fame) | | --- | Crane made his way to a pile of rubble and sat down. After sliding up his sleeve he put his hand over the blue steel guard that now had a large dent in it and said, "Repair." The wristguard glowed a bit then went back to normal, it's condition restored. One of e the perks of having intermediate level repair is that as long as the equipment isn't destroyed, it can be repaired to full durability. Crane wondered for a moment what it could do when it reached advanced levels, but then another pair of Users walked up to Crane. "Saw your fight there, you're not bad. We need an attacker between level 150 and 190, you qualify?" Crane could tell that the pair's equipment was about level 160, as long as Crane wasn't more than 30 levels above them, the experience would be shared fairly. Crane said, "Yea, for now anyways." The man who asked seemed to be of the mercenary class, and the other seemed to be a magic user, though he could not tell what kind. Crane looked at the mercenary and said, "Will fighting be involved?" He answered, "Well that is what you advertised yourself for, isn't it?" Crane smiled. The whole point of provoking the knight into starting a fight was to get people to look beyond him as a kid and see a capable fighter. Crane said, "OK, I'm in." | You have Joined Byrce's Party. | | --- | The pair took Crane over to another pair, a priest and warrior. With the exception of the warrior, all the members were male. The priest walked over to Crane and said, "You're the guy who fought against Dighilt right?" Crane asked, "Dighilt?" The priest said, "You know, the blacksmith in the store with those huge smokestacks." "Oh, never got his name, he never gave it to me." "The priest nodded, "Yea, according to what we learned from the locals, he's always been like that. Though you still got off easy compared to Jered and Josh." Crane gave him the same, questioning look. The priest rolled his eyes and said, "The Blade Brothers, Jered and Josh. They asked to be Dighilt's apprentices as soon as they got here, back when the borders had just opened. But Dighilt didn't like them for some reason, he beat them so bad, they couldn't move till I came around and healed them up." Crane asked, "Those two strong?" This time the warrior woman answered, "The pair could've taken out that knight in ten seconds. Although members of the craft classes don't make good fighters, those two got around that be specializing in different stats along with strength, Jered agility, Josh luck. Jered uses two sharp knives to repeatedly attack and Josh is able to break any armor he hits with his blacksmith hammer, thanks to his high odds of dealing a critical hit and his own knowledge of the weak points in armor. So one whittles away defense and the other whittles away health. It is an interesting thing to watch." Crane said, "Oh, how did the fight go?" "Well, Josh's lucky strikes were useless against the smith's wooden shield. The smith knew where its weak points were, and never let it get hit. And Jered got caught by Dighilt's chain. Even the most experienced get caught by that thing." Crane nodded, "So how should I beat him?" "Hah! You don't understand what I'm saying kid. You are not going to beat him. The man is a specialist with a high level and higher proficiency, he can't be beaten by guys like us. Not for a few years anyways. The only chance you have is to wait until you are strong enough to overpower him." Crane wasn't going to give up that easily, if he had to do the impossible then he would do the impossible. Crane noticed that Bryce and the magician weren't around them, so he asked, "Where'd Bryce go?" The warrior said, "Looking for more power hitters. This is a boss hunting party afterall." Crane said with interest, "Boss hunting?" The priest looked at Crane, "Oh, he didn't tell you? There is a big dungeon raid going on tomorrow, some local guild got the quest to defeat it but the place is too strong for them. A raiding party is being hired to wipe out the dungeon, and we are the guys responsible for defeating the boss." "How's the boss room itself going to be?" The priest smiled, "Everyone is expected to die." "That hard huh?" The priest nodded, "This is the third raid attempt, everyone member was killed in the last two. The difference this time is our boss party, Bryce has been here for the past three days looking for anyone who he feels capable enough to handle himself in the battle." "So everyone else wipes out the dungeon, and we kill the boss?" "That's the idea, plus there's a bonus. Besides the pay we'll be getting, members of the boss party will be allowed free access to the dungeon." Crane understood what he meant. This dungeon was likely under the control of the local guild, to enter it non guild members would have to pay a fee. Bryce and the magician came back with a knight, this one had gear about level 150, but his great axe had a 165 level requirement. "This guy is Nonance, Nonance, these are the other party members." The magician spoke up, "Do we have enough?" Bryce replied, "We'd better, there isn't another person here above level 150. I also called in a favor at the mercenary's guild, six more will be waiting for us at the dungeon's entrance tomorrow." Crane spoke up, "So what's the dungeon?" Bryce took in a deep breath, "The Burnt Mansion, it is a two hours walk south east of the town. For those of you who don't know, the story goes like this. A hundred years ago there was a rich family in that house. It held several generations of their family and all their relatives. With each generation the family grew in size, and the house was expanded, it is like the size of a shopping mall now. Anyways, one day the whole place burnt down, but the family who lived their refused to leave. Now they hunt the place and possess the objects in the house, most notebly, the toys of the hundreds of children who were in the house. Now, the boss is the ghost of the guy who built the house, apparently he was there the whole time and his power increased with his family. The goal of the raid is to first get rid of his family to weaken the bosses power, then take out the boss ourselves." Crane had read about the ghosts of Royal Road but had not fought any yet. But before he could say anything, the priest continued from there. "For those of you who don't know, ghosts and spectres can only be hit under certain circumstances. Luckily I am a priest who specializes in buffs as opposed to healing, I can give each of your weapons a holy buff that will allow you to attack ghosts." Crane was relieved that the team had this kind of specialist with them, but he had another point to ask about. "Excuse me, but you said the boss's power increases with the amount of family members in his house?" Bryce and the priest nodded, Crane continued, "Are you sure it is family members, or just ghosts?" The priest asked, "What do you mean?" Crane elaborated, "If the house is his domain, what if his power is determined by the number of dead people inside his house, not the number of family members?" "What's the difference?" "Dead people can be Users too. If the raiding party that wipes out the ghosts dies, then the boss will still have power. I'm only mentioning it because this is the third raid, and I am wondering why they were beaten the last two times. Maybe they had it wrong." The priest spoke up after a moment, "Well, it isn't impossible. Hmm, if that guy draws power from our own dead, then what exactly are we supposed to do?" Crane made a suggestion, "I can scare them away." Everyone remained silent. This is usually the point where people laugh, but this group was assembled for competence, none of them were the types to underestimate a situation. Finally the magician broke the silence, "How?" Crane smiled and sat down, "This is about half max, I was advised against using max in public." Crane's Battle aura skill was almost intermediate and his fighting spirit was about 240. The skill channeled the effect of fighting spirit into other forms with many uses, though none were lethal, it was a very practical skill. Crane concentrated on his own fighting spirit, then imagined that something horrible would happen to every person in the area, like a herd of mountain trolls was about to come down and ripe the limbs of every person in the area apart. Crane had actually felt the exact feeling coming from a herd of mountain trolls before, so he was not making it up, just imitating it. Every person gathered in the area tensed up. Some of the people removed their weapons, and started looking around. The feeling that someone was watching you, planning something sinister was not uncommon in the game, and every person there got the distinct feeling they should get out of there. No one person started running before the rest, but as a whole, the entire group suddenly decided to leave at a pace faster than walking. There were no screams, but the area had emptied in two minutes flat, save Crane's party. The female warrior spoke up first, "Woah, what skill is that, I felt like I was being hunted by a pack of monsters." Crane turned to the magician and priest and said, "You alright?" They nodded, slowly. The strength of the effect was determined by the difference between Crane's fighting spirit and the affected. Most magic classes have little or no fighting spirit, so among the group those two would be the most affected. The mercenary however didn't even wince, the man was probably very close to Crane's level. He walked out to the empty area a few paces and stopped. "Would you like to join our party?" Crane nat not seen anyone before Bryce had walked out there, but after asking, Crane noticed Bryce was standing in front of a hooded man. Crane didn't recognize the level of the equipment, but looking at the style caused only one word to enter his head. Assassin. The assassin said, "Sssuure." The mercenary class was a class above adventurer, and came with many practical skills, seeing the unseen was among them. The pair returned to the group and Bryce looked at Crane, "You really think you can scare the ghosts out of the house?" Crane nodded, "Beings without form are more vulnerable to fighting spirit." "Wait one moment." Bryce moved his hands around, likely bringing up some menus, then he started talking without noise. Crane could read lips, but he knew that Bryce was whispering with someone. A few minutes later Bryce spoke up. "The raid is scheduled to start in tomorrow at noon. We will head for the dungeon early to test the effectiveness of your skill, if it works, we will face the boss, if not, we will have to kill ghosts till the guild comes." Bryce made sure everyone understood before taking them to the local guild's headquarters to borrow some horses. The party rode southeast with Bryce leading the way. After ten minutes of riding, the party reached the Burnt Mansion. Crane couldn't see it through the trees till he was closer but when they arrived he saw it was about four floors high and stretched further to the left and right then he could see. The entrance to the house had about fifteen people there, all members of the local guild that claimed the dungeon. The took the horses off the party's hands and let the group in without charging. The mansion was hot and gloomy, small rays of light pierced the wooden boards giving the area a soft light. "Ok kid, show us your stuff." Crane nodded, his plan was to take care of the dungeon one floor at a time. Although his skill had a limit to about twenty meters for the strongest effect, the guild gave them a detailed map of the dungeon to use as a guide. Crane and the group wandered around for a minute before they found a group of floating toys. Two jack in the boxes, three string marionettes and three dolls, all of which had burnt marks over them. Crane activated his skill and imagined that if these spirits didn't leave right now, he would use the ice spells he learned not to long ago to chain them up and send them to hell. Since the thought was not an empty threat, more of a promise, the effect was noticeable. The toys fell to the ground and white spirits floated out of them and flew like the wind through the roof and far away. Crane was slightly disappointed he didn't get any experience, but he didn't actually fight anything, so it was understandable. The priest spoke up, "I didn't feel anything that time." Crane said, "Cause you're not dead, I made them understand if they did not leave, I would send them to hell." Crane hear a small, 'hehe,' coming from beneath the assassin's hood. The other members did not think it was very funny. The party went to the stairs and gave Crane the map to the dungeon, for the next hour and a half Crane scared every ghost off the first floor. When he could not find anymore, he met up with the party at the stairs and they hit the second floor. In this way the group made their way to the fourth floor. Crane took out every ghost there before hitting the boss's room. And before that the group returned to the lower floors to make sure the ghosts hadn't returned yet. A full day after entering, the entire mall sized mansion was empty of ghosts save one room. The priest buffed the party and gave everyone's attacks the holy attribute. The group hadn't fought anything in a day thanks to Crane, though none really thanked him for it. They were all itching to fight, Bryce kicked open the door to reveal a large round room with a ten portraits hanging on the walls, with a forty foot tall portrait hanging on the wall furthest in the back. It looked to be an old man in some military attire. Then, candles on the walls around the room started flaming up, the figure in the picture looked like it was decaying, until a skeleton in a uniform remained. Then an enormous ghost, twenty feet tall at least emerged from the painting with a red name above it, ‘Eustace’. "YOU!!" He pointed his boney finger at Crane, "YOU CHASED AWAY MY FAMILY! ARHHHH!!!" He charged at the group but the mercenary appeared in front of him, slashing through him, "ARRGG!!" The ghost rolled to the side but still received a clean hit. "Come My Family!" At Eustace's call, spectres appeared from the other portraits, each about level 160. Crane felt he had gotten too much attention already, so he decided to go for the spectres and let everyone else fight Eustace. He extended his aura with the thought, "Stupid spectres, probably as weak as the old geezer." After his battle aura hit beginner level 8, he could get more specific on the thoughts he transmitted. The spectres who had been attacking whoever was closest stopped what they were doing and converged on Crane. 'Ok, maybe not my best idea.' Crane imagined cutting each spectre so many times, they would be reduced to mist, then used his Majestic stance, 50!. He still couldn't get above 50 without a rapier, but he started his twelve forms skill and begun slicing with his holy blade. To his surprise the assassin appeared behind the spectres and dealt each a critical hit before disappearing again. Crane kept up his aggravation of the spectres and the assassin kept attacking each from behind. But there were too many spectres, he had to keep his priority on defending to prolong his fight so the others could concentrate on Eustace. The only reason they had not overwhelmed him instantly was because the spell Isa worked on them and slowed them sufficiently for Crane to keep up with them all. | Upgrade: Battle Aura [Basic to Intermediate]Increases range of aura and power of effect | | --- | "Aarrgggg.." Crane heard the ghost scream one last time before everyone else came over to Crane and got the spectres off him. Crane killed two and the party got the rest. For being in the party that killed Eustace Crane got 15% toward his next level, but experience was never his incentive to come here. Crane counted up the party to see that everyone was still alive, though plenty beaten. Crane was a little disappointed he was unable to participate or even watch the fight, but no one in the group belittled his efforts in the battle. Bryce walked up to Crane and threw something to him. Crane caught it and saw it was a finely cut ruby. Bryce said, "That's your share of the boss's loot, you did real good. You ever consider becoming a mercenary?" Crane shook his head, "I already got a class." "I'm not an NPC offering a class change, you can be a mercenary by joining the guild." He shook his head again, "No thanks, I am happy with the guild I'm in." Bryce frowned, "Shame, you don't know what you're missing." Crane could only smile, if he only knew. Bryce spoke up again, "One other thing, I've spoken to the guild that hired us, for clearing out the monsters but not killing them, you're getting a quarter of what they were going to use to pay the raiding party with, it totals 1675 gold. You'll get it when we return, along with your contribution for being a member of the boss party, 800 gold." Crane didn't particularly care, but the warrior exclaimed, "That's not fair, why is he only getting a quarter? There's no difference between what he did except he didn't get the experience!" Crane was slightly surprised at her outrage on his behalf, but Bryce held up his hand and said, "I know, they're cheap and willing to do whatever they can to pay less. Don't worry about it, he got what he came for." The warrior looked over at Crane and asked, "What does he mean?" Crane said, "Bryce knows I joined this party for the rights to fight in this dungeon without having to pay for it, though I don't remember telling him that." Bryce raised his shoulders slightly and left for the exit, with the rest following behind. The group quietly left the mansion and retrieved the horses from the men out front. After returning to the guild Crane got paid and received a pass that allowed non guild members to access the dungeon at any time.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter Seven - Knox &amp; Nightshade in the Valley of the Mantis<br><br>A/N: Skills Appearing in &lt;&lt;--&gt;&gt; are skills used with "Path of Silence" (meaning he is not saying them aloud) <br><br>Wind came down from the mountains that surround the valley, creating a constant breeze that moved through the tall grass. The wind generated an endless rustling noise that would soon dull one's senses and leave them jumping at shadows. It was an ideal hunting ground for the large inhabitants... and yet, something else had recently begun to hunt within the grassland.<br><br>The giant Mantis froze. It had been tracking a sound but now something felt wrong... The head swiveled as it surveyed its surroundings and the wings on its back shifted nervously. Then out of the tall grass a violet crescent flew! The surprised Mantis tried to dodge but still lost one of its legs from the attack.<br><br>The Mantis panicked. Its wings snapped open in an attempt to fly a short distance away but something landed on its back. The Mantis began to buck wildly as one of its wings fell to the ground. Another violet crescent appeared from the grass and took out the other front leg and the Mantis’ body crashed forward.<br><br>There was a brief flare of pain at the base of its neck and the entire triangular head of the mantis fell from its shoulders.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox hopped off the body as it began to turn gray and disappear. <br><br>“Looks like we’ve got this down pat. Adding you to my "Always See" list was a good idea. Now you can see me even when I'm stealthed. Maybe now, we can try and lure more of them at once?”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">'If I hadn't added her, she would have kept hitting me...'</span><br><br>“Yeah... Punishing Wave can handle up to five mobs at once but I think we should stick to two or three first. It would be useful if you had some ranged attacks too... Why don’t you use throwing knives?”<br><br>Knox looked embarrassed.<br><br>“Uh... I forgot to buy some... Cara City doesn’t have any merchants really and when I went to the shop in Carbondale... I totally forgot.”<br><br>Nightshade sighed... <br><br>“Fine, I’ll make you some but you have to show me your stats! Oh, and give me any warrior items you find!”<br><br>“Ah! That reminds me...”<br><br>Knox dug around in his bag and pulled out two items. One, the large Greatsword he’d taken from the bandit leader and the other, a red steel breastplate that the Salamandra Lord had dropped. Knox handed them to Nightshade.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Do you wish to give these items to Nightshade? <br>Yes/No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>Nightshade took the items and immediately shouted.<br><br>“Identify!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Giant Fang<br>Durability: 37/70<br>Attack: 27-39<br>A Greatsword created from the fang of a giant wolf. Due to the unique material the blade is surprisingly light while still providing excellent damage.<br>Bonuses:<br>Attack speed increased by 10%<br>+20 Str<br>+15 Agi<br><br>Requirements:<br>Lv60<br>205 Str</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Smoldering Salamandra Breastplate<br>Durability: 75/75<br>Defense: 45<br>An iron breastplate tempered in extreme heat, combined with the scales of a Salamandra. This armor absorbs heat.<br>Bonuses:<br>+10% Fire Resistance<br>Small chance to absorb fire based attacks.<br>Requirements:<br>Warrior/Knight or Paladin Class<br>Lv80<br>220 Str<br>150 Vit</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“...”<br><br>“...”<br><br>“PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“GAAH! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?”<br><br>“FOR NOT GIVING ME THESE SOONER!”<br><br>“SCREW Y— GAAAH”<br><br>Once Nightshade was done beating Knox she spoke again.<br><br>“Now show me your stats!”<br><br>“Why should I?”<br><br>“PUNISHING WAVE!”<br><br>“SHIT! Alright! But let me see yours too!”<br><br>“Why the hell should I let you?”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘As unreasonable as always...’</span><br><br>“So, I can tell what items you can use... and I’m curious.”<br><br>“...”<br><br>“...”<br><br>“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”<br><br>*SLAM!*<br><br>As soon as Knox got off the ground, they both called out... “Stats window!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Knox</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Chaotic</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">104 (0% UNL)</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Assassin</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="4">Salamandra Slaughterer</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">675</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">375</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">4980</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">975</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">176(+15)</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">382 (+85)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">73</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">103</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">23</td><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">38</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">269</td><td width="25%">Insight</td><td width="25%">95</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">75</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">8</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td width="25%">180</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">52</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Resistance</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">5%</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">0%</td><td width="25%">Black Magic</td><td width="25%">15%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ 15% To Strength, Agility and Luck.<br>+ All stats increase by an additional 25% In the Dark.<br>+ Enables you to equip class specific items.<br>+ Enables you to learn Alchemy to the stage of master.<br>+ Enables you to learn secret skills based on your level in Stealth and Dagger Mastery.<br>+ Increase Attack Power of Daggers, Katars and Throwing Weapons by 25%.<br>+ Increases fame for successful Assassination Quests.<br>+ Increase Critical Hit Chance by 5% &amp; Increase Critical Hit Damage by 20%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Nightshade</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">92 (30% UNL)</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Warrior</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="4">Scourge of the Goblins</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">130</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">380</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">6200</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">625</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">371 (+45)</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">182 (+40)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">204 (+62)</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">58</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Resilience</td><td width="25%">35</td><td width="25%">Perseverance</td><td width="25%">52</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td colspan="4">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">290</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td width="25%">141</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">125</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Resistance</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">10%(+10%)</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">0%</td><td width="25%">Black Magic</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ 25 Str, Agi &amp; Vit<br>+ Increase HP by 50 and Vit by 1 for every 10 Str<br>+ Increase damage with all melee weapons by 25%<br>+ Increases experience gained toward Melee proficiencies by 15% <br>+ Enables the use of three layers of armor; Cloth, Leather &amp; Plate<br>+ Enables you to learn Blacksmithing to the level of Master<br>+ Enables you to equip class specific items.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Well that outrageous fighting spirit is no surprise... But, damn, warriors have some nice stats!’</span><br><br>“How is your endurance so high? What kind of training did you do to raise it?”<br><br>Nightshade asked, looking puzzled. Knox’s face turned white and his mind began pulling up images of his training with Vennec...<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have been poisoned. HP will decrease until cured.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You are bleeding. HP and Stamina will rapidly decrease.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have died from loss of blood.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have died from bludgeoning.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have died from falling from a great height.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have died from poison.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have died from internal injury.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox was brought back to the present with a slap from Nightshade.<br><br>“You don’t want to know...”<br><br>Knox shuddered. <br><br>“Well whatever... I can easily make some throwing knives you can equip. When we rest later, I’ll craft you some.”<br><br>“Cool. I wanna watch you make it, since I’ve yet to see how most of the professions in RR work. I’ve really got to pick a profession. My class can learn alchemy... but I really don’t want to.”<br><br>“Whatever. Now fetch.”<br><br>“...”<br><br>Knox slipped into the tall grass again in search of more Mantises. They were around level 100 to level 130 and they gave really good exp with the 2x bonus. Knox had already leveled four times in a day.<br><br>Knox targeted a group of three Mantises. He stopped within thirty feet of them and snapped a twig that he’d picked up from the ground. The Mantises lifted their heads in unison and three triangular faces swiveled in Knox’s direction. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘That is sooo creepy...’</span><br><br>He moved away in the direction of Nightshade, being sure to create enough noise for them to follow, but not enough for them to locate him. Every now and then, one of the mantises would fly into the air for a short while and Knox had to drop to the ground and activate his &lt;&lt;Stealth&gt;&gt;.<br><br>He dragged the mob all the way to Nightshade and they began their attack. This time, instead of attacking from a distance, Nightshade rushed forward with her Warrior skill “Charge” and stunned the lead Mantis. Knox moved in from behind, keeping his &lt;&lt;Stealth&gt;&gt; activated. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Backstab!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Sneak Attack!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Critical Hit!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Backstab Damage +250% Target unaware of your presence!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Target’s Leg is severely damaged. Speed Reduced by 25%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Stealth disabled from executing an attack.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He backstabbed the leg joints of the Mantis on the right, crushing one of its rear legs and throwing it off balance. Once all the Mantises were focused on Nightshade, Knox would appear from behind, cutting their legs out from under them or slicing off their wings if they attempted to fly away. <br><br>The wings were especially dangerous. They could snap open without warning and the edge of each wing had many sharp blades that could deal a lot of damage. <br><br>The Mantises launched their “Wind Blade” at Nightshade and slicing blades of wind would fly at her. She dodged some attacks, and took others but seemed relatively unaffected.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Damn... Warriors are so tough! If I took that many hits, I’d probably be dead.’</span><br><br> “Shockwave! Punishing Wave!”<br><br>Knox watched as Nightshade slammed her foot into the ground, sending out a blast that stunned the three mantises and then chained her stomp with Punishing Wave. It was a simple but effective fighting style. It kept all the monsters in front of her stunned most of the time or knocked off balance by Punishing Wave. <br><br>Knox used backstab with impunity on the stunned targets; breaking legs and wings. When their HP was low enough, he’d go in for the kill, severing their necks from their bodies. <br><br>The Mantises had very hard carapaces and Knox didn’t know enough about bug anatomy to go for the vitals. It limited his options for attack, making him rely heavily on Nightshade’s AOE (area of effect) damage.<br> <br>Once the rhythm was established, they became faster at locating the Mantises. They lured a few away and killed them, before moving on to slaughter the next group.<br><br> They killed over a hundred and fifty mantises in the first three days and by a rough estimate, Knox figured they were a little more than two days away from the shrine...<br><br>They walked into a clearing, with stones placed along the edges. Each stone had a weird glyph engraved on it. Knox had come to associate the runes with ‘safety’, since they were the same ones that always protected the safe zones in the dungeons. <br><br>He dropped to the ground with a relieved sigh. <br><br>“We’ve been going for about twenty-two hours straight... We should take a break.”<br><br>Nightshade snorted but sat down anyway, which meant that she was probably tired, too. <br><br>“Fine. I want to repair my gear anyway. And I’ll get around to making you those knives.”<br><br>Knox watched with interest as Nightshade pulled out a bunch of different molds, while stoking the fire of her portal forge. She started from raw metal ore to molten liquid that was then poured into the molds. <br><br>“The molds are Royal Roads version of ‘system’ assistance. They make it easier to mass produce items like arrowheads and knives. As long as you have the required blacksmithing skill and the correct mold, the system will do the rest.”<br><br>“That seems kind of easy.”<br><br>“Yes and no... The products created this way have lower stats but in the case of items that need to be mass produced this way is more efficient.”<br> <br>“Then maybe... no never mind.”<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“Well, I was thinking then maybe you could help me with the profession I’ve been considering. Almost no one has it because it requires blacksmithing too...”<br><br>“What is it?”<br><br>“Engineering. Most people haven’t bothered with it because they think it has no combat use but... I’ve been thinking that it could be really useful.”<br><br>Nightshade was quiet for a moment before nodding.<br><br>“You’d need help with manufacturing some of the parts, right? I can do that but why don’t you just learn blacksmithing? It would make your life easier.”<br><br>“It would also be a rather useless talent for me too... My class needs to get repair to intermediate before I can even learn blacksmithing. At the same time, creating the few pieces I need for engineering would help both your skill leveling in blacksmithing and my engineering.”<br><br>“Okay... but why do you want to learn engineering in the first place?”<br><br>“Secret.”<br>“Tell me or die.”<br><br>So, Knox told her...<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div><br><br><br>Nightshade handed Knox his first five throwing knives about thirty minutes later and Knox began practicing...<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘This is so embarrassing.’</span><br><br>Knox had been throwing for a little over an hour and he hadn’t managed to do it right yet... Oh, he could hit the target but he somehow kept managing to hit the target with everything except the blade! Each throw was an experiment. At first he had to get used to the weight and how much strength he needed to apply to hit the target.<br><br>On an impulse he flipped the knife in his hand so that he was holding it by the blade.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Maybe like this?’</span><br><br>He cocked his arm back, felt the weight of the blade against his finger tips... and threw! The knife spun just once and then...<br><br>*Thunk*<br><br>It sunk into the old leather chest armor he was using for a target, like a knife through butter! He didn’t immediately go to retrieve his knife instead he closed his eyes and tried to engrave the feel of the throw in his memory. <br><br>Taking a deep breath, he picked up another knife from the ground and threw. <br><br>*Thunk*<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">New Skill: Throwing Mastery</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>*Thunk*<br>*Thunk*<br><br>He kept going until he had exhausted his five knives.<br><br>“Show Skill, Throwing Mastery.” <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Throwing Mastery (Lv.1 1%) – Your proficiency with all throwing weapons is increased. Rocks, Throwing Axes, Knives, Spears, Shuriken, Chakram, Darts, Boomerangs, etc.<br><br>Attack speed increased by 3% <br>Range increased by 5%<br>Accuracy increased by 10%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘If I keep practicing this every day, I wonder how useful it could become...’</span><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div><br><br><br>Nightshade waited calmly until Knox had been hitting the targets for a couple of hours. Her hammer barely slowed as she continued to practice her smithing, all the while keeping an eye on ‘him’. When she decided he had enough time to practice with his new toys she got up and approached.<br><br>They stood face to face. <br><br>“How long have you known me?”<br><br>“Uh... Since we were three?”<br><br>“And how many times have I given you something for free?”<br><br>“Now that you mention it... Uh... I’m drawing a blank.”<br><br>Nightshade nods.<br><br>“Never. So now you are going to play with me for a bit.”<br><br>“Wait wha--?”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have challenged Knox to a duel.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Nightshade watched as Knox’s eyes scanned over the system message and just like she had expected... His whole demeanor changed. His stance became loose and confident. His eyes seemed to glow with excitement and his lips spread into a feral grin.<br><br>*Shiver*<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘It always sends shivers down my spine... How he changes so much the second anyone challenges him.’</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Knox has accepted the duel.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Duel begins in 30 seconds.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Rules: Three Hit Victory</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Death: Disabled</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Skill Usage: Unlimited</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Nightshade readied her sword and stood facing Knox. She chose a two-handed grip and even though it presented her whole body to attack, she was confident that it wouldn’t pose a problem for her. She watched as Knox pulled his daggers from his sheathes and stood ready, his eyes focused on her.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">3</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">2</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">BEGIN!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>A black aura surrounded Knox as soon as the duel began but Nightshade had already seen burst and began her counter. She began to swing her sword, the blade already glowing violet.<br><br>“PUNIS— What?!”<br><br>A jarring force slammed into her blade just as she’d been about to activate the skill, a number of rapid hits that made her sword vibrate in her hand. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Sword skill interrupted.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘A sword skill can be interrupted by negating the sword motion?!’</span><br><br>Nightshade tried to recover and slammed her foot on the ground, even as she saw Knox closing the distance.<br><br>“Shockwave!”<br><br>It was a desperate measure because it could easily be dodged but she had never expected him to negate her Punishing Wave so easily... As she feared Knox jumped without hesitation and her shockwave did nothing to him... <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘I lost to him again?! Damn it! All I’ve got to do is land the three hits!’</span><br><br>She swung her sword, not bothering with a sword skill, aiming for the center of his body with the huge blade. Then she just stared open mouthed...<br><br>Knox reached out with one hand and used the flat of her greatsword to change his trajectory in midair. Nightshade watched in stunned disbelief as he swung his body around and brought his foot crashing into her chest.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">1 Hit to combatant Knox.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">2 Hit to combatant Knox.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Before she even hit the ground he somehow managed to hit her again. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘They say I’m a monster... But that’s only because he hardly ever gets serious.’</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">3 Hit to combatant Knox.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Duel over. Winner: Knox</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The system message popped up as Nightshade was lightly tapped on the shoulder by Knox. Nightshade looked up at the smiling face above her.<br><br>"Stop grinning idiot."<br><br>“So, what do I get for winning?”<br><br>“You get to take me out to dinner.”<br><br>“On second thought, victory is enough of a prize for me.”<br><br>“Too late. Saturday. Your shitty uncle’s restaurant.”<br><br>“That old bastard will try to dock my pay or something.”<br><br>“Just let him try. You did blackmail him with a visit from me to get your job there in the first place didn’t you? Consider this just enforcing your threat.”<br><br>Nightshade smiled sweetly as Knox’s shoulders slumped in defeat.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘I gain victory even in defeat! This means I am superior!’</span><br><br>Just then, Nightshade’s stomach grumbled; then an answering grumble came from Knox. Her happy mood evaporated as she pulled out her supply of jerky and barley bread...<br><br>“We should kidnap a cook or something.”<br><br>Knox complained as he nibbled on his barley bread with a disgusted face. Nightshade couldn’t help but nod at this idea.<br><br>“I can craft chains with my blacksmithing.”<br><br>“I know a few poisons that if not administered regularly will result in extreme pain.”<br><br>The night continued on as Nightshade and Knox discussed how they could potentially enslave a cook... and for some reason cooks all around the Versailles continent woke up shivering in fear. <br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div> <br><br><br>Knox landed on the back of the Mantis and slipped his dagger into a gap in the exoskeleton. Without even waiting for it to die, he quickly hopped to the next Mantis. He landed with his knees on either side of its head and with a twist of his body, he broke its neck before dropping to the ground.<br><br>He looked over in time to see Nightshade finish cleaving her Mantis in two and nodded to himself.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘It really is easier with her. When she is done using her sword skills they barely have any health left. I just have to sweep in to cripple or finish them off.’</span><br><br>“It has become so easy to fight them... Almost boring.”<br><br>“Yeah but the temple is just ahead so we shouldn’t be here too much longer.”<br><br>Knox and Nightshade cut their way through two more groups of Mantises before finally reaching the bottom step of the golden shrine. It towered three stories into the air, with golden roofs held aloft by white stone pillars. The wide stairway led upward toward a huge arched doorway, with statues of golden warriors standing sentinel on either side.<br><br>“Hmm... It’s a lot bigger than it looked from the edge of the valley.”<br><br>“No duh... It’s called perspective...”<br><br>Knox sighed... He had meant that it looked bigger than it should be but he knew it would be useless to point this out. Nightshade walked past him and almost had one foot on the first step before Knox grabbed her by the armor and yanked her to the side of the steps.<br><br>“What the hell are you doing?”<br><br>Knox raised an eyebrow, picked up a rock from the ground and tossed it casually onto the second step. A ten foot geyser of fire exploded outwards where they had just been standing, burning the tall grass down to the roots.<br><br>“My job.”<br><br>“Oh...”<br><br>“Let your trusty Assassin lead the way.”<br><br>Nightshade nodded in agreement.<br><br>“It’s what slaves are for, after all...”<br><br>“What was that?!”<br><br>“Nothing... nothing... You lead the way.”<br><br>Knox disabled a dozen traps just to make it up the steps. If he had been alone, he would have triggered some of them on purpose just to see what they did. But with Nightshade right behind him he dutifully disabled or led her around each one. It took them a whole three hours to get up the steps but at least, for Knox, each trap he disabled had the chance to give him a small increase in his Luck and Insight stats. Halfway up when his Insight reached level 100 he gained a new skill.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">New Skill: Sixth Sense</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Show skill, Sixth Sense.” <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sixth Sense (Lv. 1 0%) – You posses the uncanny ability to sense danger and abnormalities around you; traps, ranged &amp; stealth attacks may trigger this skill. Success of the skill relies heavily on your insight stats Vs the insight stat of your opponent. <br>You can now see targets using stealth, hide, camouflage and misdirect. This ability triggers automatically if the right conditions are met.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Nice. An automatic skill! Don’t have to train this one.”<br><br>Knox and Nightshade reached the top of the stairs. They looked up at the giant arched doors and the beautiful statues on either side. The statues were rather stunning depictions of two warriors; one with a shield and spear and the other with a broad axe resting over one shoulder. Nightshade walked over to one of the statues and looked up at it.<br><br>“It’s sooo intricately carved... Except...”<br><br>Then Nightshade kicked it in the shin.<br><br>“OWW!”<br><br>“...statues don’t breathe.”<br><br>The giant gold humanoid was hopping around on one foot, holding its shin and screeching. Meanwhile the other statue covered its face in apparent shame at the antics of its companion. <br><br>“We haven’t been around humans for awhile... Guarding this tower has made us forget a lot...”<br><br>Knox spoke up.<br><br>“So your job is to defend this place right?”<br><br>“Yes. Our orders are to kill all intruders.”<br><br>“Perfect! You see we came here to warn you about a threat to this beautiful shrine!”<br><br>“What? Where?!”<br><br>Yelled the first golden statue. That would be the statue hopping around on one foot.<br><br>“Quiet Borry. They’ll tell us in a moment. WON’T YOU?!”<br><br>Suddenly the second golden statue’s spear was at Knox’s throat but he didn’t even blink. He was more focused on the killing intent that was being directed at him from Nightshade.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Apparently... She wants to fight rather than talk but I have a feeling that these guys are...’</span><br><br>“Well, you see... we aren’t sure if you’ll be strong enough to defend... so maybe you should hide inside the shrine for protection.”<br><br>“Preposterous! We are both over level 300! We will easily defend this place from any who come...”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Yup. Definitely going with plan B.’ </span><br><br>Knox shot a look at Nightshade before continuing.<br><br>“That’s just the thing. The vile enemies who are planning to attack have decided to not fight you fairly at all! They said you can’t move from this spot so they simply have to attack you from within the tall grass.”<br><br>“WHO CAN’T MOVE FROM THIS SPOT? WE SIMPLY CHOOSE TO GUARD THE TEMPLE FROM HERE!”<br><br>Roared both the golden giants. <br><br>“Tell us where they are!” <br><br>“Just down these stairs! They are hiding in the grass, planning to launch vile arrows and magic at you while remaining hidden!” <br><br>“Let’s go Borry! We will take out all these intruders!”<br><br>“Yes, Morry but... Who will guard the Temple entrance while we are away?”<br><br>Morry looked deep in thought for a moment and Knox could almost see the light bulb appear above his head.<br><br>“Would you adventurers guard this entrance with your lives?”<br><br>“Well... I don’t know. We aren’t as strong as you... Sir Morry.”<br><br>“You look plenty strong. I’m sure you can do it!”<br><br>“Yeah! Have faith in yourselves! Good shall always prevail!”<br><br>“Well okay then...”<br><br>“Alright. Let’s go Borry!”<br><br>“Roger that Morry!”<br><br>Knox watched as the two headed for the stairs without the slightest bit of hesitation.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Maybe this won’t work? Could they be...’</span><br><br>As soon as the two golden giants took the first step down, Knox pulled Nightshade against the wall. The floor flipped up behind the giants turning into a huge battering ram that smashed Morry and Dorry in their golden asses.<br><br>“HUH?!”<br><br>Was all they had time to say before they flew head over heels down the stairs. Triggering every trap that Knox had avoided along the way... <br><br>As they rolled down the stairs, Morry and Dorry were impaled by metal spikes; barbequed by a huge explosion of fire; frozen by an icy wind that covered them from head to toe in frost; sliced by a giant guillotine that popped out of a step. <br><br>And when they finally, reached the fifth step from the bottom, they were crushed between two enormous stone blocks that were trying their best to meet in the middle, without any care for the Morry and Dorry obstacles in the way.<br><br>Morry and Dorry crashed to the ground at the foot of the stairs and the great arched doors opened inward. <br><br>“Huh... So that’s what the traps do.” <br> <br>“That was kind of like that incident with Mr. Larr, the basement and the erector set...”<br><br>“Now that you mention it... Yeah...”<br><br>Knox and Nightshade turned and walked into the golden temple.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have entered Aerouant’s Temple.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div><br><br><br>“H...ey... D...orry... How come we forgot about the traps?”<br><br>“Not sure... Maybe we’re getting old?”<br><br>“Yeah... Maybe. Let’s hope our new friends will be able to defend the temple.”<br><br>“Yeah...”<br><br><br>To be continued...<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________</div> <br>Author's notes: Comments/Critiques &amp; Opinions Appreciated! If you see a mistake please point it out to me!<br>Special Thanks to: deathninja, Exninja &amp; Kaine </div>

Chapter Seven - Knox & Nightshade in the Valley of the Mantis A/N: Skills Appearing in <<-->> are skills used with "Path of Silence" (meaning he is not saying them aloud) Wind came down from the mountains that surround the valley, creating a constant breeze that moved through the tall grass. The wind generated an endless rustling noise that would soon dull one's senses and leave them jumping at shadows. It was an ideal hunting ground for the large inhabitants... and yet, something else had recently begun to hunt within the grassland. The giant Mantis froze. It had been tracking a sound but now something felt wrong... The head swiveled as it surveyed its surroundings and the wings on its back shifted nervously. Then out of the tall grass a violet crescent flew! The surprised Mantis tried to dodge but still lost one of its legs from the attack. The Mantis panicked. Its wings snapped open in an attempt to fly a short distance away but something landed on its back. The Mantis began to buck wildly as one of its wings fell to the ground. Another violet crescent appeared from the grass and took out the other front leg and the Mantis’ body crashed forward. There was a brief flare of pain at the base of its neck and the entire triangular head of the mantis fell from its shoulders. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ | You have leveled up! | | --- | Knox hopped off the body as it began to turn gray and disappear. “Looks like we’ve got this down pat. Adding you to my "Always See" list was a good idea. Now you can see me even when I'm stealthed. Maybe now, we can try and lure more of them at once?” 'If I hadn't added her, she would have kept hitting me...' “Yeah... Punishing Wave can handle up to five mobs at once but I think we should stick to two or three first. It would be useful if you had some ranged attacks too... Why don’t you use throwing knives?” Knox looked embarrassed. “Uh... I forgot to buy some... Cara City doesn’t have any merchants really and when I went to the shop in Carbondale... I totally forgot.” Nightshade sighed... “Fine, I’ll make you some but you have to show me your stats! Oh, and give me any warrior items you find!” “Ah! That reminds me...” Knox dug around in his bag and pulled out two items. One, the large Greatsword he’d taken from the bandit leader and the other, a red steel breastplate that the Salamandra Lord had dropped. Knox handed them to Nightshade. | Do you wish to give these items to Nightshade? Yes/No | | --- | “Yes.” Nightshade took the items and immediately shouted. “Identify!” | Giant FangDurability: 37/70Attack: 27-39A Greatsword created from the fang of a giant wolf. Due to the unique material the blade is surprisingly light while still providing excellent damage.Bonuses:Attack speed increased by 10%+20 Str+15 AgiRequirements:Lv60205 Str | | --- | | Smoldering Salamandra BreastplateDurability: 75/75Defense: 45An iron breastplate tempered in extreme heat, combined with the scales of a Salamandra. This armor absorbs heat.Bonuses:+10% Fire ResistanceSmall chance to absorb fire based attacks.Requirements:Warrior/Knight or Paladin ClassLv80220 Str150 Vit | | --- | “...” “...” “PUNISHING WAVE!” “GAAH! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?” “FOR NOT GIVING ME THESE SOONER!” “SCREW Y— GAAAH” Once Nightshade was done beating Knox she spoke again. “Now show me your stats!” “Why should I?” “PUNISHING WAVE!” “SHIT! Alright! But let me see yours too!” “Why the hell should I let you?” ‘As unreasonable as always...’ “So, I can tell what items you can use... and I’m curious.” “...” “...” “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” *SLAM!* As soon as Knox got off the ground, they both called out... “Stats window!” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Knox | Alignment | Chaotic | | Level | 104 (0% UNL) | Class | Assassin | | Title | Salamandra Slaughterer | | | | | Fame | 675 | Infamy | 375 | | Health | 4980 | Mana | 975 | | Strength | 176(+15) | Agility | 382 (+85) | | Vitality | 73 | Endurance | 103 | | Wisdom | 23 | Intellect | 38 | | Luck | 269 | Insight | 95 | | Fighting Spirit | 75 | Leadership | 8 | | Attack | 180 | Defense | 52 | | Magic Resistance | | | | | Fire | 5% | Water | 0% | | Earth | 0% | Black Magic | 15% | | + 15% To Strength, Agility and Luck.+ All stats increase by an additional 25% In the Dark.+ Enables you to equip class specific items.+ Enables you to learn Alchemy to the stage of master.+ Enables you to learn secret skills based on your level in Stealth and Dagger Mastery.+ Increase Attack Power of Daggers, Katars and Throwing Weapons by 25%.+ Increases fame for successful Assassination Quests.+ Increase Critical Hit Chance by 5% & Increase Critical Hit Damage by 20%. | | | | | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Nightshade | Alignment | Neutral | | Level | 92 (30% UNL) | Class | Warrior | | Title | Scourge of the Goblins | | | | | Fame | 130 | Infamy | 380 | | Health | 6200 | Mana | 625 | | Strength | 371 (+45) | Agility | 182 (+40) | | Vitality | 204 (+62) | Endurance | 58 | | Resilience | 35 | Perseverance | 52 | | Wisdom | 10 | Intellect | 10 | | Luck | 0 | | | | | Fighting Spirit | 290 | Leadership | 0 | | Attack | 141 | Defense | 125 | | Magic Resistance | | | | | Fire | 10%(+10%) | Water | 0% | | Earth | 0% | Black Magic | 0% | | + 25 Str, Agi & Vit+ Increase HP by 50 and Vit by 1 for every 10 Str+ Increase damage with all melee weapons by 25%+ Increases experience gained toward Melee proficiencies by 15% + Enables the use of three layers of armor; Cloth, Leather & Plate+ Enables you to learn Blacksmithing to the level of Master+ Enables you to equip class specific items. | | | | ‘Well that outrageous fighting spirit is no surprise... But, damn, warriors have some nice stats!’ “How is your endurance so high? What kind of training did you do to raise it?” Nightshade asked, looking puzzled. Knox’s face turned white and his mind began pulling up images of his training with Vennec... | You have been poisoned. HP will decrease until cured. | | --- | | You are bleeding. HP and Stamina will rapidly decrease. | | --- | | You have died from loss of blood. | | --- | | You have died from bludgeoning. | | --- | | You have died from falling from a great height. | | --- | | You have died from poison. | | --- | | You have died from internal injury. | | --- | Knox was brought back to the present with a slap from Nightshade. “You don’t want to know...” Knox shuddered. “Well whatever... I can easily make some throwing knives you can equip. When we rest later, I’ll craft you some.” “Cool. I wanna watch you make it, since I’ve yet to see how most of the professions in RR work. I’ve really got to pick a profession. My class can learn alchemy... but I really don’t want to.” “Whatever. Now fetch.” “...” Knox slipped into the tall grass again in search of more Mantises. They were around level 100 to level 130 and they gave really good exp with the 2x bonus. Knox had already leveled four times in a day. Knox targeted a group of three Mantises. He stopped within thirty feet of them and snapped a twig that he’d picked up from the ground. The Mantises lifted their heads in unison and three triangular faces swiveled in Knox’s direction. ‘That is sooo creepy...’ He moved away in the direction of Nightshade, being sure to create enough noise for them to follow, but not enough for them to locate him. Every now and then, one of the mantises would fly into the air for a short while and Knox had to drop to the ground and activate his <<Stealth>>. He dragged the mob all the way to Nightshade and they began their attack. This time, instead of attacking from a distance, Nightshade rushed forward with her Warrior skill “Charge” and stunned the lead Mantis. Knox moved in from behind, keeping his <<Stealth>> activated. | <<Backstab!>> | | --- | | - Sneak Attack!! | | --- | | - Critical Hit! | | --- | | - Backstab Damage +250% Target unaware of your presence! | | --- | | - Target’s Leg is severely damaged. Speed Reduced by 25% | | --- | | - Stealth disabled from executing an attack. | | --- | He backstabbed the leg joints of the Mantis on the right, crushing one of its rear legs and throwing it off balance. Once all the Mantises were focused on Nightshade, Knox would appear from behind, cutting their legs out from under them or slicing off their wings if they attempted to fly away. The wings were especially dangerous. They could snap open without warning and the edge of each wing had many sharp blades that could deal a lot of damage. The Mantises launched their “Wind Blade” at Nightshade and slicing blades of wind would fly at her. She dodged some attacks, and took others but seemed relatively unaffected. ‘Damn... Warriors are so tough! If I took that many hits, I’d probably be dead.’ “Shockwave! Punishing Wave!” Knox watched as Nightshade slammed her foot into the ground, sending out a blast that stunned the three mantises and then chained her stomp with Punishing Wave. It was a simple but effective fighting style. It kept all the monsters in front of her stunned most of the time or knocked off balance by Punishing Wave. Knox used backstab with impunity on the stunned targets; breaking legs and wings. When their HP was low enough, he’d go in for the kill, severing their necks from their bodies. The Mantises had very hard carapaces and Knox didn’t know enough about bug anatomy to go for the vitals. It limited his options for attack, making him rely heavily on Nightshade’s AOE (area of effect) damage. Once the rhythm was established, they became faster at locating the Mantises. They lured a few away and killed them, before moving on to slaughter the next group. They killed over a hundred and fifty mantises in the first three days and by a rough estimate, Knox figured they were a little more than two days away from the shrine... They walked into a clearing, with stones placed along the edges. Each stone had a weird glyph engraved on it. Knox had come to associate the runes with ‘safety’, since they were the same ones that always protected the safe zones in the dungeons. He dropped to the ground with a relieved sigh. “We’ve been going for about twenty-two hours straight... We should take a break.” Nightshade snorted but sat down anyway, which meant that she was probably tired, too. “Fine. I want to repair my gear anyway. And I’ll get around to making you those knives.” Knox watched with interest as Nightshade pulled out a bunch of different molds, while stoking the fire of her portal forge. She started from raw metal ore to molten liquid that was then poured into the molds. “The molds are Royal Roads version of ‘system’ assistance. They make it easier to mass produce items like arrowheads and knives. As long as you have the required blacksmithing skill and the correct mold, the system will do the rest.” “That seems kind of easy.” “Yes and no... The products created this way have lower stats but in the case of items that need to be mass produced this way is more efficient.” “Then maybe... no never mind.” “What?” “Well, I was thinking then maybe you could help me with the profession I’ve been considering. Almost no one has it because it requires blacksmithing too...” “What is it?” “Engineering. Most people haven’t bothered with it because they think it has no combat use but... I’ve been thinking that it could be really useful.” Nightshade was quiet for a moment before nodding. “You’d need help with manufacturing some of the parts, right? I can do that but why don’t you just learn blacksmithing? It would make your life easier.” “It would also be a rather useless talent for me too... My class needs to get repair to intermediate before I can even learn blacksmithing. At the same time, creating the few pieces I need for engineering would help both your skill leveling in blacksmithing and my engineering.” “Okay... but why do you want to learn engineering in the first place?” “Secret.” “Tell me or die.” So, Knox told her... \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Nightshade handed Knox his first five throwing knives about thirty minutes later and Knox began practicing... ‘This is so embarrassing.’ Knox had been throwing for a little over an hour and he hadn’t managed to do it right yet... Oh, he could hit the target but he somehow kept managing to hit the target with everything except the blade! Each throw was an experiment. At first he had to get used to the weight and how much strength he needed to apply to hit the target. On an impulse he flipped the knife in his hand so that he was holding it by the blade. ‘Maybe like this?’ He cocked his arm back, felt the weight of the blade against his finger tips... and threw! The knife spun just once and then... *Thunk* It sunk into the old leather chest armor he was using for a target, like a knife through butter! He didn’t immediately go to retrieve his knife instead he closed his eyes and tried to engrave the feel of the throw in his memory. Taking a deep breath, he picked up another knife from the ground and threw. *Thunk* | New Skill: Throwing Mastery | | --- | *Thunk* *Thunk* He kept going until he had exhausted his five knives. “Show Skill, Throwing Mastery.” | Throwing Mastery (Lv.1 1%) – Your proficiency with all throwing weapons is increased. Rocks, Throwing Axes, Knives, Spears, Shuriken, Chakram, Darts, Boomerangs, etc.Attack speed increased by 3% Range increased by 5%Accuracy increased by 10% | | --- | ‘If I keep practicing this every day, I wonder how useful it could become...’ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Nightshade waited calmly until Knox had been hitting the targets for a couple of hours. Her hammer barely slowed as she continued to practice her smithing, all the while keeping an eye on ‘him’. When she decided he had enough time to practice with his new toys she got up and approached. They stood face to face. “How long have you known me?” “Uh... Since we were three?” “And how many times have I given you something for free?” “Now that you mention it... Uh... I’m drawing a blank.” Nightshade nods. “Never. So now you are going to play with me for a bit.” “Wait wha--?” | You have challenged Knox to a duel. | | --- | Nightshade watched as Knox’s eyes scanned over the system message and just like she had expected... His whole demeanor changed. His stance became loose and confident. His eyes seemed to glow with excitement and his lips spread into a feral grin. *Shiver* ‘It always sends shivers down my spine... How he changes so much the second anyone challenges him.’ | Knox has accepted the duel. | | --- | | Duel begins in 30 seconds. | | --- | | Rules: Three Hit Victory | | Death: Disabled | | Skill Usage: Unlimited | Nightshade readied her sword and stood facing Knox. She chose a two-handed grip and even though it presented her whole body to attack, she was confident that it wouldn’t pose a problem for her. She watched as Knox pulled his daggers from his sheathes and stood ready, his eyes focused on her. | 3 | | --- | | 2 | | --- | | 1 | | --- | | BEGIN! | | --- | A black aura surrounded Knox as soon as the duel began but Nightshade had already seen burst and began her counter. She began to swing her sword, the blade already glowing violet. “PUNIS— What?!” A jarring force slammed into her blade just as she’d been about to activate the skill, a number of rapid hits that made her sword vibrate in her hand. | Sword skill interrupted. | | --- | ‘A sword skill can be interrupted by negating the sword motion?!’ Nightshade tried to recover and slammed her foot on the ground, even as she saw Knox closing the distance. “Shockwave!” It was a desperate measure because it could easily be dodged but she had never expected him to negate her Punishing Wave so easily... As she feared Knox jumped without hesitation and her shockwave did nothing to him... ‘I lost to him again?! Damn it! All I’ve got to do is land the three hits!’ She swung her sword, not bothering with a sword skill, aiming for the center of his body with the huge blade. Then she just stared open mouthed... Knox reached out with one hand and used the flat of her greatsword to change his trajectory in midair. Nightshade watched in stunned disbelief as he swung his body around and brought his foot crashing into her chest. | 1 Hit to combatant Knox. | | --- | | 2 Hit to combatant Knox. | | --- | Before she even hit the ground he somehow managed to hit her again. ‘They say I’m a monster... But that’s only because he hardly ever gets serious.’ | 3 Hit to combatant Knox. | | --- | | Duel over. Winner: Knox | | --- | The system message popped up as Nightshade was lightly tapped on the shoulder by Knox. Nightshade looked up at the smiling face above her. "Stop grinning idiot." “So, what do I get for winning?” “You get to take me out to dinner.” “On second thought, victory is enough of a prize for me.” “Too late. Saturday. Your shitty uncle’s restaurant.” “That old bastard will try to dock my pay or something.” “Just let him try. You did blackmail him with a visit from me to get your job there in the first place didn’t you? Consider this just enforcing your threat.” Nightshade smiled sweetly as Knox’s shoulders slumped in defeat. ‘I gain victory even in defeat! This means I am superior!’ Just then, Nightshade’s stomach grumbled; then an answering grumble came from Knox. Her happy mood evaporated as she pulled out her supply of jerky and barley bread... “We should kidnap a cook or something.” Knox complained as he nibbled on his barley bread with a disgusted face. Nightshade couldn’t help but nod at this idea. “I can craft chains with my blacksmithing.” “I know a few poisons that if not administered regularly will result in extreme pain.” The night continued on as Nightshade and Knox discussed how they could potentially enslave a cook... and for some reason cooks all around the Versailles continent woke up shivering in fear. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Knox landed on the back of the Mantis and slipped his dagger into a gap in the exoskeleton. Without even waiting for it to die, he quickly hopped to the next Mantis. He landed with his knees on either side of its head and with a twist of his body, he broke its neck before dropping to the ground. He looked over in time to see Nightshade finish cleaving her Mantis in two and nodded to himself. ‘It really is easier with her. When she is done using her sword skills they barely have any health left. I just have to sweep in to cripple or finish them off.’ “It has become so easy to fight them... Almost boring.” “Yeah but the temple is just ahead so we shouldn’t be here too much longer.” Knox and Nightshade cut their way through two more groups of Mantises before finally reaching the bottom step of the golden shrine. It towered three stories into the air, with golden roofs held aloft by white stone pillars. The wide stairway led upward toward a huge arched doorway, with statues of golden warriors standing sentinel on either side. “Hmm... It’s a lot bigger than it looked from the edge of the valley.” “No duh... It’s called perspective...” Knox sighed... He had meant that it looked bigger than it should be but he knew it would be useless to point this out. Nightshade walked past him and almost had one foot on the first step before Knox grabbed her by the armor and yanked her to the side of the steps. “What the hell are you doing?” Knox raised an eyebrow, picked up a rock from the ground and tossed it casually onto the second step. A ten foot geyser of fire exploded outwards where they had just been standing, burning the tall grass down to the roots. “My job.” “Oh...” “Let your trusty Assassin lead the way.” Nightshade nodded in agreement. “It’s what slaves are for, after all...” “What was that?!” “Nothing... nothing... You lead the way.” Knox disabled a dozen traps just to make it up the steps. If he had been alone, he would have triggered some of them on purpose just to see what they did. But with Nightshade right behind him he dutifully disabled or led her around each one. It took them a whole three hours to get up the steps but at least, for Knox, each trap he disabled had the chance to give him a small increase in his Luck and Insight stats. Halfway up when his Insight reached level 100 he gained a new skill. | New Skill: Sixth Sense | | --- | “Show skill, Sixth Sense.” | Sixth Sense (Lv. 1 0%) – You posses the uncanny ability to sense danger and abnormalities around you; traps, ranged & stealth attacks may trigger this skill. Success of the skill relies heavily on your insight stats Vs the insight stat of your opponent. You can now see targets using stealth, hide, camouflage and misdirect. This ability triggers automatically if the right conditions are met. | | --- | “Nice. An automatic skill! Don’t have to train this one.” Knox and Nightshade reached the top of the stairs. They looked up at the giant arched doors and the beautiful statues on either side. The statues were rather stunning depictions of two warriors; one with a shield and spear and the other with a broad axe resting over one shoulder. Nightshade walked over to one of the statues and looked up at it. “It’s sooo intricately carved... Except...” Then Nightshade kicked it in the shin. “OWW!” “...statues don’t breathe.” The giant gold humanoid was hopping around on one foot, holding its shin and screeching. Meanwhile the other statue covered its face in apparent shame at the antics of its companion. “We haven’t been around humans for awhile... Guarding this tower has made us forget a lot...” Knox spoke up. “So your job is to defend this place right?” “Yes. Our orders are to kill all intruders.” “Perfect! You see we came here to warn you about a threat to this beautiful shrine!” “What? Where?!” Yelled the first golden statue. That would be the statue hopping around on one foot. “Quiet Borry. They’ll tell us in a moment. WON’T YOU?!” Suddenly the second golden statue’s spear was at Knox’s throat but he didn’t even blink. He was more focused on the killing intent that was being directed at him from Nightshade. ‘Apparently... She wants to fight rather than talk but I have a feeling that these guys are...’ “Well, you see... we aren’t sure if you’ll be strong enough to defend... so maybe you should hide inside the shrine for protection.” “Preposterous! We are both over level 300! We will easily defend this place from any who come...” ‘Yup. Definitely going with plan B.’ Knox shot a look at Nightshade before continuing. “That’s just the thing. The vile enemies who are planning to attack have decided to not fight you fairly at all! They said you can’t move from this spot so they simply have to attack you from within the tall grass.” “WHO CAN’T MOVE FROM THIS SPOT? WE SIMPLY CHOOSE TO GUARD THE TEMPLE FROM HERE!” Roared both the golden giants. “Tell us where they are!” “Just down these stairs! They are hiding in the grass, planning to launch vile arrows and magic at you while remaining hidden!” “Let’s go Borry! We will take out all these intruders!” “Yes, Morry but... Who will guard the Temple entrance while we are away?” Morry looked deep in thought for a moment and Knox could almost see the light bulb appear above his head. “Would you adventurers guard this entrance with your lives?” “Well... I don’t know. We aren’t as strong as you... Sir Morry.” “You look plenty strong. I’m sure you can do it!” “Yeah! Have faith in yourselves! Good shall always prevail!” “Well okay then...” “Alright. Let’s go Borry!” “Roger that Morry!” Knox watched as the two headed for the stairs without the slightest bit of hesitation. ‘Maybe this won’t work? Could they be...’ As soon as the two golden giants took the first step down, Knox pulled Nightshade against the wall. The floor flipped up behind the giants turning into a huge battering ram that smashed Morry and Dorry in their golden asses. “HUH?!” Was all they had time to say before they flew head over heels down the stairs. Triggering every trap that Knox had avoided along the way... As they rolled down the stairs, Morry and Dorry were impaled by metal spikes; barbequed by a huge explosion of fire; frozen by an icy wind that covered them from head to toe in frost; sliced by a giant guillotine that popped out of a step. And when they finally, reached the fifth step from the bottom, they were crushed between two enormous stone blocks that were trying their best to meet in the middle, without any care for the Morry and Dorry obstacles in the way. Morry and Dorry crashed to the ground at the foot of the stairs and the great arched doors opened inward. “Huh... So that’s what the traps do.” “That was kind of like that incident with Mr. Larr, the basement and the erector set...” “Now that you mention it... Yeah...” Knox and Nightshade turned and walked into the golden temple. | You have entered Aerouant’s Temple. | | --- | \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ “H...ey... D...orry... How come we forgot about the traps?” “Not sure... Maybe we’re getting old?” “Yeah... Maybe. Let’s hope our new friends will be able to defend the temple.” “Yeah...” To be continued... \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author's notes: Comments/Critiques & Opinions Appreciated! If you see a mistake please point it out to me! Special Thanks to: deathninja, Exninja & Kaine

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Complete darkness, complete silence. Lee Jun looked around but it was just pitch black.<br><br>‘How long have I been here?’<br><br>‘Where am I?’<br><br>“Captain! Wake up!” A voice boomed throughout the darkness that shrouded Lee Jun.<br><br>“Captain!” The voice screamed conveying the urgency and underlying panic.<br>As Lee Jun struggled to open his eyes, he could distinctly see two blurred figures looking over him. The light shone brightly above, blinding Lee Jun. He squinted as his senses tuned to the setting around him. Red and yellow lights flashed around and an emergency alarm rang as the few people left clamored to safety.<br><br>“Captain, are you alright?” Asked a young man, dressed in tight white and blue clothing. The clothing material glimmered in the light revealing a hexagonal pattern over the suit that the man over. Though his suit was mostly white, it had light blue seams. On his chest was a badge of some sort. Lee Jun absorbed the details as he looked around.<br><br>“Where am I?” asked the bewildered Lee Jun. His comrades returned him a puzzled look.<br>The lights, the screens, the people... Everything looked so familiar as if it were from a distant dream. Lee Jun instinctively knew he had seen all this before. After all, it was the bridge of his galactic battleship. Coming to terms with where he was, Lee Jun realized that he was floating. Another nostalgic feeling. <br><br>“The Arc.” Whispered Lee Jun, as he touched a badge on the left side of his chest. He recalled that was the name of his battleship.<br>His comrades smiled; ‘at least he hasn’t lost his memories.’<br><br>“Captain, we have begun evacuation as you ordered. All non-combat personnel are the in the process of leaving via the escape pods. There is federation planet at coordinates C4 Beta-Sector 12 where they should be safe. ” Reported the young man who appeared to be unconcerned about his captains confused appearance unlike the two men beside Lee Jun who moments ago were weeping that their captain lost consciousness. <br><br> "Captain, I figured out where they were hiding. The IPD is detecting ships hiding behind the asteroid belt sir." Spoke a young lady at the bay while monitoring her screen. Her message took priority over the evacuation efforts.<br><br>"How many, Kyla?” Asked another crew member as he floated over to Kyla’s side. <br><br>"Lieutenant, I detect at least ten ships...”<br><br>“So that’s where they were hiding.” The lieutenant muttered. It was definitely an unconventional strategy to hide behind asteroids and attack, especially since it was easy to get crushed between two asteroids. Even the slightest disturbance could disturb the asteroids orbit thus jeopardizing the safety of the battleship and its crew. In short, unless the crew was top notch in skill, it would be impossible to hide between and behind asteroids and wage a war. <br><br>“The Hegemony Fleet." Muttered Lee Jun, as he recalled this vaguely familiar situation. <br><br>No one heard him.<br><br>A few moments later, Kyla confirmed his statement. “It’s the Hegemony Fleet, Sir! I have a captured their emblem on camera.”<br><br>The lieutenant clenched his fist tightly. “Captain, your orders?” he asked as he turned and looked at Lee Jun.<br><br>Lee Jun kept silent. He still could not recall how he ended up here. Was this a dream?<br><br>“Captain?” asked the lieutenant again.<br><br>Lee Jun already knew what was going to unfold. This incident was where it all began, his rise to fame. It was here that he first came to the notice of his superiors. He had been just the assistant tactical officer and captain of a small battleship “The Arc”. This small ship with a crew of only a 100 would go on to tilt the scales of the war in the Federation’s favor. <br><br>As Lee Jun recalled, at this point of the battle he had been able to identify a backdoor into the enemy's computer network. Just before the Arc’s missiles impacted the shields, simply through hacking in he would be able to cut the enemy’s primary shields. Thus destroying their ship and allowing the Arc to escape.<br><br>Almost, as if following a script, Lee Jun no longer questioned his environment and began the counter attack. He took his seat in the center of the bridge and began typing away on a laser keyboard that appeared in front of him.<br><br>“Lieutenant, prepare the missiles.” Lee Jun ordered.<br><br>“Sir, but won’t they be ineffective? The enemy has class 10 shields.” Retorted the lieutenant with a smug face. Missiles were the oldest technology on the in the universe. While they dealt heavy damage, they were completely neutralized by shield technology. What’s more, they move so slowly through space that all except the biggest of ships could dodge them. Hence, missiles were a completely ineffective technology against the battleships. So why were battleships still equipped with missiles? Most battleships would never carry missiles apart from being ineffective and obsolete they were also heavy and expensive. Most of the weapons crew didn’t even know how to operate missiles. However, Lee Jun had them loaded just in case they were ever required.<br><br>“How about the lasers?” Asked the lieutenant with a hint of sarcasm. Lasers were shields only weakness. Like light they simply travelled through the shield and hit the target. Though damage was low, in space even a small hole in the hull could be enough to destroy a battleship if not taken care of immediately. Most battleships therefore were coated with nano robotic paint which would close any small holes in the hull. What made the Arc special was it’s arc like laser, unlike the typical straight laser, arc laser would travel in the pattern of an arc. Making them difficult to dodge and hard to repair the resulting damage.<br><br>“Our lasers have been disabled from the last hit we took lieutenant. Proceed with missiles as planned.” Lee Jun ordered, while typing away on his keyboard. He didn’t have time to pay attention to the insubordination of his crew. Time was of the essence. They had taken a hit when their shields were off, costing them their lasers and shields (when a torn hull is being repaired, shields cannot be activated). Right now the Arc was like a big chicken waiting to be roasted. Focusing all his energies on the hacking, he left the steering of this ship to his crew.<br><br>The lieutenant, checked the Arc’s damage, the lasers had indeed been disabled. He quietly prepared the missiles. <br><br>"Sir enemy vessels are moving to surround us; we could be in a spot of trouble here Captain they appear to have a Cruiser flagship. It is on track towards us. It has a number of destroyers, corvettes, and gunships swinging wide around it."<br><br>‘Ah the cruiser flagship.” Lee Jun had been waiting for this moment. A flagship, is not the biggest battleship but the battleship that carries with it the commander of the fleet. It just so happened that the enemy’s fleet flagship was a cruiser…..a completely badass battleship. If the Arc was an ant then the cruiser is like a praying mantis. Equipped with enough weaponry to rival a small fleet of Arcs, the cruiser was the last ship one would want to see on the battlefield. The enemy bringing out the cruiser was like squashing an injured fly with a bazooka. Almost immediately, all crew onboard the Arc slipped into dismay.<br><br>Despite the cruisers sheer size and number of vessels protecting the ship, Lee Jun did not lose a thread of hope. If anything, he was happier than before. Cutting of the snake’s head was the fastest way to kill the snake. <br><br>The lieutenant could sense his captains plan. A cruiser could never dodge a missile but then again it never had to…it had ample shield and reinforcements to back it up.Going by his memories, Lee Jun would now begin hacking into the cruisers defenses. However, things were going different now, he had begun his infiltration even before he knew of the ships existence. Just by knowing that the cruiser existed on the battlefield, Lee Jun was able to launch an unsuspecting sneak attack on it.<br><br>"We have no choice we must try and push through, we can't fight them and I assume helm that to run away we would have to decelerate too quickly." Lee Jun ordered. He could disable the shields last minute but the missiles could never dodge the other battleships. They would most likely interfere in its path and take the hit for the flagship.<br><br>"Yes sir, hate to suggest it but what about surrender?" suggested the Lieutenant.<br><br>"What surrender? NEVER, besides they'd just gain a ship and debunk us all in space." Lee Jun retorted. “Imagine your character floating through a never ending voyage in space.”<br><br>The lieutenant lowered his head, space pirates were known for being merciless. <br><br>“Don’t worry, I don’t plan on losing this ship or the crew. Push straight towards the cruiser.”<br><br>“Aye Captain!” spoke a crew member. <br><br>As the ARC crept towards the cruiser dodging a barrage of lasers hurled at it, Lee Jun waited for this right moment. Slowly, but surely, the Arc and the cruiser were face to face. The crew were petrified, they had taken so much damage, it was a miracle that their battleship had not blown up yet.<br><br>“Disabling shields!” Screamed Lee Jun. “Launch the missiles.”<br><br>“Launching firefox missile, A1 A2 A6.” Stated an excited crew member as they caught on to Lee Jun’s plan. “Launching bluewaves A3, A4 and A5.”<br><br>“Launch everything we have got!” The Lieutenant spoke after finding his courage and voice.<br><br>“Aye Sir!”<br><br>Even though the bridge of the cruiser was not visible from the Arc, Lee Jun was sure that the cruiser’s crew must be in shock right now. They would have never expected to be hit with missiles at such close range.<br><br>“Pull the Arc back now!” Lee Jun ordered as the crew braced themselves from the fury of the missiles they had launched.<br><br>As Lee Jun watched the screen where camera’s were following the missile trajectory… “What the…”<br><br>A black void opened up in front of the missiles swallowing them up whole.<br><br>The hair on Lee Jun’s arms was standing up in fright. ‘What is this ominous feeling?’ There was no such weapon in the entire universe which could do that. This didn’t even fit in with his memories. The missiles were a hit as remembered and in the ensuing chaos he and his crews would escape from enemy clutches.<br>Before the crew had a chance to figure out what happened. The Arc battleship shook violently. <br><br>“Captain, we have been hooked! I repeated the cruiser’s cables have latched on to our ship!”<br><br>“What should we do captain?” the lieutenant looked at Lee Jun timidly as the Arc was being reeled into the cruiser’s harbor.<br><br>“Captain?” <br><br>Lee Jun was in a shock, this was a dream right? Lee Jun suddenly felt this wasn't right. Something was wrong this, none of it was right… it wasn't right. As he looked around wildly, his lieutenant was someone he no longer recognized; his familiar crews’ faces were going blur….The crew of the Arc stared back at Lee Jun awaiting his response….<br><br>"Captain, I've lost engines. We're being boarded!"<br><br>After that everything happened so quickly. Before the crew had a chance to fight back they were subdued by enemy forces.<br><br> “Wrong, wrong, wrong it didn't happen like this….” Was all Lee Jun could mutter as he watched he saw the bridge fall, his crew being killed as the Hegemony Marines pushed in threw the door . They were supposed to win; it was a great victory as he remembered. A crippled the cruiser, escape, recognition by the Federation….the first steps in his promotion. <br><br>Those who were alive were handcuffed and paraded across the hallways of the cruiser and slowly led to prison. Only Lee Jun who was still reeling in shock was taken to meet commander of the Hegemony Fleet.<br><br>As they slowly made their way through the hallway, the surroundings began changing. The spaceship like hallway was covered in fog and the metal walls which were dimly lit by neon bulbs faded into the mist. Black leafless shadowy trees sprouted from the earth all around them. Lee Jun remained oblivious to the changes.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">They crossed a small space with what might have been a nice pond and a little babbling brook in it, but now it was a scene of desolation and devastation. The water was a brackish black and the group was covered with the wilted remains of wildflowers and dead grass. The trees were stunted; grotesque mockeries of the mighty oaks that once stood there, the limbs bare of life, their blackened trunks twisted like they had reached for the sky and been pulled back down. Even the air felt heavy and ominous, a sickly green emanating all around them as dark clouds covered the last light of the sun.<br><br>As Lee Jun looked up, there in the midst of that mockery stood a shrouded figure, Lee Jun couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman, elf, human, or otherwise. It stood there, its’ very form blurring along the edges with the darkness around it. All he knew knew from deep inside where something was screaming; was that this was bad, that this was evil, and that this was far too powerful for him. </span><br><br>Lee Jun clutched his chest and screamed. “YOU!”<br><br>He took a few steps back and tumbled down. The guards who had brought him here dispersed into black thin air till they mixed in with the mist.<br>Lee Jun crawled backwards facing the shadowy enemy.<br><br>Before he could do anything else, the black shadowy figured pierced Lee Jun’s chest with this black long sword. It went through Lee Jun’s heart and out the other end. Lee Jun could feel the ice cold blade as his crimson blood ran on the edge of the blade dripping on to the moist soil. Lee Jun was covered in a pool of his own blood as his senses refused to dull. All the while he could hear the mocking laugh as the Shadow sat and watched it all with glee…..<br><br>The world began swirling and spinning around Lee Jun. Before he knew what happened, it was over. Lee Jun found himself sitting upright on his bed, sweating profusely. It was just another nightmare…but was it really over? <br><br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Thank you so much Tewlve for helping write this.<br>2. Ah....I have returned. Its good to be back.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1175" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=348" target="_blank">No</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

Complete darkness, complete silence. Lee Jun looked around but it was just pitch black. ‘How long have I been here?’ ‘Where am I?’ “Captain! Wake up!” A voice boomed throughout the darkness that shrouded Lee Jun. “Captain!” The voice screamed conveying the urgency and underlying panic. As Lee Jun struggled to open his eyes, he could distinctly see two blurred figures looking over him. The light shone brightly above, blinding Lee Jun. He squinted as his senses tuned to the setting around him. Red and yellow lights flashed around and an emergency alarm rang as the few people left clamored to safety. “Captain, are you alright?” Asked a young man, dressed in tight white and blue clothing. The clothing material glimmered in the light revealing a hexagonal pattern over the suit that the man over. Though his suit was mostly white, it had light blue seams. On his chest was a badge of some sort. Lee Jun absorbed the details as he looked around. “Where am I?” asked the bewildered Lee Jun. His comrades returned him a puzzled look. The lights, the screens, the people... Everything looked so familiar as if it were from a distant dream. Lee Jun instinctively knew he had seen all this before. After all, it was the bridge of his galactic battleship. Coming to terms with where he was, Lee Jun realized that he was floating. Another nostalgic feeling. “The Arc.” Whispered Lee Jun, as he touched a badge on the left side of his chest. He recalled that was the name of his battleship. His comrades smiled; ‘at least he hasn’t lost his memories.’ “Captain, we have begun evacuation as you ordered. All non-combat personnel are the in the process of leaving via the escape pods. There is federation planet at coordinates C4 Beta-Sector 12 where they should be safe. ” Reported the young man who appeared to be unconcerned about his captains confused appearance unlike the two men beside Lee Jun who moments ago were weeping that their captain lost consciousness. "Captain, I figured out where they were hiding. The IPD is detecting ships hiding behind the asteroid belt sir." Spoke a young lady at the bay while monitoring her screen. Her message took priority over the evacuation efforts. "How many, Kyla?” Asked another crew member as he floated over to Kyla’s side. "Lieutenant, I detect at least ten ships...” “So that’s where they were hiding.” The lieutenant muttered. It was definitely an unconventional strategy to hide behind asteroids and attack, especially since it was easy to get crushed between two asteroids. Even the slightest disturbance could disturb the asteroids orbit thus jeopardizing the safety of the battleship and its crew. In short, unless the crew was top notch in skill, it would be impossible to hide between and behind asteroids and wage a war. “The Hegemony Fleet." Muttered Lee Jun, as he recalled this vaguely familiar situation. No one heard him. A few moments later, Kyla confirmed his statement. “It’s the Hegemony Fleet, Sir! I have a captured their emblem on camera.” The lieutenant clenched his fist tightly. “Captain, your orders?” he asked as he turned and looked at Lee Jun. Lee Jun kept silent. He still could not recall how he ended up here. Was this a dream? “Captain?” asked the lieutenant again. Lee Jun already knew what was going to unfold. This incident was where it all began, his rise to fame. It was here that he first came to the notice of his superiors. He had been just the assistant tactical officer and captain of a small battleship “The Arc”. This small ship with a crew of only a 100 would go on to tilt the scales of the war in the Federation’s favor. As Lee Jun recalled, at this point of the battle he had been able to identify a backdoor into the enemy's computer network. Just before the Arc’s missiles impacted the shields, simply through hacking in he would be able to cut the enemy’s primary shields. Thus destroying their ship and allowing the Arc to escape. Almost, as if following a script, Lee Jun no longer questioned his environment and began the counter attack. He took his seat in the center of the bridge and began typing away on a laser keyboard that appeared in front of him. “Lieutenant, prepare the missiles.” Lee Jun ordered. “Sir, but won’t they be ineffective? The enemy has class 10 shields.” Retorted the lieutenant with a smug face. Missiles were the oldest technology on the in the universe. While they dealt heavy damage, they were completely neutralized by shield technology. What’s more, they move so slowly through space that all except the biggest of ships could dodge them. Hence, missiles were a completely ineffective technology against the battleships. So why were battleships still equipped with missiles? Most battleships would never carry missiles apart from being ineffective and obsolete they were also heavy and expensive. Most of the weapons crew didn’t even know how to operate missiles. However, Lee Jun had them loaded just in case they were ever required. “How about the lasers?” Asked the lieutenant with a hint of sarcasm. Lasers were shields only weakness. Like light they simply travelled through the shield and hit the target. Though damage was low, in space even a small hole in the hull could be enough to destroy a battleship if not taken care of immediately. Most battleships therefore were coated with nano robotic paint which would close any small holes in the hull. What made the Arc special was it’s arc like laser, unlike the typical straight laser, arc laser would travel in the pattern of an arc. Making them difficult to dodge and hard to repair the resulting damage. “Our lasers have been disabled from the last hit we took lieutenant. Proceed with missiles as planned.” Lee Jun ordered, while typing away on his keyboard. He didn’t have time to pay attention to the insubordination of his crew. Time was of the essence. They had taken a hit when their shields were off, costing them their lasers and shields (when a torn hull is being repaired, shields cannot be activated). Right now the Arc was like a big chicken waiting to be roasted. Focusing all his energies on the hacking, he left the steering of this ship to his crew. The lieutenant, checked the Arc’s damage, the lasers had indeed been disabled. He quietly prepared the missiles. "Sir enemy vessels are moving to surround us; we could be in a spot of trouble here Captain they appear to have a Cruiser flagship. It is on track towards us. It has a number of destroyers, corvettes, and gunships swinging wide around it." ‘Ah the cruiser flagship.” Lee Jun had been waiting for this moment. A flagship, is not the biggest battleship but the battleship that carries with it the commander of the fleet. It just so happened that the enemy’s fleet flagship was a cruiser…..a completely badass battleship. If the Arc was an ant then the cruiser is like a praying mantis. Equipped with enough weaponry to rival a small fleet of Arcs, the cruiser was the last ship one would want to see on the battlefield. The enemy bringing out the cruiser was like squashing an injured fly with a bazooka. Almost immediately, all crew onboard the Arc slipped into dismay. Despite the cruisers sheer size and number of vessels protecting the ship, Lee Jun did not lose a thread of hope. If anything, he was happier than before. Cutting of the snake’s head was the fastest way to kill the snake. The lieutenant could sense his captains plan. A cruiser could never dodge a missile but then again it never had to…it had ample shield and reinforcements to back it up.Going by his memories, Lee Jun would now begin hacking into the cruisers defenses. However, things were going different now, he had begun his infiltration even before he knew of the ships existence. Just by knowing that the cruiser existed on the battlefield, Lee Jun was able to launch an unsuspecting sneak attack on it. "We have no choice we must try and push through, we can't fight them and I assume helm that to run away we would have to decelerate too quickly." Lee Jun ordered. He could disable the shields last minute but the missiles could never dodge the other battleships. They would most likely interfere in its path and take the hit for the flagship. "Yes sir, hate to suggest it but what about surrender?" suggested the Lieutenant. "What surrender? NEVER, besides they'd just gain a ship and debunk us all in space." Lee Jun retorted. “Imagine your character floating through a never ending voyage in space.” The lieutenant lowered his head, space pirates were known for being merciless. “Don’t worry, I don’t plan on losing this ship or the crew. Push straight towards the cruiser.” “Aye Captain!” spoke a crew member. As the ARC crept towards the cruiser dodging a barrage of lasers hurled at it, Lee Jun waited for this right moment. Slowly, but surely, the Arc and the cruiser were face to face. The crew were petrified, they had taken so much damage, it was a miracle that their battleship had not blown up yet. “Disabling shields!” Screamed Lee Jun. “Launch the missiles.” “Launching firefox missile, A1 A2 A6.” Stated an excited crew member as they caught on to Lee Jun’s plan. “Launching bluewaves A3, A4 and A5.” “Launch everything we have got!” The Lieutenant spoke after finding his courage and voice. “Aye Sir!” Even though the bridge of the cruiser was not visible from the Arc, Lee Jun was sure that the cruiser’s crew must be in shock right now. They would have never expected to be hit with missiles at such close range. “Pull the Arc back now!” Lee Jun ordered as the crew braced themselves from the fury of the missiles they had launched. As Lee Jun watched the screen where camera’s were following the missile trajectory… “What the…” A black void opened up in front of the missiles swallowing them up whole. The hair on Lee Jun’s arms was standing up in fright. ‘What is this ominous feeling?’ There was no such weapon in the entire universe which could do that. This didn’t even fit in with his memories. The missiles were a hit as remembered and in the ensuing chaos he and his crews would escape from enemy clutches. Before the crew had a chance to figure out what happened. The Arc battleship shook violently. “Captain, we have been hooked! I repeated the cruiser’s cables have latched on to our ship!” “What should we do captain?” the lieutenant looked at Lee Jun timidly as the Arc was being reeled into the cruiser’s harbor. “Captain?” Lee Jun was in a shock, this was a dream right? Lee Jun suddenly felt this wasn't right. Something was wrong this, none of it was right… it wasn't right. As he looked around wildly, his lieutenant was someone he no longer recognized; his familiar crews’ faces were going blur….The crew of the Arc stared back at Lee Jun awaiting his response…. "Captain, I've lost engines. We're being boarded!" After that everything happened so quickly. Before the crew had a chance to fight back they were subdued by enemy forces. “Wrong, wrong, wrong it didn't happen like this….” Was all Lee Jun could mutter as he watched he saw the bridge fall, his crew being killed as the Hegemony Marines pushed in threw the door . They were supposed to win; it was a great victory as he remembered. A crippled the cruiser, escape, recognition by the Federation….the first steps in his promotion. Those who were alive were handcuffed and paraded across the hallways of the cruiser and slowly led to prison. Only Lee Jun who was still reeling in shock was taken to meet commander of the Hegemony Fleet. As they slowly made their way through the hallway, the surroundings began changing. The spaceship like hallway was covered in fog and the metal walls which were dimly lit by neon bulbs faded into the mist. Black leafless shadowy trees sprouted from the earth all around them. Lee Jun remained oblivious to the changes. They crossed a small space with what might have been a nice pond and a little babbling brook in it, but now it was a scene of desolation and devastation. The water was a brackish black and the group was covered with the wilted remains of wildflowers and dead grass. The trees were stunted; grotesque mockeries of the mighty oaks that once stood there, the limbs bare of life, their blackened trunks twisted like they had reached for the sky and been pulled back down. Even the air felt heavy and ominous, a sickly green emanating all around them as dark clouds covered the last light of the sun. As Lee Jun looked up, there in the midst of that mockery stood a shrouded figure, Lee Jun couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman, elf, human, or otherwise. It stood there, its’ very form blurring along the edges with the darkness around it. All he knew knew from deep inside where something was screaming; was that this was bad, that this was evil, and that this was far too powerful for him. Lee Jun clutched his chest and screamed. “YOU!” He took a few steps back and tumbled down. The guards who had brought him here dispersed into black thin air till they mixed in with the mist. Lee Jun crawled backwards facing the shadowy enemy. Before he could do anything else, the black shadowy figured pierced Lee Jun’s chest with this black long sword. It went through Lee Jun’s heart and out the other end. Lee Jun could feel the ice cold blade as his crimson blood ran on the edge of the blade dripping on to the moist soil. Lee Jun was covered in a pool of his own blood as his senses refused to dull. All the while he could hear the mocking laugh as the Shadow sat and watched it all with glee….. The world began swirling and spinning around Lee Jun. Before he knew what happened, it was over. Lee Jun found himself sitting upright on his bed, sweating profusely. It was just another nightmare…but was it really over? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Thank you so much Tewlve for helping write this. 2. Ah....I have returned. Its good to be back. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1175) | | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> We have gotten an editor!<br><br>Editor :newguy<br><br>PRs :<br>xion930 </div>

We have gotten an editor! Editor :newguy PRs : xion930

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 22<br><br>Quietus was currently doing something resembling a one handed pushup. This was because the traps were getting harder to disarm. This particular trap had to be disarmed before the ones just in front of his toes could be disarmed. The difficulty was compounded by the fact that Quietus had to disarm the trap with an injured left hand. Quietus regretted not putting any points in strength before this point. Now, it was too late. He had been disarming traps in awkward positions and holding on for his life to hide from the armored figures. Usually, this meant he was hanging from ceiling beams. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he could increase his strength and stamina by using the climbing skill. He did not like the fact that his muscles hurt. If only Royal Road could just be a bit less realistic.<br><br>At the sound of a click, Quietus immediately rolled to the side… triggering even more traps than the one he had just failed to disarm. Miraculously, he was unharmed, but the spikes all around him told him that it was just luck.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Luck rises by 1 point. (+1 LUK)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Well, the spikes and the messages. This appeared to be a very good place to train agility, luck, strength, and stamina. Of course, it was also terrifying, because dying wasn’t an option. Quietus thought back to earlier in the training area.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br>Ahead of him was a large pit, with spikes at the bottom. It was too far to jump and catch any of the ceiling beams. It was also the only way forward. Quietus had gone down all the other side passageways and disarmed all the traps. Truth be told, he had not covered all that large of an area so far. However, he was taking enough time that it was very tiring, and seemed much bigger.<br><br>He would have to jump across the pit and land on the pressure plates near the edge. Everything was pressure plates, except for the trip wires. And the hidden pits. Plus, there were the walls that seemed to shoot out arrows just by him moving in front of them.<br><br>Quietus would have to pick where to land, and hope the particular traps at that location weren’t too deadly.<br><br>After he landed, he just had to pick a few poisoned darts out of his neck. The spikes sticking out of the floor to his left were dodged, as he had planned. The darts came at a slightly different angle than he expected, and he didn’t have a lot of room to dodge in. As he was drinking one of his last few antidotes, he heard approaching footsteps. The nearest place to climb up was still too far away. He wasn’t going to risk crossing so many traps to get to it. He had to hide somewhere though.<br><br>He looked back in the direction he came from. He couldn’t get a running start to make the jump. He would definitely fall into the pit and die if he tried that. Nothing else in the area was of any use to him. There was just the pit.<br><br>This is how he found himself hanging by his fingers into a pit with spikes on the bottom. He probably could have kept the skill up for quite a long time, if he didn’t also have to activate stealth. This made his stamina consumption increase.<br><br>His fingers were getting tired before the wandering guardian even got close. It felt like it was walking more slowly than they normally did. Quietus was pretty good at judging time. At this rate, his stamina would run out just after it got near the edge of the pit. However, the rest of the guardians… he figured they might be golems, usually just stopped once their apparently short vision showed there were no enemies that could be hiding in front of their patrol route. This meant that the golem should stop about twenty to thirty feet short of where he was.<br><br>The golem was about fifty feet away. Forty. Thirty. Twenty five. It felt like it was slowing down. Twenty. Perhaps it wasn’t. Fifteen. Ten. Quietus was really regretting his decision at this point. Five feet. He didn’t really look forward to having his fingers stepped on.<br><br>Silence. Then, it turned around and started walking away. This was good for Quietus, except he didn’t have enough stamina to climb up, especially not quietly. If he could manage to get up, he would make a large amount of noise. Just as he was about to run out of stamina, he let go with his left hand.<br>*Squelch* was the sound it made. He winced at the sound. However, the sound of the golem continued away from him. This gave him time to scream in pain on the inside.<br><br>He now dangled from his left hand, which currently had spikes all the way through it. It took no stamina for him to “hang on” this way. Of course, his hit points were going down. Even that wouldn’t be so bad, but it hurt enough to make him regret his decision to not just die. Death was painful, sure, but it was over quickly.<br><br>Finally, the golem was far enough Quietus could climb up with his small amount of stamina recovered.<br><br>As he pulled yet more darts out of himself, and chugged an antidote and some of his also small supply of health potions, he looked at his hand. He admired the craftsmanship of the spikes. They had very nice hooks on the end. Barbs like that were very effective in a trap. After somehow disarming the trap that kept greeting him with poison darts, he removed his hand from the spikes.<br><br>He heard some sounds he usually associated with old cloth. He was amazed at how easily pain could make someone cry.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have received a persistent injury. The effectiveness of your &lt;left hand&gt; will be reduced by 50% until proper treatment is applied.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus poured a healing potion onto his left hand. Apparently, that didn’t count as proper treatment.<br><br><br>--------------------------<br><br>And so, Quietus was lying amid a nice bunch of spears. He hoped there was some reward for this training besides the training itself. Quietus shifted his weight on around, and managed to disarm the trap with his right hand.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Level up: Search<br><br>Beginner level 8</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> At least his new search skill was growing at scary rates, thanks to the seemingly limitless number of traps. He just hoped that he could stay awake long enough to find the door. He had been awake for more than 24 hours in real life, about 100 hours in Royal Road. He had mixed some mildly poisonous herbs together as stimulants to help him stay awake. Fortunately, Angela understood that he was on an important quest he couldn’t log out from, so nobody forced him out of his capsule.<br><br> He would just have to push on. He would get through this, and he was not going to give up. So what if everything was starting to hurt. He had to pass this training… although he wasn’t really sure why. Quietus was too tired to remember why. But he had to finish.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> “Seriously, can’t we just send someone in? It’s been a week.”<br><br> “Nobody except participants allowed inside. That’s the rule.”<br><br> “Fine. I’ll see you in 12 hours.”<br><br> The first guard went out for his time off. The second one sighed. He was also sure that Quietus was dead. Falling asleep in the training area would get him caught by a guardian for sure. Not that it was normally an issue, since the training area usually took about an hour to complete, or less to fail.<br><br> Then, he heard the door creak open. Behind the door was a fearsome undead monster. White hair hung down in front of its eyes, which were streaked with lines of red. It wore just scraps of armor, and had a ragged cloak. Its left hand had holes with flesh hanging off. Of its right arm, there was no trace past the shoulder. It reached out its arm at the guard and groaned. The guard prepared to stab it, until he recognized words.<br><br> “I.. win...”<br><br> Then, it collapsed to the floor. Just a corpse.<br><br>End Chapter 22<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1211&amp;p=6924#p6924"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1211&amp;p=6924#p6924&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Next Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1225"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1225&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 22 Quietus was currently doing something resembling a one handed pushup. This was because the traps were getting harder to disarm. This particular trap had to be disarmed before the ones just in front of his toes could be disarmed. The difficulty was compounded by the fact that Quietus had to disarm the trap with an injured left hand. Quietus regretted not putting any points in strength before this point. Now, it was too late. He had been disarming traps in awkward positions and holding on for his life to hide from the armored figures. Usually, this meant he was hanging from ceiling beams. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he could increase his strength and stamina by using the climbing skill. He did not like the fact that his muscles hurt. If only Royal Road could just be a bit less realistic. At the sound of a click, Quietus immediately rolled to the side… triggering even more traps than the one he had just failed to disarm. Miraculously, he was unharmed, but the spikes all around him told him that it was just luck. | Luck rises by 1 point. (+1 LUK) | | --- | Well, the spikes and the messages. This appeared to be a very good place to train agility, luck, strength, and stamina. Of course, it was also terrifying, because dying wasn’t an option. Quietus thought back to earlier in the training area. -------------------------- Ahead of him was a large pit, with spikes at the bottom. It was too far to jump and catch any of the ceiling beams. It was also the only way forward. Quietus had gone down all the other side passageways and disarmed all the traps. Truth be told, he had not covered all that large of an area so far. However, he was taking enough time that it was very tiring, and seemed much bigger. He would have to jump across the pit and land on the pressure plates near the edge. Everything was pressure plates, except for the trip wires. And the hidden pits. Plus, there were the walls that seemed to shoot out arrows just by him moving in front of them. Quietus would have to pick where to land, and hope the particular traps at that location weren’t too deadly. After he landed, he just had to pick a few poisoned darts out of his neck. The spikes sticking out of the floor to his left were dodged, as he had planned. The darts came at a slightly different angle than he expected, and he didn’t have a lot of room to dodge in. As he was drinking one of his last few antidotes, he heard approaching footsteps. The nearest place to climb up was still too far away. He wasn’t going to risk crossing so many traps to get to it. He had to hide somewhere though. He looked back in the direction he came from. He couldn’t get a running start to make the jump. He would definitely fall into the pit and die if he tried that. Nothing else in the area was of any use to him. There was just the pit. This is how he found himself hanging by his fingers into a pit with spikes on the bottom. He probably could have kept the skill up for quite a long time, if he didn’t also have to activate stealth. This made his stamina consumption increase. His fingers were getting tired before the wandering guardian even got close. It felt like it was walking more slowly than they normally did. Quietus was pretty good at judging time. At this rate, his stamina would run out just after it got near the edge of the pit. However, the rest of the guardians… he figured they might be golems, usually just stopped once their apparently short vision showed there were no enemies that could be hiding in front of their patrol route. This meant that the golem should stop about twenty to thirty feet short of where he was. The golem was about fifty feet away. Forty. Thirty. Twenty five. It felt like it was slowing down. Twenty. Perhaps it wasn’t. Fifteen. Ten. Quietus was really regretting his decision at this point. Five feet. He didn’t really look forward to having his fingers stepped on. Silence. Then, it turned around and started walking away. This was good for Quietus, except he didn’t have enough stamina to climb up, especially not quietly. If he could manage to get up, he would make a large amount of noise. Just as he was about to run out of stamina, he let go with his left hand. *Squelch* was the sound it made. He winced at the sound. However, the sound of the golem continued away from him. This gave him time to scream in pain on the inside. He now dangled from his left hand, which currently had spikes all the way through it. It took no stamina for him to “hang on” this way. Of course, his hit points were going down. Even that wouldn’t be so bad, but it hurt enough to make him regret his decision to not just die. Death was painful, sure, but it was over quickly. Finally, the golem was far enough Quietus could climb up with his small amount of stamina recovered. As he pulled yet more darts out of himself, and chugged an antidote and some of his also small supply of health potions, he looked at his hand. He admired the craftsmanship of the spikes. They had very nice hooks on the end. Barbs like that were very effective in a trap. After somehow disarming the trap that kept greeting him with poison darts, he removed his hand from the spikes. He heard some sounds he usually associated with old cloth. He was amazed at how easily pain could make someone cry. | You have received a persistent injury. The effectiveness of your <left hand> will be reduced by 50% until proper treatment is applied. | | --- | Quietus poured a healing potion onto his left hand. Apparently, that didn’t count as proper treatment. -------------------------- And so, Quietus was lying amid a nice bunch of spears. He hoped there was some reward for this training besides the training itself. Quietus shifted his weight on around, and managed to disarm the trap with his right hand. | Level up: SearchBeginner level 8 | | --- | At least his new search skill was growing at scary rates, thanks to the seemingly limitless number of traps. He just hoped that he could stay awake long enough to find the door. He had been awake for more than 24 hours in real life, about 100 hours in Royal Road. He had mixed some mildly poisonous herbs together as stimulants to help him stay awake. Fortunately, Angela understood that he was on an important quest he couldn’t log out from, so nobody forced him out of his capsule. He would just have to push on. He would get through this, and he was not going to give up. So what if everything was starting to hurt. He had to pass this training… although he wasn’t really sure why. Quietus was too tired to remember why. But he had to finish. -------------------------- “Seriously, can’t we just send someone in? It’s been a week.” “Nobody except participants allowed inside. That’s the rule.” “Fine. I’ll see you in 12 hours.” The first guard went out for his time off. The second one sighed. He was also sure that Quietus was dead. Falling asleep in the training area would get him caught by a guardian for sure. Not that it was normally an issue, since the training area usually took about an hour to complete, or less to fail. Then, he heard the door creak open. Behind the door was a fearsome undead monster. White hair hung down in front of its eyes, which were streaked with lines of red. It wore just scraps of armor, and had a ragged cloak. Its left hand had holes with flesh hanging off. Of its right arm, there was no trace past the shoulder. It reached out its arm at the guard and groaned. The guard prepared to stab it, until he recognized words. “I.. win...” Then, it collapsed to the floor. Just a corpse. End Chapter 22 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1211&p=6924#p6924">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1211&p=6924#p6924</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1225">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1225</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1024&amp;p=5367#p5367" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a> <br> <br>Author's Note: <br>A new beginning! And we're out of the city once again! By the way don't ask me who those conspirators are. I was thinking of a beginning for a new chapter (before they got combined) and thought this up but Hawk and Monthu were whispering there. After a bit of thinking I decided it was a bit strange for them to meet in a place like this and created two random characters who showed up to be quite malicious. That left me with a conspiracy underway without even knowing who created it and aimed at who. So good luck trying to figure that one out &nbsp;:D I have an invisible but very tasty cookie for the one who actually matches what is going to happen. Right now it's very up to debate (between my mind and Ace. He usually finds a way to foil my great plans like in chapter seven where he was supposed to win by his magic instead of the random fake of weak rogue kid...) <br>Btw thanks xion930 for pr :) <br> <br>**** <br> <br>The city was in an uproar. Victims of Silver Wing were mobilizing and creating their own faction! That was unheard of. How could those beggars have enough money and what did they believe to achieve without having a copper? <br> <br>It was stupid beyond belief but more and more players joined their ranks. Almost a fifth of the city’s population had met the infamous monster and now wanted revenge at all costs, poverty to them meant nothing. But even a bigger surprise was the support gained from the Npcs. All the nobles who heard about the new guild came to express their joy and promised to help in any way they could. <br> <br>That led to all the best quests becoming available only to the guild members without any means of oppression. No other faction or alliance could come and destroy the quickly growing Draugar of Silver as that would make them the public enemy, and no Npc would ever give them a quest higher than level E which were the worst fetch quests. <br> <br>Romeo was very busy being in the middle of everything. He had to take care of all the eager to join players, provide help for the recently killed, get money somehow and visit the nobles to gain their support. <br> <br>To ease the workload he had made some of those he had gotten close to his officers. That helped but he probably should get a few more to be able to get a minute of sleep. <br> <br>He had divided the guild into five divisions. The fifth was called Living as it consisted of players that were afraid of Silver Wing without even actually meeting him. The rest of the guild looked down on them but they brought in money and couldn't be refused. <br> <br>The fourth, Spirits, were all those that had met the murderer. All of them and those above wore a necklace with a Silver Wing as their sign. <br> <br>The third group was named Runners because of the thing they did. No, they weren't messengers. They were officers and had so much work that a simple walk was never enough. <br>&nbsp; <br>And then was he - the leader, and supposedly, the owner. He had talked with Ace later and convinced him to pretend to be a normal member to save the guild's face. Of course that was said in prettier words so the kid couldn’t understand and just agreed. <br> <br>It was a gift from heavens that the child was so trusting and easy to manipulate. 'Let's hope those friends of his don't corrupt him' Romeo prayed accepting another low risk, high reward quest from the goldmine as he called this guild. <br> <br>Romeo had nothing to fear as Ace was the one doing the corrupting. <br> <br>"Hey! It's going to be fun! Par tell him that!" <br> <br>"No means no" Monthu said, his eye twitching. <br> <br>"But how can we miss such an event? It's happening only once half a year! And I'm not even asking to participate!" Ace said pouting, his best puppy dog eye look on. <br>"Please brother! We've never been to any tournament!" Par said, his eyes pleading. <br> <br>"You guys..." Monthu said his eyes searching for help but his childhood friends were pretending not to see anything leaving him to deal with the two children. <br> <br>"We won't go anywhere without you!" Ace promised. <br> <br>"I'll spend time learning math at home!" Par said trying to persuade his brother. <br> <br>"What's so good about it anyway?" <br> <br>The kids sensing a chance started to explain together at the same time. <br> <br>"Best fighters..." <br> <br>"And mages..." <br> <br>"...go against monsters…" <br> <br>"...use amazing skills..." <br> <br>"Epic battles! They have..." <br> <br>"I heard they'll have a phoenix! And a...! <br> <br>&nbsp;"Fireworks!" <br> <br>"Yeah and musicians!" <br> <br>"Enough! Enough!" Monthu said holding onto his head. "I get it. Fine we'll go but neither of you can take a step away from me!" <br> <br>The kids nodded and high-fived each other. They did it! <br> <br>Hawk and Aurora were looking wide eyed. 'When did Monthu allowed Par anywhere? There was something wrong with it.' <br> <br>"Do you think he's okay?" Aurora asked quietly. <br> <br>"I don't remember him going down on his word no matter how much Par pleaded..." Hawk said whispering. <br> <br>"Neither do I. You sure it's him and not some evil twin?" <br> <br>Hawk laughed. "Can't say for sure, but I hope so. Maybe he can't deal with a pair of kids almost going on their knees before him?" <br> <br>"I really hope so" Aurora said pretending to be looking to the other side. "This way we could actually see something more beside monsters and get to sleep in a bed." <br> <br>"Have you noticed how long we've stayed here already? Before we never passed a one night visit." <br> <br>"Now that you mention it... I think I should thank all the gods for Ace. He's our saviour!" <br> <br>"Pff... It's not like he's doing it for us" Hawk said annoyed and changed the topic. They had had enough arguments whether Ace was a spawn of the devil or not. <br>&nbsp; <br>~Five hours later~ <br> <br>"The final match is about to take place! So return to your seats and prepare yourselves for an amazing battle where two masters will test their skills against the other! It is the beast master Zeleo with his mountain lion Amanda against the axeman Kalin! Both of them had seen countless battles and now will compete for the prize of ten thousand gold and the city lord’s favour! That's not a prize to look down on folks! And here they are coming in! Prepare yourselves!" the spokesman hollered. <br> <br>"I'm so tired of his voice!" Aurora said pretending to cover her ears but none paid any attention to her. <br> <br>Ace and Par were looking at the ring with fixated eyes. Nothing else existed for them. Monthu was smiling, noting his brother's happiness while Hawk was debating with a person to his right who was going to win. Although it was hardly a debate as they both said the beast master was going to destroy his opponent. <br> <br>Gong sounded signalling the start of the match and both competitors jumped at each other. <br> <br>The dwarf axeman Kalin blocked both attacks of lioness and her master with ease. He'd entered the tournament for a single reason to win the favour and lead the punitive force quest. It was scheduled to be announced today and the connection could be made even by an idiot. Money was always a good thing but to him a level 230 ten thousand gold weren't the world. In the amount of time required to participate here he could have gained a lot much favour and gold. A whole month in this bard city... <br> <br>A piercing scream of agony left the lioness lips as the axe embedded into her front leg. Blood splashed on Kalin's beard but he was used to it. He blocked the claymore from the beast master and counter-attacked with a dagger hidden in his belt. Cheap trick but it surprised his opponent &nbsp;long enough for Kalin to hit him with his giant axe and finish him off. <br> <br>"And here it is! The finishing blow! Kalin the axeman! Our victor!" the spokesperson shouted while the crowd applauded. <br> <br>The tradition required for the winner to come over to the lord's seat to receive his prize and a trophy. <br> <br>On the other side of the stadium Par and Ace were bashing down the fight. <br> <br>"He was cheating!" <br> <br>"I can't believe he's been so high level all this time!" <br> <br>"Such a liar!" <br> <br>The battle was quick and boring leading to the children's disappointment. They expected to see an epic fight but got a thirty seconds long clash with an obvious difference in skills. <br> <br>"That was so unfair of him to join" <br> <br>"Yeah..." Par said agreeing. "Let’s go out of here. I don't want to see him again." <br> <br>The whole party accepted his suggestion as the competition was already over and was about to stand up when a loud yell interrupted them. <br> <br>"Whaaaaat? What do you mean it's been chosen? Who's the bastard that stole my quest? Tell me!" Kalin screamed at the top of his lungs, his face beat red. <br> <br>"Calm down, sir" the city’s lord said in a soft but commanding voice. "The general was chosen by a very respectable noble and it wouldn't be in your best interests to make a scene here in front of everyone. Calvin!" <br> <br>"Yes, my lord?" a middle aged man answered, appearing beside the seat. <br> <br>"Call out for our chosen one. It's as good time as any to call him and announce his mission." <br> <br>"Of course, my lord." The servants back straightened and he took out a rolled piece of paper from which he started to read out.&nbsp; <br> <br>"From the beginning of our kingdom Castle Vascas belonged to us humans but not too long ago a horde of goblins invaded it, killing all inhabitants and taking it for themselves. That is unacceptable! The city’s lord has declared that the castle will be reclaimed and a best suited person must be chosen for that job. The nobility has already selected an adventurer. It is Sctyheman Monthu! Although he's not widely known his abilities to lead are unpaired. May the person show himself if he's present!" <br> <br>Monthu stood up uncertainly looking around but everyone else was sitting. 'What is going on here? I never asked for it' Monthu wondered taking a few uncertain steps towards the stage.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Come over here young man!" the lord said with a bright smile, forgetting all about Kalin who was boiling with rage. 'How could this shy guy steal something like this from under my noise? Wait, what if I beat him before the crowd? Maybe it's a test for my resolve?' <br> <br>"You incompetent idiot! You can't lead the glorious army in Oradin's name while not even having the courage to fight in a tournament!" he said raising his axe for a clean kill but to his surprise the man blocked it and entered a defensive stance. His outlook changed too. 'He's feeling more at ease now aware of the difference in our levels than facing a lord? Just who is he?' <br> <br>Kalin was drawing all the wrong conclusions there. Monthu was reluctant to come closer as that meant accepting a quest he didn't want but now that the winner attacked him he could fake weakness and lose the quest. But that didn't mean he was going down from the first hit. He had some pride on him too. <br> <br>"Guards! Guards!" the lord shouted pointing to the axeman. "Lock him in a prison for a week or two. He has threatened your lord!" <br> <br>"I didn't do anything of the like!" Kalin tried to defend himself but the guards weren't taking notice of his words. An order was an order. <br> <br>"Swinging your sword before my head is pretty dangerous. You should be happy I'm so nice and only lock you up for a few weeks!" the lord said smiling and turned his attention back to Monthu. "Now that the interruptions are over I'd like to get to business. Will you create an army and retake the Vascas castle for the Oradin kingdom?" his voice was soft but full of authority and power. No surprise he was a city lord even at the age of twenty five. <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">New Quest: Retaking Vascas Castle <br> <br>Many monsters roam around the kingdom but before now none tried to steal it from humans. A few months back goblins with a surprising level of intelligence took over a castle, shocking all the kingdom. It was a big offence and cannot be tolerated. <br>Together with other adventurers go out and retake the castle for Oradin. <br>Quest level: C <br>Time limit: must be finished before the next king meeting half a year from now. <br> <br>Quest cannot be refused </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'But I don't want it!' Monthu wanted to refute but kept his cool. It wouldn't do any good to show his distaste for the quest. <br> <br>"I'll do everything I can to regain it" he said calmly going down on his knee. 'It seems I'll have to do it anyway and bring Par along but how did I even end up here?' <br> <br>"Lovely! Then take your group along and come to my castle, I'll explain more things in detail" the lord said clapping in joy and taking his leave in a graceful manner. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*You have accepted the quest Retaking Vascas Castle!* </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Monthu followed the lord’s lead and left the dais to go back to his group who looked at him with stunned expressions. <br> <br>"What did you do when we weren't looking?" Aurora asked. "Saved a princess? Stopped an assassination? What could you possibly have done to gain such a reputation in a single day?" <br> <br>"Brother is amazing!" Par said with a proud smile. <br> <br>"How did you manage it?" Hawk asked amazed just like the others. <br> <br>The quests you get heavily rely on your fame and reputation in the right circles. The biggest problem was that you gained little fame for doing menial quests but you couldn't get anything good until you did a million of those. Only players looking for an emperor's crown pushed themselves that far and a few other who did it for reasons only known to them. <br> <br>"This is such a great opportunity for us to gain fame too as we'll be among the leaders with you" Hawk added happily. <br> <br>"Truthfully I have no idea what is going on" Monthu said with distaste. "Unlike you think, I haven't been doing anything and my fame is at the meagre 200 as it was before." <br> <br>"What do you mean? This event was meant to find a champion for the punitive force! You'd have had to have at least a few thousand or more for it to be given to you without any competition!" Hawk said not believing. <br> <br>"See it for yourself" Monthu said opening his status window for all to see. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Monthu</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Chaotic Good</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">74</td><td width="25%">Profession</td><td width="25%">Scytheman</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td colspan="3">200</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">2982</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">193</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">173+50</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">170+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">17</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td colspan="3">70</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">15</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">25</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td colspan="3">142</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Defense</td><td colspan="3">50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">0%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>"Then how could you have been given the quest?" Hawk asked in disbelief. Monthu wasn't lying about his fame so what was going on here? <br> <br>"That's what I've been telling you. There's something fishy about all this" <br> <br>"Well, it’s not like you can refuse it" Ace said, shrugging. "You have already accepted it and we'll gain nothing by contemplating the mystery, only annoy the lord who's waiting for you if I heard right.” <br> <br>"Shoot! That's right! We must go and hear what the lord has to say." <br> <br>"We're meeting a city lord? That’s great!" Aurora said with her eyes alight. In rich houses there were a lot of religious symbols like statues, paintings and clerics’ faith rose from it allowing for stronger healing and offensive spells. <br> <br>"Let's go!" Par said and was about to march off when Ace shook his head. <br> <br>"I'm not going. There's no reason for all of us to be there and in that time I can collect a lot of useful information. I'm sure we'll have to gather the players and leave soon enough so every bit of information would work in our favour" <br> <br>"Why are you so concerned about my quest?" Monthu asked with suspicion. <br> <br>"It's our quest. I'm part of this group and you're not leaving Par behind so we're all going there. And I don't want to die which makes me go visit a library and find something useful while you go and chat with a lordling" Ace said. That of course was not the main reason, but the group had no need &nbsp;to know it. <br> <br>"Are you sure?" <br> <br>"Yes." <br> <br>"Fine then. Let's go" Monthu said and with Par beside him marched off towards the castle, Aurora and Hawk following. Ace was left alone for the moment. <br> <br>Two pair of eyes followed the group of four who entered the lord's private room. <br> <br>One of them belonged to sir Elimas. He feared what he was going to see, but the first impression wasn't that bad. <br> <br>The guy wielding a scythe was surprisingly normal looking with well-made and taken care of chain armour. His face was calm and collected without any trace of smugness. Was he an innocent party here? <br> <br>His group consisted of an impossibly white female cleric, hawk like archer and a little kid in a mage's robe. How could a man be a monster with a child following him? <br> <br>"Welcome to my study. This here is my trusted advisor who helped in choosing you for this mission. Will you introduce us to the lady?" the lord spoke up in a charming voice, his eyes locked on Aurora whose cheeks warmed up. <br> <br>"This is my friend Aurora, beside her is Hawk and my little brother Paradox. Also we have another member Ace who's busy at the moment." <br> <br>"Is he now?" the lord asked with a slight smile, redirecting his attention to Monthu who didn't even blink meeting it. "You sent by the god’s are so untrustworthy... Always disappearing at the wrong time" he said shaking his head lightly as if in sorrow. <br> <br>"Ace is trustworthy!" Par said with anger in his voice. <br> <br>"So how do you explain his absence now?" the lord asked in an amused voice which made Par become even angrier. <br> <br>"He's smart! He knew that there's no need for all of us to be here and he could spend his time researching! That would be more of use!" Par said defending his friend. <br> <br>"So there's no point in seeing me although I made a very specific request? That's a first" the lord said amused. "Just as well. We'll have a meeting if you manage to successfully retake the castle."&nbsp; <br> <br>He took out a parchment and handed it to Monthu. "It contains all information about the goblins we managed to gather up till now. There's not much but should get you through the beginning. You must leave at the end of the week as the travel requires a few weeks and the castle must be brought back to our rule as fast as possible. If you can't do it till the next king meeting Oradin will lose a lot of reputation and at best you will be thrown out of the kingdom. Everything's clear?" the lord asked in a sweet voice. <br> <br>Monthu rolled his eyes at the threat. "Yes" <br> <br>"Great! You're free now! Come back with good news. Oh and you can hire five hundred adventurers to your help!" with that the lord motioned his hand and his advisor opened the study's door leading them out. <br> <br>On the way out Monthu asked him a question. "Why was I chosen although I have nowhere near sufficient amount of fame?" <br> <br>Sir Elimas nodded in understanding. It was just as he had expected, this guy was randomly chosen and was an innocent party. That could only mean the scarf wearing guy wanted to prevent Kalin from gaining the quest. What could possibly be so scary about that axeman? Or was it personal revenge? <br> <br>"You as a candidate were presented by one of the counsel members and then chosen worthy by your characteristics. We have faith in your abilities so don't disappoint us" he said without any real hope of him succeeding. He might be a true warrior and not some fake but his level was way too low to make an army of good quality to listen to him while army of beginners would never take back the castle. <br>"Who could have suggested me? I've just recently come to this city and haven't done a single quest yet" Monthu said. He just couldn't understand what was going and it was eating him from the inside. <br> <br>"Maybe you impressed someone else then, some important adventurer or a high noble in another city?" &nbsp;Sir Elimas asked, fishing for answers. <br> <br>"I haven't done anything of the like" Monthu said with a thoughtful expression. Then he had an idea. Only one person always did whatever he wanted and seemed to make him do it too. There was no other explanation. 'But isn't this a bit too high even for him? How could he possibly manage to persuade a whole committee of nobles to choose me?' <br> <br>"You seem quiet. Have you figured it out?" <br> <br>"No, but I think I'd be better off not knowing. I have a bad feeling I wouldn't like it at all" Monthu said cryptically and left the castle with his friends in tow. <br> <br>/Where are you?/ Aurora messaged Ace. <br> <br>/Library and I found a lot of useful information here/ Ace wrote back reading another book. /How much time were we given?/ <br> <br>/One week from today we must leave. Do you have any suggestions?/ <br> <br>/Well, you can start looking for players now or tomorrow after I've finished my research and would know what we'll face/ <br> <br>/Isn't it goblins?/ Aurora asked not finding it needing more information. <br> <br>/We're not going to just fight them. They'll be barricaded in a castle which has from one to five defensive walls, which might be on a hill, surrounded by water or against a mountain. And each of these scenarios requires a different army set up for the highest chance of success. In the end it all depends on Monthu, how he wants to go at it &nbsp;- trusting luck or information/ Ace answered baffling Aurora. She expected it to be just another battle with people and goblins bashing at each others heads but Ace was telling her it was going to be far from that. <br> <br>"Ace says he's collecting information about the castle and advises to start recruiting tomorrow when he has found enough to help in choosing the finer points of our army" she said to the guys. <br> <br>"That's a good idea" Monthu said at the same time as Hawk. They nodded at each other in acknowledgement while Par looked at them uncomprehending. <br> <br>"But it would be well for us to advertise it. What do you think?" Hawk asked. "If we do it today, they could have time to think it over and decide whenever they're going to follow you or not." <br> <br>"It's better than doing nothing" Monthu said agreeing and they went to a scribe. In a few hours their poster was put on a notice board at the city's centre. <br> <br>Some interested players went to check it out. <br> <br>A group of goblins with their faces twisted in obnoxious smiles were drawn. They looked even worse than in reality and were just asking for a beating. <br> <br>~Do you want them to rule your kingdom?~ was a single line written at the top of the paper. <br> <br>It wasn't asking players to fight for their land, their leader or greater good. The reason given was to be able to tell where you're from without being looked down on. The shame of defeat wouldn't rest only on the leader's shoulders but the whole kingdom would suffer the consequences and it was up to all the present players to decide what was more important to them. Pride? Or their future? <br>&nbsp; <br>*** <br> <br>The new day was welcomed by a sight of two players conversing secretly in an alley. <br> <br>"Are you sure he'll be there?" one of them asked. <br> <br>"Yes, he's among the leading party. You'll have no problem getting to him" the other answered with a vengeful smile. <br> <br>"Is it really worth all the trouble?" the first one asked doubtfully. <br> <br>"Yes, you'll understand once you see him. This world hasn't seen anything like that and he must be suppressed as fast as possible" the second answered with eyes full of hatred. <br> <br>The man nodded and left with a dark cloak over his face, the other stayed a bit longer and then left too. <br> <br>*** <br> <br>Monthu, Hawk and Ace met as the sun rose in a small inn that had no travellers to listen in on their conversation. <br> <br>"So what did you manage to learn?" <br> <br>Ace blinked a few times to gather his thoughts. To stay up all day and night long reading all of the most boring books ever was quite tiresome. <br> <br>"The castle was built against the mountain and is only accessible from the front. It is protected by two walls and has an internal water system so they'll never run out of it or food which was stored there by humans. It is said that the storage was always kept full and can hold enough food to feed its inhabitants for more than a year. That leaves only brute force. There were a few secret tunnels made so hiring some rogues might be good idea. Also one of the few survivors in his report mentioned that the goblins were acting mightily suspiciously months till the attack yet the nobles didn't do a thing. But the most surprising thing was that goblins were using basic fighting strategies. That baffled all the commanders and the castle fell” <br> <br>"Is that all?" Monthu asked to make sure. <br> <br>"Yes, that's pretty much all I managed to gather" Ace answered yawning and shook his head to stay awake. "I'm done for now, my only suggestion is getting a few rogues or assassins. I should be back before we have to head out." <br> <br>"Why do you play so against yourself? Staying up for days and then sleeping like a dead?" <br> <br>"Because that leaves no time to be with myself" Ace said in a tired voice and with another yawn logged out leaving the two to do the rest of the work. <br> <br>"That's so nice of him to leave everything to us" Hawk muttered under his breath. <br> <br>"Would you have preferred his night in the library?" Monthu asked, already knowing the answer.&nbsp; <br> <br>Hawk shook his head laughing a little. Everything was better than having to do paperwork in a game. <br> <br>Together the two of them walked to the main square where they planned to look for recruits.&nbsp; <br> <br>Monthu walked to the platform where the day's bard was performing and waited for him to finish his song, then he jumped up and loudly announced <br> <br>"All those that want to join the army sent for Vascas castle come to me to sign up." <br> <br>That took up players' attention and they started to fire questions. <br> <br>"What are the level limits?" <br> <br>"Why should I follow you?" <br> <br>"Aren't you a low level yourself?" <br> <br>"How did you manage to get this quest?" <br> <br>"Do you accept only three types or are bards also welcome?" <br> <br>Monthu rose his voice to shout over the noise. "We'll be hiring all kinds of classes and levels doesn't matter too much unless there will be too much people. Reward is fame and familiarity with kingdom as always. No experience is given but you'll get it by killing large amounts of goblins. It's up to you to choose if it is better keep up to your pride or work under my command and gain huge amounts of otherwise hard to raise statuses." <br> <br>That said he walked down leaving the stage to a stunned bard and sat down on a fountain with Hawk beside him. <br> <br>"You always manage to make everyone who doesn't join you look bad" <br> <br>Monthu smiled slightly. He learnt to get people on his side from an early age and it was a useful trick. It never had disappointed him. <br> <br>Soon enough a group of players came up to them. <br> <br>"Are you the one leading the army?" a female in a heavy armour asked. <br> <br>"Yes, would you like to join?" <br> <br>"Yes, we'd like to aid in your quest. Our party consists of level 70 fighter" she said pointing to herself and then continued with other members. "Level 57 rogue, 69 swordsman, 50 healer, 67 and 68 mages. And we're not leaving our rogue behind. We're going all or none" she said finishing in a defensive note. <br> <br>"That is fine. We've been planning on getting some rogues anyways. Do you wish to help reclaim the castle?" Monthu asked sharing the quest and each of them accepted. "We'll be heading out on the morning of the sixth day whenever we get enough people or not. Be prepared to leave at once. If you need any additional information contact Hawk beside me." <br> <br>"What? Why me?" the aforementioned guy asked surprised. <br> <br>"Aurora is babysitting Par, Ace collected all the info, I'm hiring the army and will have to create a battle plan. Don't you think you should do something too?" <br> <br>"Pff... Fine" Hawk said agreeing. Explaining things was a gruesome work but at least better than any other suggested. He exchanged contacts with all six players and they all left promising to be back on time. <br> <br>After them a few more groups came and joined their cause. In the evening they had around fifty players. It was quite poor compared to how many they needed and the first day usually brought the most applicants. Their future looked grim to say the least. <br> <br>"We need to do something!" Aurora said loudly over her meal. "There's no way we can win with even lower forces than was allowed." <br> <br>The two guys nodded but didn't have any ideas how to win over more players. <br> <br>"Have you put it online?" Par asked suddenly. <br> <br>"On the forums?" Hawk said. <br> <br>"Yeah! I remember Ace saying he always looked through it to make sure he was still allowed to go everywhere he wanted" Par said explaining his thought process. <br> <br>"That's a great idea!" Aurora said agreeing. "Some might even come from nearby cities! I'll do it right now!" <br> <br>Monthu nodded and they all logged out for a time being. <br> <br>&nbsp;- Five days later - <br> <br>"So do we have everything we need?" Ace asked just logging back. <br> <br>"Look who decided to show up" Hawk said with disdain in his voice. <br> <br>"What's eating you?" Ace asked with a raised eyebrow. He had taken a long rest without any interruptions and it showed in his good mood. <br> <br>"You should have to try explaining everything to five hundred people! And each of them wants to get all the details by themselves! Can you imagine it?" <br> <br>Ace shrugged smiling a little and walked away leaving the tired archer alone. There were lots of people crowded near the gates chatting and laughing. It would have been impossible to find anyone unless you were looking for leaders. Monthu, Aurora and Par were standing surrounded by dozens of players asking them all kinds of questions concerning the travel. <br> <br>"Hey!" Ace shouted and ran to Par who smiled at that. <br> <br>"Ace! Have you heard the news?" the little mage asked excitedly. <br> <br>"Which ones?" Ace asked puzzled. There hadn't been any major events happening, had there? <br> <br>"You've been made the rogue captain! You have twelve thieves and assassins under your command!" <br> <br>"Really?" Ace asked redirecting his gaze towards Monthu who just nodded. "Do they know they'll have to follow me?" <br> <br>"Your problem" Monthu said with a slight smile, turning away. <br> <br>'He'll get it one day...'Ace thought laughing. He knew it was revenge for throwing this quest on his head, but that didn't mean Ace would let it slide past without retaliation. <br> <br>"Is everyone already here?" he asked turning his eyes back to Par and Aurora. <br> <br>"I believe we were waiting only for you. We should head out soon." Aurora said looking around. <br> <br>"Yeah" Par said agreeing and chatted on relaying all the news. "Monthu is taking care of all the melee classes, Hawk archers while Aurora has clerics and mages under her wing. We have two hundred fighters; around a hundred healers and the rest are either mages or archers. &nbsp;Oh and your rogues and some bards, dancers. Also the lord sent a scribe to record the battle and fifty warriors to defend him that Monthu can order around! There is..." <br> <br>Ace listened to him with one ear while catching bits and pieces of others' conversations. They all seemed happy and excited for an upcoming adventure. To Ace's relief none showed any signs of anger or disgust so his try at seeing a castle siege will probably work out. 'Great!' <br> <br>That only left explaining to a bunch of rogues they will have to follow the orders of a kid. Of course he could use force and show off his skills but that went against all things an assassin should do in his mind. 'What fun...?’ Ech he had some time to figure it out till they got to the battleground. <br> <br>Not wasting any more time the army marched off in high spirits. They took plenty of time to rest and hunt for food so it took them two full weeks to reach the castle and establish a base preventing goblins from taking a step out of their home. <br> <br>The surrounding forests were very green and full of small game. &nbsp;A nearby river made it a perfect place to launch an extended assault from. The next morning after settling in, it was time for Ace to meet his group. Rogues had been restless all the time asking who their assigned leader is so there was no longer any way of dodging the responsibility for Ace. The battle was about to begin. In more ways than one too. <br> <br>Ace told Hawk to tell all the rogues to come to a secluded clearing in a forest saying they'll meet their leader there. All twelve of them were surprised but went along with it and showed up at the designed place much to Ace's dismay. 'It would have been so much easier if they were simply okay without having anyone to account to.' <br> <br>Ace revealed himself while standing on a low branch. It was always better to have a way to look down on your subordinates as it gave you a sense of control and power even if it was fake.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Hello there! I heard you were looking for someone to order you around?" he asked in a taunting voice. <br> <br>Now he could take a better look at his unfortunate subordinates. Unlike him they were wearing leather armour, the colour of dust to blend in among the dungeon walls, only a few had dark brown or greenish colours that went well outside. And there was only a single female. <br> <br>"Scram off kid. I've seen you tagging along the general but we have no time to play with you" one of them said, cutting Ace’s train of thought. 'This is going to take a while...' <br> <br>"There's a problem with that, I've been assigned to show you around." <br> <br>"You? A kid? Don't talk nonsense!" <br> <br>"Are you even a rogue?" they asked, annoyance clear in their voices. <br> <br>"For your information yes I am and a quite successful one at that if I'm here" Ace said with a sneer. It transformed his light childish face into one of a spoiled brat’s, looking well placed with his richly made everyday clothes that had absolutely no defensive capabilities. <br> <br>"And you expect us to believe it? Your loaded daddy put you here, didn't he?" <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Deception successful +12%*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>"And what's that to you? My father could buy you all out and not even notice" Ace said, his sneer still present, infuriating all the rogues even more. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Deception +12%*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Sometimes blatant lies worked wonders too. <br> <br>Ace's body moved to catch the dagger before he could even react to it being thrown. It meant two things - the angry rogue was much higher level than Ace but his [Evasion] was superior. <br> <br>"Is that your answer?" Ace asked twirling the dagger in his hand. He threw it up and caught again with another hand. "Do you really think you'd just kill me and walk away unscathed?" <br> <br>"I don't care! I'm not following a brat playing rogue just because he has money. This is a game and only skills matter!" the daggers owner said in a deadpan voice that should bring no arguments.&nbsp; <br> <br>That of course didn't apply to Ace. <br> <br>"Is that so?" he asked tauntingly once again. "You think money has no value here? Don't make me laugh! There's not a thing you can't buy! Skills too" Ace said throwing the dagger back at its owner and jumped down right before him. "Come at me! Test me with your oh so great self learnt skills." <br> <br>"I'm not going to kill a kid even if he's as infuriating as you!" the man said, not taking out his weapon and going against what he did just a minute ago. <br> <br>'I really wish I could throw that skill deep down into the abyss! Now it's even destroying my work!' Ace though with hatred. The ability [Childish Innocence] not only kept monsters away from him but made him look younger and more vulnerable in the players' eyes. <br> <br>"Are you scared you'll make fun of yourself unable to defeat a kid? That would be something you couldn't live down, wouldn't it? That's just sad. Is there anyone a bit braver here then? Or is this a bunch of chickens scared to even raise their weapons? Maybe I should tell Monthu to fire you all as useless... That seems like a good idea" Ace said twirling the end of his scarf and turned around as if leaving. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Deception successful + 5%*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Deception failure -7%*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>But that snapped one of the players' nerves and he attacked from the back. Ace evaded it with ease and without taking out his own weapon danced around his opponent. His small frame allowed for many quick movements and it was literary child's game to remain unscathed. <br> <br>After some time the rogue got frustrated and started to fight seriously using all kinds of skills. It was a dangerous game but Ace liked to play with fire. It brought excitement to a boring life so he continued to dodge the attacks without taking out his own dagger.&nbsp; <br> <br>A few close calls made his heart go racing but beside pink cheeks and his hair getting even more dishevelled nothing happened. The others were quite amazed even if they pretended not to be. Neither of them would dare to do anything as stupid as this. A hit wouldn't be deadly but it'd hurt enough not to try it again. <br> <br>"What are you trying to prove kid?" the previous man asked. <br> <br>"Me?" Ace asked laughing while rolling away to dodge two daggers thrown where he had been standing just a second ago. "I'm just playing around because that's all I know" he said twisting his body to avoid getting his waist sliced. <br> <br>"This changes nothing. The fact that you're quick on your feet doesn't make me want to follow you at all" <br> <br>"That is of no importance" Ace said with a bitter smile. "My father will buy me a whole army next time if I just feel like it" There was a strange note in his voice that could only be attributed to a much older person. It was a deep hatred for humanity and life itself, prevalent only in people who have seen the worst of the world. Corners of Ace's eyes started to shine but he brushed it off with a back of his sleeve offhandedly. It hadn't slipped through anyone's eyes. <br> <br>Now none knew what to do. The attacker stopped his fruitless work and stood quiet among others, silently brewing with shame. <br> <br>"Why do you want to lead us anyway?" the high level player asked finally. <br> <br>"And why not? Would you die from shame if I told you to go and scout a few times?" Ace asked with anger colouring his voice. He was trying to regain his tough act but it didn't fool anyone. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Deception +12%*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Ace smiled inwardly, it was already won. <br> <br>They asked him a few more alike questions and he kept his high act which resulted in them agreeing to follow him. He had to get his every order approved by Monthu and so on but now he was a fully accepted leader. The fact that it was out of pity for a lonely broken child was of no importance. <br> <br>'People are just so naive when they're dealing with a child. It's amazing what nonsense they can believe' Ace laughed to himself that evening sitting down to play his flute. 'Tomorrow should bring great things if this continues' he thought and started a new melody that reminded him of the raging sea ready to swallow a man alive. <br> <br> <br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1038" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a> </div>

[Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1024&p=5367#p5367) Author's Note: A new beginning! And we're out of the city once again! By the way don't ask me who those conspirators are. I was thinking of a beginning for a new chapter (before they got combined) and thought this up but Hawk and Monthu were whispering there. After a bit of thinking I decided it was a bit strange for them to meet in a place like this and created two random characters who showed up to be quite malicious. That left me with a conspiracy underway without even knowing who created it and aimed at who. So good luck trying to figure that one out  :D I have an invisible but very tasty cookie for the one who actually matches what is going to happen. Right now it's very up to debate (between my mind and Ace. He usually finds a way to foil my great plans like in chapter seven where he was supposed to win by his magic instead of the random fake of weak rogue kid...) Btw thanks xion930 for pr :) **** The city was in an uproar. Victims of Silver Wing were mobilizing and creating their own faction! That was unheard of. How could those beggars have enough money and what did they believe to achieve without having a copper? It was stupid beyond belief but more and more players joined their ranks. Almost a fifth of the city’s population had met the infamous monster and now wanted revenge at all costs, poverty to them meant nothing. But even a bigger surprise was the support gained from the Npcs. All the nobles who heard about the new guild came to express their joy and promised to help in any way they could. That led to all the best quests becoming available only to the guild members without any means of oppression. No other faction or alliance could come and destroy the quickly growing Draugar of Silver as that would make them the public enemy, and no Npc would ever give them a quest higher than level E which were the worst fetch quests. Romeo was very busy being in the middle of everything. He had to take care of all the eager to join players, provide help for the recently killed, get money somehow and visit the nobles to gain their support. To ease the workload he had made some of those he had gotten close to his officers. That helped but he probably should get a few more to be able to get a minute of sleep. He had divided the guild into five divisions. The fifth was called Living as it consisted of players that were afraid of Silver Wing without even actually meeting him. The rest of the guild looked down on them but they brought in money and couldn't be refused. The fourth, Spirits, were all those that had met the murderer. All of them and those above wore a necklace with a Silver Wing as their sign. The third group was named Runners because of the thing they did. No, they weren't messengers. They were officers and had so much work that a simple walk was never enough.   And then was he - the leader, and supposedly, the owner. He had talked with Ace later and convinced him to pretend to be a normal member to save the guild's face. Of course that was said in prettier words so the kid couldn’t understand and just agreed. It was a gift from heavens that the child was so trusting and easy to manipulate. 'Let's hope those friends of his don't corrupt him' Romeo prayed accepting another low risk, high reward quest from the goldmine as he called this guild. Romeo had nothing to fear as Ace was the one doing the corrupting. "Hey! It's going to be fun! Par tell him that!" "No means no" Monthu said, his eye twitching. "But how can we miss such an event? It's happening only once half a year! And I'm not even asking to participate!" Ace said pouting, his best puppy dog eye look on. "Please brother! We've never been to any tournament!" Par said, his eyes pleading. "You guys..." Monthu said his eyes searching for help but his childhood friends were pretending not to see anything leaving him to deal with the two children. "We won't go anywhere without you!" Ace promised. "I'll spend time learning math at home!" Par said trying to persuade his brother. "What's so good about it anyway?" The kids sensing a chance started to explain together at the same time. "Best fighters..." "And mages..." "...go against monsters…" "...use amazing skills..." "Epic battles! They have..." "I heard they'll have a phoenix! And a...!  "Fireworks!" "Yeah and musicians!" "Enough! Enough!" Monthu said holding onto his head. "I get it. Fine we'll go but neither of you can take a step away from me!" The kids nodded and high-fived each other. They did it! Hawk and Aurora were looking wide eyed. 'When did Monthu allowed Par anywhere? There was something wrong with it.' "Do you think he's okay?" Aurora asked quietly. "I don't remember him going down on his word no matter how much Par pleaded..." Hawk said whispering. "Neither do I. You sure it's him and not some evil twin?" Hawk laughed. "Can't say for sure, but I hope so. Maybe he can't deal with a pair of kids almost going on their knees before him?" "I really hope so" Aurora said pretending to be looking to the other side. "This way we could actually see something more beside monsters and get to sleep in a bed." "Have you noticed how long we've stayed here already? Before we never passed a one night visit." "Now that you mention it... I think I should thank all the gods for Ace. He's our saviour!" "Pff... It's not like he's doing it for us" Hawk said annoyed and changed the topic. They had had enough arguments whether Ace was a spawn of the devil or not.   ~Five hours later~ "The final match is about to take place! So return to your seats and prepare yourselves for an amazing battle where two masters will test their skills against the other! It is the beast master Zeleo with his mountain lion Amanda against the axeman Kalin! Both of them had seen countless battles and now will compete for the prize of ten thousand gold and the city lord’s favour! That's not a prize to look down on folks! And here they are coming in! Prepare yourselves!" the spokesman hollered. "I'm so tired of his voice!" Aurora said pretending to cover her ears but none paid any attention to her. Ace and Par were looking at the ring with fixated eyes. Nothing else existed for them. Monthu was smiling, noting his brother's happiness while Hawk was debating with a person to his right who was going to win. Although it was hardly a debate as they both said the beast master was going to destroy his opponent. Gong sounded signalling the start of the match and both competitors jumped at each other. The dwarf axeman Kalin blocked both attacks of lioness and her master with ease. He'd entered the tournament for a single reason to win the favour and lead the punitive force quest. It was scheduled to be announced today and the connection could be made even by an idiot. Money was always a good thing but to him a level 230 ten thousand gold weren't the world. In the amount of time required to participate here he could have gained a lot much favour and gold. A whole month in this bard city... A piercing scream of agony left the lioness lips as the axe embedded into her front leg. Blood splashed on Kalin's beard but he was used to it. He blocked the claymore from the beast master and counter-attacked with a dagger hidden in his belt. Cheap trick but it surprised his opponent  long enough for Kalin to hit him with his giant axe and finish him off. "And here it is! The finishing blow! Kalin the axeman! Our victor!" the spokesperson shouted while the crowd applauded. The tradition required for the winner to come over to the lord's seat to receive his prize and a trophy. On the other side of the stadium Par and Ace were bashing down the fight. "He was cheating!" "I can't believe he's been so high level all this time!" "Such a liar!" The battle was quick and boring leading to the children's disappointment. They expected to see an epic fight but got a thirty seconds long clash with an obvious difference in skills. "That was so unfair of him to join" "Yeah..." Par said agreeing. "Let’s go out of here. I don't want to see him again." The whole party accepted his suggestion as the competition was already over and was about to stand up when a loud yell interrupted them. "Whaaaaat? What do you mean it's been chosen? Who's the bastard that stole my quest? Tell me!" Kalin screamed at the top of his lungs, his face beat red. "Calm down, sir" the city’s lord said in a soft but commanding voice. "The general was chosen by a very respectable noble and it wouldn't be in your best interests to make a scene here in front of everyone. Calvin!" "Yes, my lord?" a middle aged man answered, appearing beside the seat. "Call out for our chosen one. It's as good time as any to call him and announce his mission." "Of course, my lord." The servants back straightened and he took out a rolled piece of paper from which he started to read out.  "From the beginning of our kingdom Castle Vascas belonged to us humans but not too long ago a horde of goblins invaded it, killing all inhabitants and taking it for themselves. That is unacceptable! The city’s lord has declared that the castle will be reclaimed and a best suited person must be chosen for that job. The nobility has already selected an adventurer. It is Sctyheman Monthu! Although he's not widely known his abilities to lead are unpaired. May the person show himself if he's present!" Monthu stood up uncertainly looking around but everyone else was sitting. 'What is going on here? I never asked for it' Monthu wondered taking a few uncertain steps towards the stage.  "Come over here young man!" the lord said with a bright smile, forgetting all about Kalin who was boiling with rage. 'How could this shy guy steal something like this from under my noise? Wait, what if I beat him before the crowd? Maybe it's a test for my resolve?' "You incompetent idiot! You can't lead the glorious army in Oradin's name while not even having the courage to fight in a tournament!" he said raising his axe for a clean kill but to his surprise the man blocked it and entered a defensive stance. His outlook changed too. 'He's feeling more at ease now aware of the difference in our levels than facing a lord? Just who is he?' Kalin was drawing all the wrong conclusions there. Monthu was reluctant to come closer as that meant accepting a quest he didn't want but now that the winner attacked him he could fake weakness and lose the quest. But that didn't mean he was going down from the first hit. He had some pride on him too. "Guards! Guards!" the lord shouted pointing to the axeman. "Lock him in a prison for a week or two. He has threatened your lord!" "I didn't do anything of the like!" Kalin tried to defend himself but the guards weren't taking notice of his words. An order was an order. "Swinging your sword before my head is pretty dangerous. You should be happy I'm so nice and only lock you up for a few weeks!" the lord said smiling and turned his attention back to Monthu. "Now that the interruptions are over I'd like to get to business. Will you create an army and retake the Vascas castle for the Oradin kingdom?" his voice was soft but full of authority and power. No surprise he was a city lord even at the age of twenty five. Ting! | New Quest: Retaking Vascas Castle Many monsters roam around the kingdom but before now none tried to steal it from humans. A few months back goblins with a surprising level of intelligence took over a castle, shocking all the kingdom. It was a big offence and cannot be tolerated. Together with other adventurers go out and retake the castle for Oradin. Quest level: C Time limit: must be finished before the next king meeting half a year from now. Quest cannot be refused | | --- | 'But I don't want it!' Monthu wanted to refute but kept his cool. It wouldn't do any good to show his distaste for the quest. "I'll do everything I can to regain it" he said calmly going down on his knee. 'It seems I'll have to do it anyway and bring Par along but how did I even end up here?' "Lovely! Then take your group along and come to my castle, I'll explain more things in detail" the lord said clapping in joy and taking his leave in a graceful manner. | *You have accepted the quest Retaking Vascas Castle!* | | --- | Monthu followed the lord’s lead and left the dais to go back to his group who looked at him with stunned expressions. "What did you do when we weren't looking?" Aurora asked. "Saved a princess? Stopped an assassination? What could you possibly have done to gain such a reputation in a single day?" "Brother is amazing!" Par said with a proud smile. "How did you manage it?" Hawk asked amazed just like the others. The quests you get heavily rely on your fame and reputation in the right circles. The biggest problem was that you gained little fame for doing menial quests but you couldn't get anything good until you did a million of those. Only players looking for an emperor's crown pushed themselves that far and a few other who did it for reasons only known to them. "This is such a great opportunity for us to gain fame too as we'll be among the leaders with you" Hawk added happily. "Truthfully I have no idea what is going on" Monthu said with distaste. "Unlike you think, I haven't been doing anything and my fame is at the meagre 200 as it was before." "What do you mean? This event was meant to find a champion for the punitive force! You'd have had to have at least a few thousand or more for it to be given to you without any competition!" Hawk said not believing. "See it for yourself" Monthu said opening his status window for all to see. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Monthu | Alignment | Chaotic Good | | Level | 74 | Profession | Scytheman | | Title | None | | | | Fame | 200 | | | | Health | 2982 | Mana | 193 | | Strength | 173+50 | Agility | 170+50 | | Wisdom | 10 | Intelligence | 17 | | Stamina | 70 | | | | Luck | 15 | Leadership | 25 | | Attack | 142 | | | | Defense | 50 | | | | Magic Resistance | 0% | | | "Then how could you have been given the quest?" Hawk asked in disbelief. Monthu wasn't lying about his fame so what was going on here? "That's what I've been telling you. There's something fishy about all this" "Well, it’s not like you can refuse it" Ace said, shrugging. "You have already accepted it and we'll gain nothing by contemplating the mystery, only annoy the lord who's waiting for you if I heard right.” "Shoot! That's right! We must go and hear what the lord has to say." "We're meeting a city lord? That’s great!" Aurora said with her eyes alight. In rich houses there were a lot of religious symbols like statues, paintings and clerics’ faith rose from it allowing for stronger healing and offensive spells. "Let's go!" Par said and was about to march off when Ace shook his head. "I'm not going. There's no reason for all of us to be there and in that time I can collect a lot of useful information. I'm sure we'll have to gather the players and leave soon enough so every bit of information would work in our favour" "Why are you so concerned about my quest?" Monthu asked with suspicion. "It's our quest. I'm part of this group and you're not leaving Par behind so we're all going there. And I don't want to die which makes me go visit a library and find something useful while you go and chat with a lordling" Ace said. That of course was not the main reason, but the group had no need  to know it. "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Fine then. Let's go" Monthu said and with Par beside him marched off towards the castle, Aurora and Hawk following. Ace was left alone for the moment. Two pair of eyes followed the group of four who entered the lord's private room. One of them belonged to sir Elimas. He feared what he was going to see, but the first impression wasn't that bad. The guy wielding a scythe was surprisingly normal looking with well-made and taken care of chain armour. His face was calm and collected without any trace of smugness. Was he an innocent party here? His group consisted of an impossibly white female cleric, hawk like archer and a little kid in a mage's robe. How could a man be a monster with a child following him? "Welcome to my study. This here is my trusted advisor who helped in choosing you for this mission. Will you introduce us to the lady?" the lord spoke up in a charming voice, his eyes locked on Aurora whose cheeks warmed up. "This is my friend Aurora, beside her is Hawk and my little brother Paradox. Also we have another member Ace who's busy at the moment." "Is he now?" the lord asked with a slight smile, redirecting his attention to Monthu who didn't even blink meeting it. "You sent by the god’s are so untrustworthy... Always disappearing at the wrong time" he said shaking his head lightly as if in sorrow. "Ace is trustworthy!" Par said with anger in his voice. "So how do you explain his absence now?" the lord asked in an amused voice which made Par become even angrier. "He's smart! He knew that there's no need for all of us to be here and he could spend his time researching! That would be more of use!" Par said defending his friend. "So there's no point in seeing me although I made a very specific request? That's a first" the lord said amused. "Just as well. We'll have a meeting if you manage to successfully retake the castle."  He took out a parchment and handed it to Monthu. "It contains all information about the goblins we managed to gather up till now. There's not much but should get you through the beginning. You must leave at the end of the week as the travel requires a few weeks and the castle must be brought back to our rule as fast as possible. If you can't do it till the next king meeting Oradin will lose a lot of reputation and at best you will be thrown out of the kingdom. Everything's clear?" the lord asked in a sweet voice. Monthu rolled his eyes at the threat. "Yes" "Great! You're free now! Come back with good news. Oh and you can hire five hundred adventurers to your help!" with that the lord motioned his hand and his advisor opened the study's door leading them out. On the way out Monthu asked him a question. "Why was I chosen although I have nowhere near sufficient amount of fame?" Sir Elimas nodded in understanding. It was just as he had expected, this guy was randomly chosen and was an innocent party. That could only mean the scarf wearing guy wanted to prevent Kalin from gaining the quest. What could possibly be so scary about that axeman? Or was it personal revenge? "You as a candidate were presented by one of the counsel members and then chosen worthy by your characteristics. We have faith in your abilities so don't disappoint us" he said without any real hope of him succeeding. He might be a true warrior and not some fake but his level was way too low to make an army of good quality to listen to him while army of beginners would never take back the castle. "Who could have suggested me? I've just recently come to this city and haven't done a single quest yet" Monthu said. He just couldn't understand what was going and it was eating him from the inside. "Maybe you impressed someone else then, some important adventurer or a high noble in another city?"  Sir Elimas asked, fishing for answers. "I haven't done anything of the like" Monthu said with a thoughtful expression. Then he had an idea. Only one person always did whatever he wanted and seemed to make him do it too. There was no other explanation. 'But isn't this a bit too high even for him? How could he possibly manage to persuade a whole committee of nobles to choose me?' "You seem quiet. Have you figured it out?" "No, but I think I'd be better off not knowing. I have a bad feeling I wouldn't like it at all" Monthu said cryptically and left the castle with his friends in tow. /Where are you?/ Aurora messaged Ace. /Library and I found a lot of useful information here/ Ace wrote back reading another book. /How much time were we given?/ /One week from today we must leave. Do you have any suggestions?/ /Well, you can start looking for players now or tomorrow after I've finished my research and would know what we'll face/ /Isn't it goblins?/ Aurora asked not finding it needing more information. /We're not going to just fight them. They'll be barricaded in a castle which has from one to five defensive walls, which might be on a hill, surrounded by water or against a mountain. And each of these scenarios requires a different army set up for the highest chance of success. In the end it all depends on Monthu, how he wants to go at it  - trusting luck or information/ Ace answered baffling Aurora. She expected it to be just another battle with people and goblins bashing at each others heads but Ace was telling her it was going to be far from that. "Ace says he's collecting information about the castle and advises to start recruiting tomorrow when he has found enough to help in choosing the finer points of our army" she said to the guys. "That's a good idea" Monthu said at the same time as Hawk. They nodded at each other in acknowledgement while Par looked at them uncomprehending. "But it would be well for us to advertise it. What do you think?" Hawk asked. "If we do it today, they could have time to think it over and decide whenever they're going to follow you or not." "It's better than doing nothing" Monthu said agreeing and they went to a scribe. In a few hours their poster was put on a notice board at the city's centre. Some interested players went to check it out. A group of goblins with their faces twisted in obnoxious smiles were drawn. They looked even worse than in reality and were just asking for a beating. ~Do you want them to rule your kingdom?~ was a single line written at the top of the paper. It wasn't asking players to fight for their land, their leader or greater good. The reason given was to be able to tell where you're from without being looked down on. The shame of defeat wouldn't rest only on the leader's shoulders but the whole kingdom would suffer the consequences and it was up to all the present players to decide what was more important to them. Pride? Or their future?   *** The new day was welcomed by a sight of two players conversing secretly in an alley. "Are you sure he'll be there?" one of them asked. "Yes, he's among the leading party. You'll have no problem getting to him" the other answered with a vengeful smile. "Is it really worth all the trouble?" the first one asked doubtfully. "Yes, you'll understand once you see him. This world hasn't seen anything like that and he must be suppressed as fast as possible" the second answered with eyes full of hatred. The man nodded and left with a dark cloak over his face, the other stayed a bit longer and then left too. *** Monthu, Hawk and Ace met as the sun rose in a small inn that had no travellers to listen in on their conversation. "So what did you manage to learn?" Ace blinked a few times to gather his thoughts. To stay up all day and night long reading all of the most boring books ever was quite tiresome. "The castle was built against the mountain and is only accessible from the front. It is protected by two walls and has an internal water system so they'll never run out of it or food which was stored there by humans. It is said that the storage was always kept full and can hold enough food to feed its inhabitants for more than a year. That leaves only brute force. There were a few secret tunnels made so hiring some rogues might be good idea. Also one of the few survivors in his report mentioned that the goblins were acting mightily suspiciously months till the attack yet the nobles didn't do a thing. But the most surprising thing was that goblins were using basic fighting strategies. That baffled all the commanders and the castle fell” "Is that all?" Monthu asked to make sure. "Yes, that's pretty much all I managed to gather" Ace answered yawning and shook his head to stay awake. "I'm done for now, my only suggestion is getting a few rogues or assassins. I should be back before we have to head out." "Why do you play so against yourself? Staying up for days and then sleeping like a dead?" "Because that leaves no time to be with myself" Ace said in a tired voice and with another yawn logged out leaving the two to do the rest of the work. "That's so nice of him to leave everything to us" Hawk muttered under his breath. "Would you have preferred his night in the library?" Monthu asked, already knowing the answer.  Hawk shook his head laughing a little. Everything was better than having to do paperwork in a game. Together the two of them walked to the main square where they planned to look for recruits.  Monthu walked to the platform where the day's bard was performing and waited for him to finish his song, then he jumped up and loudly announced "All those that want to join the army sent for Vascas castle come to me to sign up." That took up players' attention and they started to fire questions. "What are the level limits?" "Why should I follow you?" "Aren't you a low level yourself?" "How did you manage to get this quest?" "Do you accept only three types or are bards also welcome?" Monthu rose his voice to shout over the noise. "We'll be hiring all kinds of classes and levels doesn't matter too much unless there will be too much people. Reward is fame and familiarity with kingdom as always. No experience is given but you'll get it by killing large amounts of goblins. It's up to you to choose if it is better keep up to your pride or work under my command and gain huge amounts of otherwise hard to raise statuses." That said he walked down leaving the stage to a stunned bard and sat down on a fountain with Hawk beside him. "You always manage to make everyone who doesn't join you look bad" Monthu smiled slightly. He learnt to get people on his side from an early age and it was a useful trick. It never had disappointed him. Soon enough a group of players came up to them. "Are you the one leading the army?" a female in a heavy armour asked. "Yes, would you like to join?" "Yes, we'd like to aid in your quest. Our party consists of level 70 fighter" she said pointing to herself and then continued with other members. "Level 57 rogue, 69 swordsman, 50 healer, 67 and 68 mages. And we're not leaving our rogue behind. We're going all or none" she said finishing in a defensive note. "That is fine. We've been planning on getting some rogues anyways. Do you wish to help reclaim the castle?" Monthu asked sharing the quest and each of them accepted. "We'll be heading out on the morning of the sixth day whenever we get enough people or not. Be prepared to leave at once. If you need any additional information contact Hawk beside me." "What? Why me?" the aforementioned guy asked surprised. "Aurora is babysitting Par, Ace collected all the info, I'm hiring the army and will have to create a battle plan. Don't you think you should do something too?" "Pff... Fine" Hawk said agreeing. Explaining things was a gruesome work but at least better than any other suggested. He exchanged contacts with all six players and they all left promising to be back on time. After them a few more groups came and joined their cause. In the evening they had around fifty players. It was quite poor compared to how many they needed and the first day usually brought the most applicants. Their future looked grim to say the least. "We need to do something!" Aurora said loudly over her meal. "There's no way we can win with even lower forces than was allowed." The two guys nodded but didn't have any ideas how to win over more players. "Have you put it online?" Par asked suddenly. "On the forums?" Hawk said. "Yeah! I remember Ace saying he always looked through it to make sure he was still allowed to go everywhere he wanted" Par said explaining his thought process. "That's a great idea!" Aurora said agreeing. "Some might even come from nearby cities! I'll do it right now!" Monthu nodded and they all logged out for a time being.  - Five days later - "So do we have everything we need?" Ace asked just logging back. "Look who decided to show up" Hawk said with disdain in his voice. "What's eating you?" Ace asked with a raised eyebrow. He had taken a long rest without any interruptions and it showed in his good mood. "You should have to try explaining everything to five hundred people! And each of them wants to get all the details by themselves! Can you imagine it?" Ace shrugged smiling a little and walked away leaving the tired archer alone. There were lots of people crowded near the gates chatting and laughing. It would have been impossible to find anyone unless you were looking for leaders. Monthu, Aurora and Par were standing surrounded by dozens of players asking them all kinds of questions concerning the travel. "Hey!" Ace shouted and ran to Par who smiled at that. "Ace! Have you heard the news?" the little mage asked excitedly. "Which ones?" Ace asked puzzled. There hadn't been any major events happening, had there? "You've been made the rogue captain! You have twelve thieves and assassins under your command!" "Really?" Ace asked redirecting his gaze towards Monthu who just nodded. "Do they know they'll have to follow me?" "Your problem" Monthu said with a slight smile, turning away. 'He'll get it one day...'Ace thought laughing. He knew it was revenge for throwing this quest on his head, but that didn't mean Ace would let it slide past without retaliation. "Is everyone already here?" he asked turning his eyes back to Par and Aurora. "I believe we were waiting only for you. We should head out soon." Aurora said looking around. "Yeah" Par said agreeing and chatted on relaying all the news. "Monthu is taking care of all the melee classes, Hawk archers while Aurora has clerics and mages under her wing. We have two hundred fighters; around a hundred healers and the rest are either mages or archers.  Oh and your rogues and some bards, dancers. Also the lord sent a scribe to record the battle and fifty warriors to defend him that Monthu can order around! There is..." Ace listened to him with one ear while catching bits and pieces of others' conversations. They all seemed happy and excited for an upcoming adventure. To Ace's relief none showed any signs of anger or disgust so his try at seeing a castle siege will probably work out. 'Great!' That only left explaining to a bunch of rogues they will have to follow the orders of a kid. Of course he could use force and show off his skills but that went against all things an assassin should do in his mind. 'What fun...?’ Ech he had some time to figure it out till they got to the battleground. Not wasting any more time the army marched off in high spirits. They took plenty of time to rest and hunt for food so it took them two full weeks to reach the castle and establish a base preventing goblins from taking a step out of their home. The surrounding forests were very green and full of small game.  A nearby river made it a perfect place to launch an extended assault from. The next morning after settling in, it was time for Ace to meet his group. Rogues had been restless all the time asking who their assigned leader is so there was no longer any way of dodging the responsibility for Ace. The battle was about to begin. In more ways than one too. Ace told Hawk to tell all the rogues to come to a secluded clearing in a forest saying they'll meet their leader there. All twelve of them were surprised but went along with it and showed up at the designed place much to Ace's dismay. 'It would have been so much easier if they were simply okay without having anyone to account to.' Ace revealed himself while standing on a low branch. It was always better to have a way to look down on your subordinates as it gave you a sense of control and power even if it was fake.  "Hello there! I heard you were looking for someone to order you around?" he asked in a taunting voice. Now he could take a better look at his unfortunate subordinates. Unlike him they were wearing leather armour, the colour of dust to blend in among the dungeon walls, only a few had dark brown or greenish colours that went well outside. And there was only a single female. "Scram off kid. I've seen you tagging along the general but we have no time to play with you" one of them said, cutting Ace’s train of thought. 'This is going to take a while...' "There's a problem with that, I've been assigned to show you around." "You? A kid? Don't talk nonsense!" "Are you even a rogue?" they asked, annoyance clear in their voices. "For your information yes I am and a quite successful one at that if I'm here" Ace said with a sneer. It transformed his light childish face into one of a spoiled brat’s, looking well placed with his richly made everyday clothes that had absolutely no defensive capabilities. "And you expect us to believe it? Your loaded daddy put you here, didn't he?" | *Deception successful +12%* | | --- | "And what's that to you? My father could buy you all out and not even notice" Ace said, his sneer still present, infuriating all the rogues even more. | *Deception +12%* | | --- | Sometimes blatant lies worked wonders too. Ace's body moved to catch the dagger before he could even react to it being thrown. It meant two things - the angry rogue was much higher level than Ace but his [Evasion] was superior. "Is that your answer?" Ace asked twirling the dagger in his hand. He threw it up and caught again with another hand. "Do you really think you'd just kill me and walk away unscathed?" "I don't care! I'm not following a brat playing rogue just because he has money. This is a game and only skills matter!" the daggers owner said in a deadpan voice that should bring no arguments.  That of course didn't apply to Ace. "Is that so?" he asked tauntingly once again. "You think money has no value here? Don't make me laugh! There's not a thing you can't buy! Skills too" Ace said throwing the dagger back at its owner and jumped down right before him. "Come at me! Test me with your oh so great self learnt skills." "I'm not going to kill a kid even if he's as infuriating as you!" the man said, not taking out his weapon and going against what he did just a minute ago. 'I really wish I could throw that skill deep down into the abyss! Now it's even destroying my work!' Ace though with hatred. The ability [Childish Innocence] not only kept monsters away from him but made him look younger and more vulnerable in the players' eyes. "Are you scared you'll make fun of yourself unable to defeat a kid? That would be something you couldn't live down, wouldn't it? That's just sad. Is there anyone a bit braver here then? Or is this a bunch of chickens scared to even raise their weapons? Maybe I should tell Monthu to fire you all as useless... That seems like a good idea" Ace said twirling the end of his scarf and turned around as if leaving. | *Deception successful + 5%* | | --- | | *Deception failure -7%* | | --- | But that snapped one of the players' nerves and he attacked from the back. Ace evaded it with ease and without taking out his own weapon danced around his opponent. His small frame allowed for many quick movements and it was literary child's game to remain unscathed. After some time the rogue got frustrated and started to fight seriously using all kinds of skills. It was a dangerous game but Ace liked to play with fire. It brought excitement to a boring life so he continued to dodge the attacks without taking out his own dagger.  A few close calls made his heart go racing but beside pink cheeks and his hair getting even more dishevelled nothing happened. The others were quite amazed even if they pretended not to be. Neither of them would dare to do anything as stupid as this. A hit wouldn't be deadly but it'd hurt enough not to try it again. "What are you trying to prove kid?" the previous man asked. "Me?" Ace asked laughing while rolling away to dodge two daggers thrown where he had been standing just a second ago. "I'm just playing around because that's all I know" he said twisting his body to avoid getting his waist sliced. "This changes nothing. The fact that you're quick on your feet doesn't make me want to follow you at all" "That is of no importance" Ace said with a bitter smile. "My father will buy me a whole army next time if I just feel like it" There was a strange note in his voice that could only be attributed to a much older person. It was a deep hatred for humanity and life itself, prevalent only in people who have seen the worst of the world. Corners of Ace's eyes started to shine but he brushed it off with a back of his sleeve offhandedly. It hadn't slipped through anyone's eyes. Now none knew what to do. The attacker stopped his fruitless work and stood quiet among others, silently brewing with shame. "Why do you want to lead us anyway?" the high level player asked finally. "And why not? Would you die from shame if I told you to go and scout a few times?" Ace asked with anger colouring his voice. He was trying to regain his tough act but it didn't fool anyone. | *Deception +12%* | | --- | Ace smiled inwardly, it was already won. They asked him a few more alike questions and he kept his high act which resulted in them agreeing to follow him. He had to get his every order approved by Monthu and so on but now he was a fully accepted leader. The fact that it was out of pity for a lonely broken child was of no importance. 'People are just so naive when they're dealing with a child. It's amazing what nonsense they can believe' Ace laughed to himself that evening sitting down to play his flute. 'Tomorrow should bring great things if this continues' he thought and started a new melody that reminded him of the raging sea ready to swallow a man alive. [Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1038)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The Beast<br>Chapter 5: Cult Hit<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction… of sorts<br>By Halosty<br><br> A teary eyed Lailam looked down at Roger. <br><br> “I’m sorry I won’t be able to visit you very often for a while. I have finals, so I’m going to be very busy,” she sniffled at this point. She couldn’t bring herself to say much more. “Are you… are you sure you can find food?”<br><br> ‘I can find food.’ Roger said as he nudged her hand. ‘Don’t worry.’<br><br> After Lailam did her magical logoff thing, Roger wondered… ‘final whats?’<br><br> Some people used very strange words. Roger didn’t really understand what they meant. However, he knew in this case, Lailam would be gone for a while longer than usual. This would give Roger plenty of time to do things at that “training hall” place.<br><br> First, however, he stopped by the vegetable seller’s stall. He had learned that if he wiggled his ears and made cute noises, he got food faster. It did seem to give people weird sparkles in their eyes though. Sometimes they would stare or make weird squealing noises as if they were in pain, but it didn’t hurt Roger, so he was fine with that.<br><br> Roger went into a still empty training center. He again started striking these “scarecrow” things. They didn’t even look anything like crows. Then, something a bit different happened. Someone looked into the training center. Very few people even knew about the increases one could gain from the training center, and fewer were willing to go through the process. People also rarely tested their skills on the scarecrows, because it was more practical to do so on monsters most of the time. The person who looked in just happened to be walking by.<br><br> Roger didn’t really pay much attention to them, but they seemed to stay and watch for a while. He didn’t think much of the incident and forgot it shortly after they left.<br><br> Later, more people showed up, but he couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to them. He was concentrating on learning a new technique. His hop ability, while powerful and quick, left him open at either end of the hop, when he stopped. He was attempting new ways to use it that would allow him to keep moving. Because of this, he was actually moving back and forth between quite a number of the otherwise unused scarecrows.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Arasel was sitting at her shop in the market. She loved gardening in real life, so though it would be an interesting thing to do in Royal Road. In fact, she was quite happy when tending her vegetables. However, nobody bought them. She couldn’t even do much real adventuring, because nobody wanted to group with a gardener, who had practically no combat capabilities.<br><br> She had been planning to quit playing, but then recently a reason to stay around had appeared in Royal Road. He was handsome and charming, as well as mysterious. He liked her vegetables, and often stopped by to see her. He didn’t talk much, but she found his shyness appealing. She could only like him more if he were human, or an elf. Instead, he was just one of the cutest rabbits every. Her eyes sparkled thinking about him.<br><br> Then, the sound of people talking took her out of her daydream.<br><br> “Hey, did you hear about that rabbit at the training center?”<br><br> “Yeah, I hear it’s really cute. I hear it’s hopping around on the heads of the scarecrows.”<br><br> “I watched it playing in there, and it’s adorable. I wonder why it’s there, though.”<br><br> Arasel knew it had to be the same rabbit. It was only logical, since rabbits generally didn’t come into the city, or really do anything but sitting in the field being experience for low level adventurers. She wanted to go watch him, but she had to run her stall.<br><br> Then she thought about it. Her stall was literally useless as it was. It didn’t even matter if it was there, since no one ever bought anything. She packed up her goods, because although nobody would likely steal them, she felt better having them with her. Then, she went to see the training center.<br><br> Inside was definitely the same rabbit who visited her stand. A few people were standing around watching him. He appeared to be jumping from head to head of the scarecrows, as she had overheard. Well, it really looked more like bouncing. The cute little rabbit didn’t stop long, as he bounced back and forth between two a couple times, or sometimes in a triangle. After a number of bounces, he would stop and rest on the ground. Arasel thought he looked rather hungry.<br><br> She took out a carrot and walked inside. When she got close to him, he turned and looked at her. He quickly came up and nuzzled her hand. She fed him the carrot, and watched him nibble on it. It was really cute. As Arasel walked back out of the training center, she saw some other elven ladies who were watching. It was obvious from their eyes that they, too, could not resist the charm of the rabbit. Then, she got a brilliant idea.<br><br>--------------------------<br> Roger could not ignore the crowd anymore. Well, he still could have, but he no longer wanted to. At some point, after a visit from the nice vegetable lady, people had started bringing him more food. He had quickly gotten stuffed from all their tasty presents. He worked harder to spend his stamina and thus use up a bit of satiety, just so he could eat more tasty carrots.<br><br>*Ding*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained a new skill!<br><br>Ravenous Hunter<br><br>As long as satiety doesn’t drop below 10%, you can convert satiety directly into stamina. Higher levels will increase the rate of conversion.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> Roger found this to be an excellent ability. He could use his hop ability many times in a row, as well as striking the scarecrows. Then, when his stamina was low, he could convert satiety into stamina to keep going. The best part was, people kept bringing him food. This meant he had almost unlimited stamina. He knew he obviously couldn’t count on this while hunting, but it was a very convenient ability here.<br><br> Because of his effectively increased stamina, Roger was able to perform more consecutive uses of hop, until…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>A skill has changed!<br><br>Hop has become Quick Attack<br><br>Beginner level 7<br><br>Your powerful legs allow you to leap onto the enemy, and then back off, disorienting it and possibly causing stun. Consecutive uses will use 10% more stamina and cause 10% more damage, up to a total of &lt;7&gt; in one effectively continuous movement.<br><br>Damage, stun chance, and jumping height increase with level, stamina cost increases with height and power of jump, but decreases with level.<br><br>Number of consecutive jumps increases with level.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> This was exactly the kind of skill Roger had been hoping for. It allowed him to make many attacks consecutively, and as long as he was careful with his stamina, he could use it defensively as well.<br><br> Roger started practicing Quick Attack, as well as his basic strikes on the scarecrows. Stat increases were still popping out of them, so he had no reason to stop yet… except at night, when he would hunt.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Arasel was proud of herself. She had found a way to sell her vegetables, although maybe not the way she had originally envisioned when she started out. She was somewhat surprised that the little rabbit wasn’t the size of a cow by now. Then again, she had seen him moving, and all that jumping around must use a lot of energy.<br><br> She looked at the crowd of people watching that was constantly changing in size. Although it was mostly women, there were a few male elves there as well. Either those who were there with their girlfriends, or those who were willing to admit that they thought rabbits were cute too. They didn’t have to stick with the traditional view of what was manly, since they were already elves. Nobody could blame them anyway. It was an undeniable fact that this rabbit was cute.<br><br> Well, some people denied it. Although it should have been a given, some people didn’t think the rabbit was cute. Some people just didn’t care, while other actively ridiculed the crowd, calling them an obsessed fan club. This didn’t deter them, however. It just gave them a common sense of identity as a fan club. Not all of them were content to just watch, or buy the rabbit carrots. Some of them actually tried out the training center as well. There were plenty of scarecrows to use, so they used some that were away from the rabbit’s rather large area.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Roger trained during the day, and at night he hunted anything he came across as The Beast. His growth was not terribly quick due to the lack of worthy monsters near the city, but he steadily advanced in both level and basic stats. Then, with one particularly good strike at a scarecrow…<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Agility rises by 2 points. (+2 AGI)<br>Vitality rises by 1 point. (+1 VIT)<br>Fame rises by 20 point. (+20 FAME)<br>Health rises by 100 point. (+100 HP)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> He had completed the training. The instructor who had been watching him came up to him.<br><br> “So, little one. You have completed the training. You are the first one to do so here. You cannot use what the standard reward would be, but I have something for you anyway. I think you might be able to use it.”<br><br> The instructor held out a ring. Roger touched it with his nose to determine what it could do.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Wooden Ring<br><br>This is a specially made award for being to first to complete the Beginner Training Program in Heartwood.<br><br>Equip:<br>+5 STR<br>+5 AGI<br><br>Special:Adds 5 base damage to natural attacks and unarmed strikes</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Roger thought it was a very nice ring to give him strength, agility, and damage. He was just unsure how he could use it. He showed a puzzled look to the instructor, who then slipped it over his paw. It was just big enough. Roger could wear it something like a bracelet. He rubbed it against the floor to make sure it wouldn’t fall off. Then, he thanked the instructor the only way he could. He put off a burst of fighting spirit. The instructor smiled.<br><br> Meanwhile, the members of his fan club who had been training felt a sudden chill along one or two more people who had learned of the benefits of the training center. They dropped their weapons, and looked around for what could have caused it. However, all they saw was a tough looking elf talking to a cute little rabbit.<br><br> Roger was happy to be done with this training, and was waiting for Lailam to come back soon, so he could move on to a new place.<br><br>End Chapter 5: Cult Hit </div>

The Beast Chapter 5: Cult Hit A Royal Road Fan Fiction… of sorts By Halosty A teary eyed Lailam looked down at Roger. “I’m sorry I won’t be able to visit you very often for a while. I have finals, so I’m going to be very busy,” she sniffled at this point. She couldn’t bring herself to say much more. “Are you… are you sure you can find food?” ‘I can find food.’ Roger said as he nudged her hand. ‘Don’t worry.’ After Lailam did her magical logoff thing, Roger wondered… ‘final whats?’ Some people used very strange words. Roger didn’t really understand what they meant. However, he knew in this case, Lailam would be gone for a while longer than usual. This would give Roger plenty of time to do things at that “training hall” place. First, however, he stopped by the vegetable seller’s stall. He had learned that if he wiggled his ears and made cute noises, he got food faster. It did seem to give people weird sparkles in their eyes though. Sometimes they would stare or make weird squealing noises as if they were in pain, but it didn’t hurt Roger, so he was fine with that. Roger went into a still empty training center. He again started striking these “scarecrow” things. They didn’t even look anything like crows. Then, something a bit different happened. Someone looked into the training center. Very few people even knew about the increases one could gain from the training center, and fewer were willing to go through the process. People also rarely tested their skills on the scarecrows, because it was more practical to do so on monsters most of the time. The person who looked in just happened to be walking by. Roger didn’t really pay much attention to them, but they seemed to stay and watch for a while. He didn’t think much of the incident and forgot it shortly after they left. Later, more people showed up, but he couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to them. He was concentrating on learning a new technique. His hop ability, while powerful and quick, left him open at either end of the hop, when he stopped. He was attempting new ways to use it that would allow him to keep moving. Because of this, he was actually moving back and forth between quite a number of the otherwise unused scarecrows. -------------------------- Arasel was sitting at her shop in the market. She loved gardening in real life, so though it would be an interesting thing to do in Royal Road. In fact, she was quite happy when tending her vegetables. However, nobody bought them. She couldn’t even do much real adventuring, because nobody wanted to group with a gardener, who had practically no combat capabilities. She had been planning to quit playing, but then recently a reason to stay around had appeared in Royal Road. He was handsome and charming, as well as mysterious. He liked her vegetables, and often stopped by to see her. He didn’t talk much, but she found his shyness appealing. She could only like him more if he were human, or an elf. Instead, he was just one of the cutest rabbits every. Her eyes sparkled thinking about him. Then, the sound of people talking took her out of her daydream. “Hey, did you hear about that rabbit at the training center?” “Yeah, I hear it’s really cute. I hear it’s hopping around on the heads of the scarecrows.” “I watched it playing in there, and it’s adorable. I wonder why it’s there, though.” Arasel knew it had to be the same rabbit. It was only logical, since rabbits generally didn’t come into the city, or really do anything but sitting in the field being experience for low level adventurers. She wanted to go watch him, but she had to run her stall. Then she thought about it. Her stall was literally useless as it was. It didn’t even matter if it was there, since no one ever bought anything. She packed up her goods, because although nobody would likely steal them, she felt better having them with her. Then, she went to see the training center. Inside was definitely the same rabbit who visited her stand. A few people were standing around watching him. He appeared to be jumping from head to head of the scarecrows, as she had overheard. Well, it really looked more like bouncing. The cute little rabbit didn’t stop long, as he bounced back and forth between two a couple times, or sometimes in a triangle. After a number of bounces, he would stop and rest on the ground. Arasel thought he looked rather hungry. She took out a carrot and walked inside. When she got close to him, he turned and looked at her. He quickly came up and nuzzled her hand. She fed him the carrot, and watched him nibble on it. It was really cute. As Arasel walked back out of the training center, she saw some other elven ladies who were watching. It was obvious from their eyes that they, too, could not resist the charm of the rabbit. Then, she got a brilliant idea. -------------------------- Roger could not ignore the crowd anymore. Well, he still could have, but he no longer wanted to. At some point, after a visit from the nice vegetable lady, people had started bringing him more food. He had quickly gotten stuffed from all their tasty presents. He worked harder to spend his stamina and thus use up a bit of satiety, just so he could eat more tasty carrots. *Ding* | You have gained a new skill!Ravenous HunterAs long as satiety doesn’t drop below 10%, you can convert satiety directly into stamina. Higher levels will increase the rate of conversion. | | --- | Roger found this to be an excellent ability. He could use his hop ability many times in a row, as well as striking the scarecrows. Then, when his stamina was low, he could convert satiety into stamina to keep going. The best part was, people kept bringing him food. This meant he had almost unlimited stamina. He knew he obviously couldn’t count on this while hunting, but it was a very convenient ability here. Because of his effectively increased stamina, Roger was able to perform more consecutive uses of hop, until… | A skill has changed!Hop has become Quick AttackBeginner level 7Your powerful legs allow you to leap onto the enemy, and then back off, disorienting it and possibly causing stun. Consecutive uses will use 10% more stamina and cause 10% more damage, up to a total of <7> in one effectively continuous movement.Damage, stun chance, and jumping height increase with level, stamina cost increases with height and power of jump, but decreases with level.Number of consecutive jumps increases with level. | | --- | This was exactly the kind of skill Roger had been hoping for. It allowed him to make many attacks consecutively, and as long as he was careful with his stamina, he could use it defensively as well. Roger started practicing Quick Attack, as well as his basic strikes on the scarecrows. Stat increases were still popping out of them, so he had no reason to stop yet… except at night, when he would hunt. -------------------------- Arasel was proud of herself. She had found a way to sell her vegetables, although maybe not the way she had originally envisioned when she started out. She was somewhat surprised that the little rabbit wasn’t the size of a cow by now. Then again, she had seen him moving, and all that jumping around must use a lot of energy. She looked at the crowd of people watching that was constantly changing in size. Although it was mostly women, there were a few male elves there as well. Either those who were there with their girlfriends, or those who were willing to admit that they thought rabbits were cute too. They didn’t have to stick with the traditional view of what was manly, since they were already elves. Nobody could blame them anyway. It was an undeniable fact that this rabbit was cute. Well, some people denied it. Although it should have been a given, some people didn’t think the rabbit was cute. Some people just didn’t care, while other actively ridiculed the crowd, calling them an obsessed fan club. This didn’t deter them, however. It just gave them a common sense of identity as a fan club. Not all of them were content to just watch, or buy the rabbit carrots. Some of them actually tried out the training center as well. There were plenty of scarecrows to use, so they used some that were away from the rabbit’s rather large area. -------------------------- Roger trained during the day, and at night he hunted anything he came across as The Beast. His growth was not terribly quick due to the lack of worthy monsters near the city, but he steadily advanced in both level and basic stats. Then, with one particularly good strike at a scarecrow… | Agility rises by 2 points. (+2 AGI)Vitality rises by 1 point. (+1 VIT)Fame rises by 20 point. (+20 FAME)Health rises by 100 point. (+100 HP) | | --- | He had completed the training. The instructor who had been watching him came up to him. “So, little one. You have completed the training. You are the first one to do so here. You cannot use what the standard reward would be, but I have something for you anyway. I think you might be able to use it.” The instructor held out a ring. Roger touched it with his nose to determine what it could do. | Wooden RingThis is a specially made award for being to first to complete the Beginner Training Program in Heartwood.Equip:+5 STR+5 AGISpecial:Adds 5 base damage to natural attacks and unarmed strikes | | --- | Roger thought it was a very nice ring to give him strength, agility, and damage. He was just unsure how he could use it. He showed a puzzled look to the instructor, who then slipped it over his paw. It was just big enough. Roger could wear it something like a bracelet. He rubbed it against the floor to make sure it wouldn’t fall off. Then, he thanked the instructor the only way he could. He put off a burst of fighting spirit. The instructor smiled. Meanwhile, the members of his fan club who had been training felt a sudden chill along one or two more people who had learned of the benefits of the training center. They dropped their weapons, and looked around for what could have caused it. However, all they saw was a tough looking elf talking to a cute little rabbit. Roger was happy to be done with this training, and was waiting for Lailam to come back soon, so he could move on to a new place. End Chapter 5: Cult Hit

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 - &nbsp;Hell Training begins</span> <br> <br>I fell on my face again. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 10 health</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Ouch! Even though I had a lot more health now, it still hurts to fall on your face. Now where am I? I took a look around and found myself in a place that had a lot of shiny things. Not treasures but the actual walls were at least painted gold and stuff. There were statues and painting of beautiful women around as well. <br> <br>“So your the new volunteer we've been expecting.” <br> <br>I heard a rough voice behind me. I turned and saw a well built man with some heavy armor with gold lines on them in contrast with my noob armor that I was still wearing. He looked pretty old to me but didn't look weak at all. <br> <br>“Who...who are you?” <br> <br>The man smiled and promptly said, “I am Vin Hearstone of the Paladin Order under the grace of the Goddess Freya!” <br> <br>I see this person seems like an idiot. Now how do I escape. I looked around to find some sort of exit. <br> <br>“Hahahaha. I see your very impatient to start the training. Men should have that kind of spirit. And your beauty must have been granted by the Goddess herself! I never seen a man look so much like a woman before.” <br> <br>Vin started a laugh loudly again. But I was more concern about his misunderstanding that I wanted to do the training. Oh! There's a place I can run off to. But before I could escape Vin grabbed my collar and dragged me to a strange room. It was filled with scarecrows and a stack of books as well. Vin placed something around my neck and closed the door behind him. &nbsp; <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You are the first player to discover the Altered Hyperbolic Time Chamber. <br> <br>A mysterious training room that was once used in Kallamore–Haven War. &nbsp;Recent Experimental test have been conducted to modernise it. The trainees from this room were able to become stronger after a short period of time. However, many of them also suffered from increased stress and developed a phobia of machines. Now the training room has been refitted to give basic education as well. <br> <br>After some debate on its use, it has been decided that the training would last a week to reduce the amount of trauma the participants had to endure. <br> <br>+100 fame</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>What the hell is this. Those were the first words that popped up in my mind when I read the description in front of me. <br> <br>“Eden you have a maximum of a week to finish both the basic training and basic education. It should be so hard since according to Dan and Rag you read quite a bit already so you don't have to focus so much on that part.” <br> <br>That isn't the problem here! Wait, you know Dan and Rag? <br> <br>“Why do I have a week to finish this?” I asked a bit concern about the time limit. <br> <br>“Because the collar around your neck will explode in a month unless you finish it.” <br> <br>Fuck. <br> <br>“Now get started. Time is ticking. You'll find some food every once in a while.” <br> <br>What do you mean once in a while?! <br> <br>ZAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPP <br> <br>“Arhcgfewbgnagkrnawgk!” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have loss 30 health. You have are paralysed for 5 seconds</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Oh yeah, you'll get zapped if you don't do anything.” <br> <br>Fuck. <br> <br>After the paralyse effect went off I quickly grabbed a book and started to read quickly. If I was right then he had to finish a week's worth of reading in a short enough period to finish the second half of the training. Eventually after a couple of hours a message popped up. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have gained 1 intelligence</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Congratulation you have finished the Basic Education Program. <br> <br>You have gained 100 mana and 20 fame.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Good now to hit the scarecrow though I'm mentally exhausted. I picked up a wooden sword and hit the scarecrow. The scarecrow rebounded a bit and I hit it again. <br> <br>5 minutes later.... <br> <br>Damn this is getting harder to do. <br> <br>20 minutes later.... <br> <br>I wonder if this is enough for a while. I could take a break. <br> <br>1 hour later.... <br> <br>I'm going to put down my sword now. I dropped my wooden sword on the ground and then the scarecrow glowed a strange colour. <br> <br>BOOOOOOM <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 100 health. You are confused</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Damn what was that?! <br> <br>ZAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPP <br> <br>“Bjnewkgvbkbgkabgkbrskubg” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have loss 30 health. You have are paralysed for 5 seconds</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Not again! <br> <br>“Eden if you drop your sword for a moment the scarecrow will deal all the damage you dealt to it. Though this time I reduced the damage so you wouldn't die. Good luck” <br> <br>Fuck you Vin! It would've been better if I died. I got zapped again! <br> <br>“Oh yeah I forgot to install that on you.” <br> <br>Wait what was 'that'?! Don't install it please! <br> <br>Vin opened the door took out two metal arms. He equipped it onto the scarecrow, forced me to hold the wooden sword again and strapped me to the scarecrow. <br> <br>“Hit the scarecrow again.” <br> <br>“No.” <br> <br>“You wanna get zapped again?” <br> <br>So I hit the scarecrow again. Wait it was heavy as hell. <br> <br>“Why is it heavier now?” I said while moving the wooden sword into motion to hit the scarecrow again. <br> <br>“That's the point. The heavier it is the more effective the training will be. Oh yeah the scarecrow will deal the same amount of damage you dealt to it if you don't hit it every 5 seconds. Don't worry it'll be only the damage of the latest hit not like when you dropped your sword. Also unless you deal a certain amount of damage it'll zap you as well.” <br> <br>FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK <br> <br>I started to hit the scarecrow with all my might. <br> <br>“Haha. Looks like your all pumped up now. Anyway see you in 3 days.” <br> <br>Vin walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. I noticed that there was a lot of metal cranking sounds. Did he lock it? Fuck it. I can't think right now! <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Old Friends</span> <br> <br>7 days later. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Congratulation You have finished the basic Training <br> <br>You have gained the following in this period: <br>+40 Strength <br>+40 Agility <br>+40 Vitality <br>+40 Stamina <br>+20 Fame <br>+100 Health <br></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Hell finally...ended. I managed to finish it.....I also gained a couple other stats as well. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Endurance <br>Reduces the physical damage enemies can inflict on you and increases your total health by a small amount. Stat increases automatically when you take damage from melee attacks. You cannot distribute level up bonuses to this stat.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center"> <br>Sustenance <br>You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat level up points to this stat.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Fighting Spirit <br>You can call on superhuman strength temporary, or bring weaker monsters to their knees with the force from your eyes along. You are prohibited from distributing level up bonus points to this stat and it rises spontaneously depending on the avatar’s actions, especially if you fight monsters for a long time or often confront monsters stronger than your current level.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>For a whole week I kept on hitting the damn thing...without any kind of food or water. I think I blacked out after the first day and regained conciousness once in a while....what do I do now? <br> <br>The contraption that was holding me came loose and dropped me on the floor. I thought I saw a shadow outside of the door but that must be my imagination again. <br> <br>Some time later I awoke on a soft warm bed. Wait am I still in the church of Freya? Wow the treatment I get is so different from Warlic and Crysero. <br> <br>“So your awake Eden.” <br> <br>I looked to my right and found Vin sitting next to the bed I was in. Wait how long was he there for? Don't tell me.....he did something.... <br> <br>“What's with that look. Hahahahaha. You have been out cold for a full day. But you finished the training just in time. Notice that the collar on your neck is gone.” <br> <br>I started to touch the area around my neck. It was gone. But I still can't remember what happened in the last week which concerned me greatly. <br> <br>“Anyway Warlic said that you can ask Rag to teleport you back to the tower to continue your training.” <br> <br>Ah..there's still more.... <br> <br>“Also you don't have to go immediately. You could meet Dan for a bit. You gets lonely you know.” <br> <br>Ah it has been a while since I saw Dan. I wonder if anything happened. <br> <br>“Thanks but where exactly am I?” <br> <br>“Your in the church of Freya of course.” <br> <br>“But which town?” <br> <br>“Tellap Town.” <br> <br>“Oh, no wonder you know those two.” <br> <br>I ended back here again. Well time to find my way back to the Sleeping Sheep Centre. <br> <br>I thanked Vin and walked out of the Church doors. There was a line of players waiting to get blessed by the priest. They had a shocked expression when they saw me walk casually out of the church and I don't blame them. Not many players had a close relationship with any kind of church unless they did they a big favour. <br>“Who is that person?” <br> <br>“Who knows. Someone Important?” <br> <br>“No it can't be. She has the default armor on.” <br> <br>“Maybe its because she's a beauty.” <br> <br>“Yeah. It doesn't concern us.” <br> <br>The players in the line were gossiping about me. Not that I cared. I tried to find a familiar landmark to use as guidance to the Library. It looked like I was in the East side of the town but how far North am I to the library? The library was located in the south east part of the town and was pretty easy to spot as long you excluded the fact that the town was uneven in height. <br> <br>Eventually I found one of the marketplaces I passed by before. They were selling some fried meat and I was REALLY hungry. Drawn in my the scent I immediately asked for 3 servings and paid 5 silver in total. I knew I was ripped off but I cut in line and the guy serving pitied me for my wolf like eyes on the meat. <br> <br>I think a coupe of people complained but the guy serving threatened to not sell to them and they all shut up. After my hunger was gone I immediately went to the library without any kind of distractions getting into my way. There I saw Dan sitting and reading again like it was no one's business. <br> <br>“Hey Dan!” <br> <br>“Eden!” <br> <br>Dan looked at me with surprise. <br> <br>“I thought you were at the church of Freya being experimented on with the new training routine” <br> <br>Wait...he knew. He knew and left me there. <br> <br>“Dan you're an asshole.” <br> <br>“Why?” <br> <br>“You left me there to die....” <br> <br>Tears started to flow out of my eyes. It wasn't intentional but the thought of this person leaving me to them hurt me a lot. <br> <br>“Now Now. I designed it so you won't die.” <br> <br>Wait. HE DESIGNED IT!!!! <br> <br>I prepared a lightning spell with the intention of zapping him a bit in my right hand and with a smile said, “What did you say?” <br> <br>“I designed it.” <br> <br>“Why?” <br> <br>“The church asked me to.” <br> <br>“Why?” <br> <br>“I was interested in the design and improved it.” <br> <br>“Why?” <br> <br>“They gave me money.” <br> <br>“Okay now die.” <br> <br>I used my lightning bolt spell on minimum power. As Dan was being zapped by me his eyes rolled back and his body stood still as he was being electrocuted. After a while I stopped and he fell unconscious on the floor still twitching a bit. Although I wanted him to die I intentionally reduced my power output so he would learn his lesson. Never cross me. Ever. <br> <br>“I should go to Rag now....” <br> <br>With that I left Dan on the ground and headed to the mage guild. Upon getting there Rag greeted me with a very large smile. <br> <br>“How did the investigation go?” <br> <br>“Fine.” <br> <br>“Give me the details.” <br> <br>I spent the next 10 minutes explaining what happened during my stay there including the fact that the inhabitants of the tower seemed to be of another world. <br> <br>“Interesting. Interesting. I should contact this Warlic later for a discussion.” <br> <br>“Yeah Yeah. Hurry up and teleport me there.” <br> <br>“Oh I can't do that.” <br> <br>A frown appeared on my face. He did it before, why can't he do it again? <br> <br>“Why?” <br> <br>“Because the co-ordinates of the teleportation are now different than before. If what you said before is true than trying to teleport there is a very bad idea.” <br> <br>“Is there any way to counter this?” <br> <br>“Yes! If there was something that was originally at the tower than I can directly...what's on your wrist?” <br> <br>“Oh this? Something used for training apparently.” <br> <br>“How very interesting. I feel some mana flowing out of it constantly....what exactly does this do?” <br> <br>“Umm....helps me control my mana and restricts the amount of mana I can use in a spell.” <br> <br>“I see I see. Now let me examine it.” <br> <br>“No.” <br> <br>“Yes you will if you want to get to that tower. Unless you want to take a 3 day trip there on foot.” <br> <br>I allowed Rag to analyse the bracelet on my arm. It was very awkward since he kept on saying oh and ah every once in a while &nbsp;but he eventually said, “Seems that I can teleport you to the tower. The mana coming from this bracelet originated in the tower so if I adjust the formula...” <br> <br>Rag did something to the teleportation spell and said, “Oh I forgot to give you the reward fort he quest before.” <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Quest Complete: Investigate the mysterious tower <br> <br>Investigation done. Rag will give you the reward.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>The completion of the quest didn't even level me up....the reward better be good. Rag took out a bag of some sort and threw it at me. I caught it and heard a metallic sound. I opened it and found that it was pieces of gold coins. I counted it and it added up to 100 exactly. <br> <br>“The reward seems high for the quest you know...” <br> <br>“Oh that includes the payment for being a test subject for the church.” <br> <br>So he was involved as well. When I was about to prepare a spell Rag immediately said, “Don't. IF you do that then you can't get back to the tower.” <br> <br>Calming down to his words I postponed my plan on torturing him. <br> <br>“Now hurry up and do whatever in the tower and REPORT back!” <br> <br>A magic circle appeared under me and the feeling of the teleportation returned. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3 – New Class</span> <br> <br>I fell face first to the ground again..... <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 10 Health</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>What is this running gag?! Way do I always fall face first after each teleportation?! <br> <br>“Ah good your back.” <br> <br>Warlic was sitting in front of me slipping his tea. <br> <br>“What's with that look? Its not like you died.” <br> <br>I almost died countless times, though I can't remember any of it! <br> <br>“Well now we go to the final phrase of the training. The advance stuff.” <br> <br>“Why now? Couldn't we do it before?” <br> <br>Warlic got up and looked at me. <br> <br>“If we did before than your body would've exploded or something like that.” <br> <br>My body would've.....what do you mean about something like thaaaaaaattttttttt! <br> <br>“Well hurry up and let me see your stats.” <br> <br>I opened my status window and showed it to him. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Eden</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">25</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">170</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">1220</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">650</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">71</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">111</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">89</td><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">42</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td width="25%">83</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">32</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">78</td><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">41</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">52</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">51</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">34</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">5%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>My stats did look more impressive now. Although I would've been fine with it without the extra points due to the training. <br> <br>“Eh....passable. Barely.” <br> <br>Barely?.......what do you mean barely passable?! I hit the scarecrow even when I couldn't feel my arms or my mind working?! <br> <br>“Wait here for a bit. I'm getting the advance books for you to study. I'll show you true magic...” <br> <br>Warlic left the room to get the books. <br> <br>“Yo~” <br> <br>WWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!!!!! <br> <br>“It seems your a bit depressed or rather surprised right now~.” <br> <br>No shit Sherlock. <br> <br>“By the way, you wanna help me?~” <br> <br>This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea. Refuse. <br> <br>“Sure.” <br> <br>Wait What the fuck did I just say?! Shit. I'm worse than dead right now! <br> <br>“Okay~” <br> <br>Crysero took out a weird looking book. It was all damaged and such which made it look ancient. Hell it was probably ancient. And Crysero moved the book closer to me and it went through my body? No, it went into my body. <br> <br>“What did you just do.....” I asked. <br> <br>“Hmm...you'll see~” <br> <br>The bracelet on my right arm started to crack? From the small cracks light came out of it and it broke. It literally broke. Arh! What is this pain. Its as bad as the time Warlic............ <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Your Race and Class has been changed. You have obtained a title.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Continue Misfortune?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1275" target="_blank">Previous</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1288" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- A slightly shorter chapter with 2933 words <br>- One things goes to another. MC can't take a break can he... <br>- This chapter was very fun to write <br>- Thank ninnin for letting me use the Alter Time Capsule. The amount of time to complete it was extended to reduce...umm the stress...yeah <br>- Next chapter you will see the utter failure of google translate...sigh... </div>

Part 1 -  Hell Training begins I fell on my face again. | You have lost 10 health | | --- | Ouch! Even though I had a lot more health now, it still hurts to fall on your face. Now where am I? I took a look around and found myself in a place that had a lot of shiny things. Not treasures but the actual walls were at least painted gold and stuff. There were statues and painting of beautiful women around as well. “So your the new volunteer we've been expecting.” I heard a rough voice behind me. I turned and saw a well built man with some heavy armor with gold lines on them in contrast with my noob armor that I was still wearing. He looked pretty old to me but didn't look weak at all. “Who...who are you?” The man smiled and promptly said, “I am Vin Hearstone of the Paladin Order under the grace of the Goddess Freya!” I see this person seems like an idiot. Now how do I escape. I looked around to find some sort of exit. “Hahahaha. I see your very impatient to start the training. Men should have that kind of spirit. And your beauty must have been granted by the Goddess herself! I never seen a man look so much like a woman before.” Vin started a laugh loudly again. But I was more concern about his misunderstanding that I wanted to do the training. Oh! There's a place I can run off to. But before I could escape Vin grabbed my collar and dragged me to a strange room. It was filled with scarecrows and a stack of books as well. Vin placed something around my neck and closed the door behind him.   | You are the first player to discover the Altered Hyperbolic Time Chamber. A mysterious training room that was once used in Kallamore–Haven War.  Recent Experimental test have been conducted to modernise it. The trainees from this room were able to become stronger after a short period of time. However, many of them also suffered from increased stress and developed a phobia of machines. Now the training room has been refitted to give basic education as well. After some debate on its use, it has been decided that the training would last a week to reduce the amount of trauma the participants had to endure. +100 fame | | --- | What the hell is this. Those were the first words that popped up in my mind when I read the description in front of me. “Eden you have a maximum of a week to finish both the basic training and basic education. It should be so hard since according to Dan and Rag you read quite a bit already so you don't have to focus so much on that part.” That isn't the problem here! Wait, you know Dan and Rag? “Why do I have a week to finish this?” I asked a bit concern about the time limit. “Because the collar around your neck will explode in a month unless you finish it.” Fuck. “Now get started. Time is ticking. You'll find some food every once in a while.” What do you mean once in a while?! ZAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPP “Arhcgfewbgnagkrnawgk!” | You have loss 30 health. You have are paralysed for 5 seconds | | --- | “Oh yeah, you'll get zapped if you don't do anything.” Fuck. After the paralyse effect went off I quickly grabbed a book and started to read quickly. If I was right then he had to finish a week's worth of reading in a short enough period to finish the second half of the training. Eventually after a couple of hours a message popped up. | You have gained 1 intelligence | | --- | | Congratulation you have finished the Basic Education Program. You have gained 100 mana and 20 fame. | | --- | Good now to hit the scarecrow though I'm mentally exhausted. I picked up a wooden sword and hit the scarecrow. The scarecrow rebounded a bit and I hit it again. 5 minutes later.... Damn this is getting harder to do. 20 minutes later.... I wonder if this is enough for a while. I could take a break. 1 hour later.... I'm going to put down my sword now. I dropped my wooden sword on the ground and then the scarecrow glowed a strange colour. BOOOOOOM | You have lost 100 health. You are confused | | --- | Damn what was that?! ZAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPPPPP “Bjnewkgvbkbgkabgkbrskubg” | You have loss 30 health. You have are paralysed for 5 seconds | | --- | Not again! “Eden if you drop your sword for a moment the scarecrow will deal all the damage you dealt to it. Though this time I reduced the damage so you wouldn't die. Good luck” Fuck you Vin! It would've been better if I died. I got zapped again! “Oh yeah I forgot to install that on you.” Wait what was 'that'?! Don't install it please! Vin opened the door took out two metal arms. He equipped it onto the scarecrow, forced me to hold the wooden sword again and strapped me to the scarecrow. “Hit the scarecrow again.” “No.” “You wanna get zapped again?” So I hit the scarecrow again. Wait it was heavy as hell. “Why is it heavier now?” I said while moving the wooden sword into motion to hit the scarecrow again. “That's the point. The heavier it is the more effective the training will be. Oh yeah the scarecrow will deal the same amount of damage you dealt to it if you don't hit it every 5 seconds. Don't worry it'll be only the damage of the latest hit not like when you dropped your sword. Also unless you deal a certain amount of damage it'll zap you as well.” FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK I started to hit the scarecrow with all my might. “Haha. Looks like your all pumped up now. Anyway see you in 3 days.” Vin walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. I noticed that there was a lot of metal cranking sounds. Did he lock it? Fuck it. I can't think right now! Part 2 – Old Friends 7 days later. | Congratulation You have finished the basic Training You have gained the following in this period: +40 Strength +40 Agility +40 Vitality +40 Stamina +20 Fame +100 Health | | --- | Hell finally...ended. I managed to finish it.....I also gained a couple other stats as well. | Endurance Reduces the physical damage enemies can inflict on you and increases your total health by a small amount. Stat increases automatically when you take damage from melee attacks. You cannot distribute level up bonuses to this stat. | | --- | | Sustenance You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat level up points to this stat. | | --- | | Fighting Spirit You can call on superhuman strength temporary, or bring weaker monsters to their knees with the force from your eyes along. You are prohibited from distributing level up bonus points to this stat and it rises spontaneously depending on the avatar’s actions, especially if you fight monsters for a long time or often confront monsters stronger than your current level. | | --- | For a whole week I kept on hitting the damn thing...without any kind of food or water. I think I blacked out after the first day and regained conciousness once in a while....what do I do now? The contraption that was holding me came loose and dropped me on the floor. I thought I saw a shadow outside of the door but that must be my imagination again. Some time later I awoke on a soft warm bed. Wait am I still in the church of Freya? Wow the treatment I get is so different from Warlic and Crysero. “So your awake Eden.” I looked to my right and found Vin sitting next to the bed I was in. Wait how long was he there for? Don't tell me.....he did something.... “What's with that look. Hahahahaha. You have been out cold for a full day. But you finished the training just in time. Notice that the collar on your neck is gone.” I started to touch the area around my neck. It was gone. But I still can't remember what happened in the last week which concerned me greatly. “Anyway Warlic said that you can ask Rag to teleport you back to the tower to continue your training.” Ah..there's still more.... “Also you don't have to go immediately. You could meet Dan for a bit. You gets lonely you know.” Ah it has been a while since I saw Dan. I wonder if anything happened. “Thanks but where exactly am I?” “Your in the church of Freya of course.” “But which town?” “Tellap Town.” “Oh, no wonder you know those two.” I ended back here again. Well time to find my way back to the Sleeping Sheep Centre. I thanked Vin and walked out of the Church doors. There was a line of players waiting to get blessed by the priest. They had a shocked expression when they saw me walk casually out of the church and I don't blame them. Not many players had a close relationship with any kind of church unless they did they a big favour. “Who is that person?” “Who knows. Someone Important?” “No it can't be. She has the default armor on.” “Maybe its because she's a beauty.” “Yeah. It doesn't concern us.” The players in the line were gossiping about me. Not that I cared. I tried to find a familiar landmark to use as guidance to the Library. It looked like I was in the East side of the town but how far North am I to the library? The library was located in the south east part of the town and was pretty easy to spot as long you excluded the fact that the town was uneven in height. Eventually I found one of the marketplaces I passed by before. They were selling some fried meat and I was REALLY hungry. Drawn in my the scent I immediately asked for 3 servings and paid 5 silver in total. I knew I was ripped off but I cut in line and the guy serving pitied me for my wolf like eyes on the meat. I think a coupe of people complained but the guy serving threatened to not sell to them and they all shut up. After my hunger was gone I immediately went to the library without any kind of distractions getting into my way. There I saw Dan sitting and reading again like it was no one's business. “Hey Dan!” “Eden!” Dan looked at me with surprise. “I thought you were at the church of Freya being experimented on with the new training routine” Wait...he knew. He knew and left me there. “Dan you're an asshole.” “Why?” “You left me there to die....” Tears started to flow out of my eyes. It wasn't intentional but the thought of this person leaving me to them hurt me a lot. “Now Now. I designed it so you won't die.” Wait. HE DESIGNED IT!!!! I prepared a lightning spell with the intention of zapping him a bit in my right hand and with a smile said, “What did you say?” “I designed it.” “Why?” “The church asked me to.” “Why?” “I was interested in the design and improved it.” “Why?” “They gave me money.” “Okay now die.” I used my lightning bolt spell on minimum power. As Dan was being zapped by me his eyes rolled back and his body stood still as he was being electrocuted. After a while I stopped and he fell unconscious on the floor still twitching a bit. Although I wanted him to die I intentionally reduced my power output so he would learn his lesson. Never cross me. Ever. “I should go to Rag now....” With that I left Dan on the ground and headed to the mage guild. Upon getting there Rag greeted me with a very large smile. “How did the investigation go?” “Fine.” “Give me the details.” I spent the next 10 minutes explaining what happened during my stay there including the fact that the inhabitants of the tower seemed to be of another world. “Interesting. Interesting. I should contact this Warlic later for a discussion.” “Yeah Yeah. Hurry up and teleport me there.” “Oh I can't do that.” A frown appeared on my face. He did it before, why can't he do it again? “Why?” “Because the co-ordinates of the teleportation are now different than before. If what you said before is true than trying to teleport there is a very bad idea.” “Is there any way to counter this?” “Yes! If there was something that was originally at the tower than I can directly...what's on your wrist?” “Oh this? Something used for training apparently.” “How very interesting. I feel some mana flowing out of it constantly....what exactly does this do?” “Umm....helps me control my mana and restricts the amount of mana I can use in a spell.” “I see I see. Now let me examine it.” “No.” “Yes you will if you want to get to that tower. Unless you want to take a 3 day trip there on foot.” I allowed Rag to analyse the bracelet on my arm. It was very awkward since he kept on saying oh and ah every once in a while  but he eventually said, “Seems that I can teleport you to the tower. The mana coming from this bracelet originated in the tower so if I adjust the formula...” Rag did something to the teleportation spell and said, “Oh I forgot to give you the reward fort he quest before.” | Quest Complete: Investigate the mysterious tower Investigation done. Rag will give you the reward. | | --- | The completion of the quest didn't even level me up....the reward better be good. Rag took out a bag of some sort and threw it at me. I caught it and heard a metallic sound. I opened it and found that it was pieces of gold coins. I counted it and it added up to 100 exactly. “The reward seems high for the quest you know...” “Oh that includes the payment for being a test subject for the church.” So he was involved as well. When I was about to prepare a spell Rag immediately said, “Don't. IF you do that then you can't get back to the tower.” Calming down to his words I postponed my plan on torturing him. “Now hurry up and do whatever in the tower and REPORT back!” A magic circle appeared under me and the feeling of the teleportation returned. Part 3 – New Class I fell face first to the ground again..... | You have lost 10 Health | | --- | What is this running gag?! Way do I always fall face first after each teleportation?! “Ah good your back.” Warlic was sitting in front of me slipping his tea. “What's with that look? Its not like you died.” I almost died countless times, though I can't remember any of it! “Well now we go to the final phrase of the training. The advance stuff.” “Why now? Couldn't we do it before?” Warlic got up and looked at me. “If we did before than your body would've exploded or something like that.” My body would've.....what do you mean about something like thaaaaaaattttttttt! “Well hurry up and let me see your stats.” I opened my status window and showed it to him. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Eden | Type | Neutral | | Level | 25 | Class | None | | Fame | 170 | Infamy | 0 | | Title | None | | | | Health | 1220 | Mana | 650 | | Strength | 71 | Agility | 111 | | Intelligence | 89 | Wisdom | 42 | | Concentration | 83 | Endurance | 32 | | Sustenance | 78 | Fighting Spirit | 41 | | Vitality | 52 | Stamina | 51 | | Offence | 10 | Defense | 34 | | Magic Resistance | 5% | | | My stats did look more impressive now. Although I would've been fine with it without the extra points due to the training. “Eh....passable. Barely.” Barely?.......what do you mean barely passable?! I hit the scarecrow even when I couldn't feel my arms or my mind working?! “Wait here for a bit. I'm getting the advance books for you to study. I'll show you true magic...” Warlic left the room to get the books. “Yo~” WWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!!!!! “It seems your a bit depressed or rather surprised right now~.” No shit Sherlock. “By the way, you wanna help me?~” This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea. This is a bad idea. Refuse. “Sure.” Wait What the fuck did I just say?! Shit. I'm worse than dead right now! “Okay~” Crysero took out a weird looking book. It was all damaged and such which made it look ancient. Hell it was probably ancient. And Crysero moved the book closer to me and it went through my body? No, it went into my body. “What did you just do.....” I asked. “Hmm...you'll see~” The bracelet on my right arm started to crack? From the small cracks light came out of it and it broke. It literally broke. Arh! What is this pain. Its as bad as the time Warlic............ | Your Race and Class has been changed. You have obtained a title. | | --- | | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1275) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1288) | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: - A slightly shorter chapter with 2933 words - One things goes to another. MC can't take a break can he... - This chapter was very fun to write - Thank ninnin for letting me use the Alter Time Capsule. The amount of time to complete it was extended to reduce...umm the stress...yeah - Next chapter you will see the utter failure of google translate...sigh...

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter Three – Soul Contribution<br><br>A/N: Skills Appearing in &lt;&lt;--&gt;&gt; are skills used with "Path of Silence" (meaning he is not saying them aloud) <br><br>Rei yawned and stretched in the back of the classroom. He’d been getting run ragged with Vennec’s training in game and as usual had been using class for a little extra sleep. It was lunch break and several groups of students had formed but they all had one thing in common. They were talking about Royal Road.<br><br>“I got to lv59 and finally got some cool spells!”<br><br>“...managed to join a decent party and we are currently clearing the dungeon...<br><br>“My blacksmithing reached Beginner Level 8! Soon guilds will want me...”<br><br>Rei was kind of jealous, it seemed they were all playing the same game yet none of them were experiencing the torture that he was. <br><br>“So how is it?”<br><br>The voice startled him out of his thoughts. Sher was leaning casually on the desk next to him.<br><br>“How’s what?”<br><br>“The game idiot. I know you started playing already.”<br><br>“It’s alright I guess... I’m just in a rather painful part at the moment...”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘That was putting it mildly!’</span><br><br>“Ah, I heard about the beginning four weeks of boredom from a friend. Must be tough.”<br><br>“You have no idea...”<br><br>“So have you decided on what class you will be?”<br><br>For some reason Sher seemed genuinely interested, which Rei thought was odd. She usually has no interest in games.<br><br>“I... uh... already kind of stumbled into my class.”<br><br>“Really? What is it?”<br><br>“Assassin.”<br><br>There was an awkward pause and Sher looked shocked.<br><br>“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d be a Knight or something.”<br><br>“Yeah, it just sort of happened. It’s actually a lot more impressive than I thought.”<br><br>Which was the truth. If he managed to master all the skills that Vennec was trying to bash into his head he’d be impressive indeed. When he finally managed to climb out of the pit and the class that was offered wasn’t even a hidden or unique class, Rei had seriously considered quitting right then and there. <br><br>But after a week of almost non-stop training he was becoming more and more comfortable with it. <br><br>“What class can compliment an Assassin?”<br><br>“Huh? Uh... I honestly have no idea.”<br><br>“Then you’re coming to the library with me after school.”<br><br>“What? Why?”<br><br>“To help me do research. I need to know what class I’m going to be.”<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“No arguing.”<br><br>And with that Sher turned around and left the classroom.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Somehow things just got more complicated...’</span><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><br><br>“She’s a demon...”<br><br>Sher hadn’t let Rei escape for hours. She’d made him explain everything! They had researched for hours on the various party combinations and strategies. After three hours Sher decided that she would be a warrior. Rei had tried to talk her out of it because it seemed like an awkward class for a girl but he hadn’t dared to utter that idea out loud. <br><br>They spent hours watching videos and reading guides on the different types of warrior. But Rei had gotten to see something interesting too. Apparently an Assassin had managed to single-handedly wipe out a fortress. Now that was unprecedented.<br><br>Rei’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head as they watched the video on the Royal Road Hall of Fame. Psychological attacks, taking out lone players and soldier NPCs... The Assassin turned the entire defense of the fortress on its head.<br><br>Some defenders left their positions, only to get slaughtered, which, in turn, made the people who stayed in their positions more vulnerable to attack. People triggered traps while chasing the Assassin leading to massive deaths... Rei couldn’t help but think it was a work of art... <br><br>Then he blinked in surprise...<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Is that really my personality? Maybe Vennec is having a bigger influence on me than I realized...’</span><br><br>It was true that his way of thinking had already changed. When Sher asked him about knights it was pretty evident.<br><br>“They’re idiots... All that honor and chivalry that affects their ability to fight is rather limiting...”<br><br>Rei answered without thinking and his answer surprised him. He let out a sigh at the thought of his rapidly disappearing morals and began to head home. He had a few days before he’d have to start showing Sher around Royal Road; he’d best make use of it. <br>?<br><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><br><br>Knox logged into Royal Road to find Vennec waiting for him. Vennec, as usual was nothing more than a moving patch of shadows in the corner of the room but the deadly looking daggers in his hands were visible enough. <br><br>“Good. You’re back. I’ve got a job for you.”<br><br>“What is it?”<br><br>“Some bandits have moved into a pub on the east side of the city... Go kill them.”<br><br>*Tring!*<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Quest: A Den of Thieves<br>Description: Kill all the bandits in Ol’ Oak Pub. Acquire the Bandit Leader’s sword as proof. <br>Requirements: Must be trained by Vennec. Must retrieve bandit leader’s sword.<br>Rewards: 50 Gold +110 (+10) Fame</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Sure.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have accepted the quest.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“And since you don’t have any weapons use these.”<br><br>Vennec tossed two daggers and a belt sheath at Knox who caught it easily. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Paired Steel Dagger (2)<br>Durability: 35/35<br>Attack: 8-11<br>A paired of dagger designed to be used with it's twin. Crafted by an adequate blacksmith and sharpened without loss of durability. <br>Bonuses:<br>+15 Str<br>+20 Agi<br>+2% Critical Hit Chance<br><br>Requirements: <br>- Dual Wield<br>- Lv20<br>- 75 Agi <br>- 25 Luk</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Sweet! Thanks!”<br><br>“Don’t die...”<br><br>“I didn’t know you cared...”<br><br>“I don’t. It would just be embarrassing for me.”<br><br>Knox sighed and headed for the surface. His trip through the city was much different than when he first arrived. Vennec had taken him around the town once already to let Knox get familiar with it and since then the NPCs had avoided him like the plague.<br><br>Apparently, Vennec was rather well known... In a rather bad way but it did give Knox some pleasure to see people running back into alleys to avoid being on the street with him.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Serves them right for chasing me all over the damn place.’</span><br><br>He had strapped his two new daggers to his waist and made sure they were in easy reach as he walked down the street. He kept his thumbs looped through his belt and his eyes moved back and forth, scanning the crowd and taking in all the different sights. <br><br>The houses for all their chipped paint and shabby outer appearance seemed to be well built and sturdy. None of the glass in the windows was broken and there were no signs of vandalism. He also saw a few grime covered statues and fountains that looked like they could be quite nice if cleaned up... It made him think that this place hadn’t always been a hellhole. Maybe it only recently became like this?<br><br>Vennec hadn’t really said anything about this place other than how dirty and annoying it was to live here... Vennec did a lot of complaining now that Knox thought about it. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Well I’ll have to find out what happened to this town...’</span><br><br>As he entered the east side of the city, he left the road and began moving through the back alleys. He activated his stealth skill as soon as he was out of sight and began making his way toward Ol’ Oak pub.<br><br>The pub looked like it had once been a barn, it was bright red and much larger than the neighboring buildings. It was two stories tall, with only a few windows and one front entrance. The front door opened quietly and thanks to Knox’s &lt;&lt;Stealth&gt;&gt; he easily slipped inside. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have entered A Den of Thieves.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The main room was a typical dimly lit bar. Broken beer kegs and overturned tables littered the room along with several drunk bandits. A teenage girl was walking from table to table giving out beer, ale and whatever else the bandits called for.<br><br>Step 1: Observe the situation<br><br>Knox watched everything from a corner of the room and no one even noticed he was there. The poor waitress looked like she was unsure if she wanted to cry or bash beer mugs over empty bandit skulls.<br><br>“Hurry up and bring more beer over here!”<br><br>“Get me some more ale!”<br><br> He saw several of the bandits take their beers and climb unsteadily up the stairs, so he figured there would be quite a few on the second floor... probably the leader as well.<br><br>Because the bandit’s infamy was high enough, each of the bandit NPCs had a red name above their heads, which meant they would count as monsters, giving Exp and additional loot! Knox wasn’t going to let any of them get away.<br><br>Step 2: Create a plan of attack<br><br>First he would have to get the girl to safety... So he walked almost directly behind her as she went into a room behind the bar to get more beer. He grabbed her from behind and activated his skill &lt;&lt;Pressure Points&gt;&gt; and her body went limp.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Experience in Pressure Points has increased!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox dragged the unconscious girl deeper into the room and hid her behind a large barrel of ale. Then proceed with the next step... Block the escape routes. He had already left a razor wire across the front entrance at knee level and he did the same with the back door. <br><br>From what he had learned from Vennec the legs were the best place for such traps. Height varies too much from person to person to leave the traps at neck height. But no matter how tall or short someone might be their legs are always in the same place! Then he positioned himself alongside the door and waited.<br><br>“Hey, where’d the wench go?” <br><br>“Someone go drag her out of the back, she’s pro’lly weeping her eyes out again.”<br><br>“Damn, good service is hard to find...”<br><br>A minute later a drunken bandit stumbled into the back room... <br><br>Step 3: Execute<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Backstab&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>Knox’s daggers glowed with a soft purple light as he slammed them into the bandit’s back. All the practice Vennec made him do on the ‘human scarecrows’ made his daggers automatically find the spine and the heart. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Sneak Attack!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Critical Hit!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Backstab Damage +200% Target unaware of your presence!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Fatal Blow</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Stealth disabled from executing an attack.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Your mastery of Backstab has leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox caught the bandit's body and lowered it gently to the ground. He took the time to search the corpse but only took a ring and the bandits boots before moving on. After scooping up his loot he slipped quietly into the bar. There were only three bandits who seemed conscious and he moved from one to the next. He was only visible for a brief time after each attack but his heart was beating rapidly from nervousness...<br><br>All it would take is one glance and this would get messy. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Backstab&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Sneak Attack!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Critical Hit!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Backstab Damage +250% Target unaware of your presence!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Fatal Blow</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">- Stealth disabled from executing an attack.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Level Up: Dagger Mastery [5]<br>Increases Attack Power with daggers (+35% ATK)<br>Increases Attack Speed with daggers (+21% ATK SPD)<br>Agility Increased by 5<br>Luck Increased by 5<br>Critical Hit Chance with Daggers Increased by 2%<br>Critical Damage with Daggers Increased by 8%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Skill: Rupture<br>Rupture (Lv. 1 0%) – Rupture your enemy’s recent wounds with a dual pommel strike to the body.<br>Causes target to receive 15% of all the damage taken from a blade in the past 20 seconds.<br>If target is Bleeding, damage increased by 1.5x<br>If target is not Bleeding, inflicts Bleed<br>If target is Bleeding, causes severe Bleeding<br>If target is Bleeding severely, no effect<br>Requires two weapons to be equipped<br>Mana Cost: 450</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Damn that’s almost all the mana I have... even after all the leveling I’ve done.’</span><br><br>When every last bandit on the first floor was dead, Knox sighed with relief. He took a moment to distribute his stat points and then proceeded to set up traps along the stairs. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Wire Trap&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Wire Trap&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;Wire Trap&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Trap Mastery has leveled up! [2]<br>Traps are 15% harder to notice.<br>Traps do 25% more damage and an additional 25% if not noticed.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> This time, Knox set up three traps all at varying heights. This way, if a bandit saw one of their buddies hit a trap and tried to dodge, he’d hit one of the other traps. In truth it was more to raise his proficiency than anything else.<br><br>“Wire Trap” was the only trap Knox was currently able to create at his level, without massive time to prep and so he had decided to try and level it up. The traps would at least slow them down if they tried to run away.<br><br>The second floor was three large open rooms, with a small room at the top of the stairs that was used as a bathroom. The floor of the first room was littered with sleeping bandits. Knox decided to ignore them for the time being and check on the other rooms.<br><br>He knew he’d have to take care of these guys eventually but for now he wanted a better idea of what he was dealing with. He did a lot of damage but his class wasn’t designed for huge brawls. Surprise and speed were his primary weapons after all. <br><br>Over the last two months in game Vennec had made him kill dozens of opponents... Sometimes Knox was able to get them alone, which was the best possible outcome for him. Other times the situation quickly devolved into what his father would call a “Cluster f***.” A loud gurgle as his target died or a leg spasm that knocks over a chair and Knox would soon find himself fighting for his life.<br><br>After a lot of ‘error and trial’ Knox had come to realize simply knowing all the pieces beforehand could save a lot of trouble later. He also noticed that whenever he thoroughly investigated before he began his attacks he gained a new stat called “Insight”. He wasn’t a hundred percent sure what it was for but it seemed the game was rewarding him for planning ahead. <br><br>The second room had four men who looked slightly better equipped than the others. Their swords looked newer and their armors were well made leather... <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘That armor is mine! With that I might be able to survive some of Vennec’s beatings.’</span><br><br>The bandits were completely unaware of the killing intent that was suddenly directed toward them and the armor they were so proud of...<br><br>The bandits were sitting at a table playing cards but their behavior seemed subdued. They kept shooting nervous glances toward the closed door that led to the last room.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘This will be tricky... I can probably take out these four but not all at once...’</span><br><br>Knox tilted his head back to think and a huge smile spread across his face at what he saw. Then he crept back into the first room and began the brutal work of slaughtering sleeping bandits.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><br><br>“Jerry, whatcha thinks got da boss in such a fury?”<br><br>“Prolly them rumors about some master assassin in these parts.”<br><br>“Ya, we headed dis way cause we heard it was easy pickins and before we get here some assassin starts making a name for himself offing thieves and bandits...whadda he think he’s better dan us?”<br><br>“Hmph... He prolly ain’t nothin’ special anyhow.”<br><br>“True, scared little rabbits just spreadin’ crazy rumors.”<br><br>Jerry turned his head toward the lantern and frowned... He could have sworn he saw something out of the corner of his eye but there was nothing there. With a shake of his head he turned back to his cards... and the lantern went out.<br><br>“Wha... Gaakh!”<br><br>“Roy?!”<br><br>*Spurt!*<br><br>“Eric? Vauhn?!”<br><br>*Thump*<br><br>“I’m her... Kuuhk!”<br><br>“Guys?! WHAT THE HELL? GUYS?!”<br><br>Jerry was in such a panic that it took him a few seconds to realize the burning sensation that seemed to be spreading from his back... It felt like someone was burning his insides... Then he felt his legs giving out and he fell to the floor. The last thing he heard as his consciousness faded was a door being slammed open and a voice roaring something...<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><br><br>“WHAT THE f*** IS ALL THIS RACK...” <br><br>The giant man who had smashed open the door halted mid-yell as the light from his room flickered over the crimson pool on the floor. Without another word he spun around and ran back into his room. He didn’t stop moving until his hand closed around the grip of the huge sword lying against the wall.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><br><br>Knox waited patiently for the Bandit Boss to come back. Thirty minutes... Forty-five minutes... An hour... He didn’t twitch or shift his weight after settling in. A few weeks ago he would have rushed through that door like an idiot and he probably would’ve received massive damage for his trouble. Maybe even death.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘No need to risk it. He’ll come to me.’</span><br><br>*Grin*<br><br>Forty minutes and several leg cramps later a lantern began to illuminate the room. The bandit leader slowly entered the room, making sure to keep his back toward the wall. As the lantern drove away the darkness the four corpses, sprawled on the floor, were cast in harsh relief.<br><br>Knox watched the bandit leader circle the entire room with his back against the wall. The bandit would periodically swing his sword in front of him like he was fishing and Knox found it really hard not to chuckle. When the bandit finally made it to the doorway he quickly peeked inside and then swung his sword in front of him. Then he took a hesitant step toward the center of the room, swinging his huge sword in big arcs as he went.<br><br>Knox waited until the bandit got to the middle of the room. The table and chairs were overturned like he’d been checking to see if anyone was hiding under them. Then Knox made his move.<br><br>He dropped off the ceiling beam and aimed his daggers at either side of the man’s neck but it didn’t go as he planned. Something must have given away his presence because at the last moment the man twitched to the side and Knox’s daggers dug into the bandit’s shoulders instead.<br><br>“AARRRGH!!!”<br><br> The bandit howled and then an elbow slammed into Knox’s stomach with the force of a hammer. <br><br>“Gaaah!”<br><br>His feet weren’t on the ground so Knox had no way to mitigate the damage of the blow and went flying into the wall.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘What ridiculous strength... That was just an elbow and it took a quarter of my health! If that guy hits me with his weapon I’m dead...’</span><br><br>Knox pushed himself off the floor and rushed toward his target. He ducked under the swing of the brute’s sword and could feel the wind ruffling his hair...<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Shit this is scary!’</span><br><br>Luckily for Knox the bandit’s ability to swing the sword were seriously reduced thanks to the pain in his ruined shoulder. Knox closed the distance and began hacking and slicing at a furious pace. The bandit tried to defend himself but with his huge sword and one arm useless, he was taking plenty of cuts. <br><br>Then a system window appeared in the corner of Knox’s eye and he blinked in surprise.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Rupture Counter<br>10 Cuts Executed</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘What? Guess I’ll give it a try...’</span><br><br>He didn’t really like the idea of testing something out for the first time in a real fight but his stamina was running out.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">&lt;&lt;RUPTURE!&gt;&gt;</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>The hilts of Knox’s daggers began to glow with a red light and he quickly flipped them in his hands. Then he slammed those hilts into the bandit’s chest... And then it began raining blood. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>- Target’s wounds have ruptured!<br>- Target was inflicted with Bleed Status. All regeneration will be negated. Stamina &amp; Health will rapidly decrease.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>With a scream the bandit leader fell to his knees panting for breath, his whole body convulsing. Knox didn’t waste the opportunity and slashed the bandit’s throat before jumping away. He’d experienced some of the ridiculous feats people could achieve with their death throes and wasn’t about to take any chances. The bandit’s body began to turn gray, starting from the various cuts and spreading outward... <br><br>*Tring!*<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have killed the bounty head Benjamin Barlow. <br>- Reputation with the Church of Tyr has increased!<br>- Reputation with the Nine Valkyries has increased!<br>- Fame +300 <br>If you present Barlow’s greatsword to any branch of the Church of Tyr you will receive a 500 gold reward!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">You have leveled up!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Knox thought that was the end of it but then a golden light appeared above him! He shielded his eyes and tried to squint at the glowing figure that was floating down through the ceiling.<br><br>Hovering over the body of Barlow was a tall woman in golden armor. White wings seemed to have sprouted from various sections of the armor and they flapped lazily in the air. She was carrying a huge spear in one hand and Knox could see a shield strapped to her back. A silver light floated up from Barlow’s body and the Golden Women reached out and grabbed the ghost of Barlow by the neck.<br><br>- Thank you warrior. We, the Valkyrie accept all suitable donations, such as this man’s soul. -<br><br>- He will be only a minor addition to Einherjar... However, I have a feeling that you will be sending many more our way, no? -<br><br>- In that case I’ll grant you this... -<br><br>She made a sweeping gesture with her hand and a white light floated toward Knox and seemed to seep into his body.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">New Skill: Blessing of the Valkyrie<br>Blessing of the Valkyrie (Lv ??) - ????</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“What the...”<br><br>In a flash of golden light both Barlow’s spirit and the Valkyrie were gone. As the light vanished, Barlow’s body broke apart leaving only the huge greatsword behind.<br><br>“Wow... That’s got to suck... Dude gets killed then gets conscripted to an army. Well, better him than me!”<br><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">_________________</div><br><br>As Knox made his way out of the building he made sure to retrieve his traps for later use. By removing his own traps he gained a new skill.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>New Skill: Disable Traps<br>Disable Traps (Lv. 1 0%) – Allows you to identify and disable traps based on your level in ‘Disable Traps’. This skill is affected by Luck and Insight stats. Successfully disabling traps grants additional stats depending on the ‘Difficulty’.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Insight rises by 1 point (Ins +1)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Luck rises by 1 point (Luk +1)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When he got to the first floor, the teenage girl he’d knocked out and a young man were sitting at one of the tables. They looked strikingly similar, light brown hair, almost gold, sharp features and eyes so dark in color they almost looked black.<br><br>“Ah, Mr. Assassin! Done already?”<br><br>The young man spoke jovially with a wave of the hand to indicate the empty seat at the table. As Knox approached, the guy’s smile didn’t diminish at all but the girl scooted her chair back as far as she could. Knox really didn’t blame her. He probably looked horrible. He was covered in blood from various bandits and the black outfit that Vennec had given him already looked like something out of a scream movie...<br><br>“Vennec sent me over, I’m Darrak. Said you might need some help but looks like that wasn’t the case at all! Although you did miss one...”<br><br>Darrak jerked his thumb over his shoulder indicating a bound and gagged figure by the door.<br><br>“Huh... So I did. Damn! Vennec’s gonna ride my case if he hears about this...”<br><br>Knox eyed Darrak for a moment before asking...<br><br>“So, you’re an assassin too?”<br><br>“Me? No way! I’m a thief! A thief!”<br><br>“I see. Think you can keep that bandit over there a secret then?”<br><br>“What’s in it for me?”<br><br>Darrak shot back with a big grin. Knox grinned in reply and began pulling out some of the better leather armor from his inventory. After some haggling they decided on one pair of leather boots and a well made leather jerkin.<br><br>“Pleasure doing business with ya. I suppose I should give you this back...”<br><br>Darrak tossed Knox’s small pouch of gold onto the table. Knox whistled. He didn’t think he was susceptible to that sort of thing anymore... <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘This guy’s pickpocket level must be ridiculously high...’ </span><br><br>“Sorry... It’s a habit. Gotta keep my skills up... Oh! I’ve got a message for you, too.”<br><br>Darrak dug in his pockets for a while before pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. Knox took it and began to read.<br><br>Good job getting rid of those bandits. I’ve got something I need to take care of so I’ll be gone for awhile. I suggest you keep training. Go to the Charcoal Mine to the east of Cara. Make that brat Darrak take you. He’s rather useful and with him along you’ll be able to get a lot more loot. Now then for the conditions of this training...<br><ul><br><li>1.) No Stealth<br>2.) No Backstab<br>3.) Clear the mine within 3 weeks or I’ll triple your training!<br>4.) If you cheat I’ll fucking kill you! Think I won’t find out? I’M A WORLD CLASS ASSASSIN YOU PUNK! Capeesh?</li></ul><br><br>Have a nice trip!<br> <br>When he finished reading the letter Knox just groaned and banged his head on the table. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘One day I’m going to kill that cocky bastard... I would rather him kill me than triple my training though...’</span><br><br><br><br>...To be continued.<br><br>____________________________<br><br>Author's notes: Comments/Critiques &amp; Opinions Appreciated! If you see a mistake please point it out to me!<br>Special Thanks to: Kaine for Proofreading! </div>

Chapter Three – Soul Contribution A/N: Skills Appearing in <<-->> are skills used with "Path of Silence" (meaning he is not saying them aloud) Rei yawned and stretched in the back of the classroom. He’d been getting run ragged with Vennec’s training in game and as usual had been using class for a little extra sleep. It was lunch break and several groups of students had formed but they all had one thing in common. They were talking about Royal Road. “I got to lv59 and finally got some cool spells!” “...managed to join a decent party and we are currently clearing the dungeon... “My blacksmithing reached Beginner Level 8! Soon guilds will want me...” Rei was kind of jealous, it seemed they were all playing the same game yet none of them were experiencing the torture that he was. “So how is it?” The voice startled him out of his thoughts. Sher was leaning casually on the desk next to him. “How’s what?” “The game idiot. I know you started playing already.” “It’s alright I guess... I’m just in a rather painful part at the moment...” ‘That was putting it mildly!’ “Ah, I heard about the beginning four weeks of boredom from a friend. Must be tough.” “You have no idea...” “So have you decided on what class you will be?” For some reason Sher seemed genuinely interested, which Rei thought was odd. She usually has no interest in games. “I... uh... already kind of stumbled into my class.” “Really? What is it?” “Assassin.” There was an awkward pause and Sher looked shocked. “That’s unexpected. I thought you’d be a Knight or something.” “Yeah, it just sort of happened. It’s actually a lot more impressive than I thought.” Which was the truth. If he managed to master all the skills that Vennec was trying to bash into his head he’d be impressive indeed. When he finally managed to climb out of the pit and the class that was offered wasn’t even a hidden or unique class, Rei had seriously considered quitting right then and there. But after a week of almost non-stop training he was becoming more and more comfortable with it. “What class can compliment an Assassin?” “Huh? Uh... I honestly have no idea.” “Then you’re coming to the library with me after school.” “What? Why?” “To help me do research. I need to know what class I’m going to be.” “What?” “No arguing.” And with that Sher turned around and left the classroom. ‘Somehow things just got more complicated...’ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ “She’s a demon...” Sher hadn’t let Rei escape for hours. She’d made him explain everything! They had researched for hours on the various party combinations and strategies. After three hours Sher decided that she would be a warrior. Rei had tried to talk her out of it because it seemed like an awkward class for a girl but he hadn’t dared to utter that idea out loud. They spent hours watching videos and reading guides on the different types of warrior. But Rei had gotten to see something interesting too. Apparently an Assassin had managed to single-handedly wipe out a fortress. Now that was unprecedented. Rei’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head as they watched the video on the Royal Road Hall of Fame. Psychological attacks, taking out lone players and soldier NPCs... The Assassin turned the entire defense of the fortress on its head. Some defenders left their positions, only to get slaughtered, which, in turn, made the people who stayed in their positions more vulnerable to attack. People triggered traps while chasing the Assassin leading to massive deaths... Rei couldn’t help but think it was a work of art... Then he blinked in surprise... ‘Is that really my personality? Maybe Vennec is having a bigger influence on me than I realized...’ It was true that his way of thinking had already changed. When Sher asked him about knights it was pretty evident. “They’re idiots... All that honor and chivalry that affects their ability to fight is rather limiting...” Rei answered without thinking and his answer surprised him. He let out a sigh at the thought of his rapidly disappearing morals and began to head home. He had a few days before he’d have to start showing Sher around Royal Road; he’d best make use of it. ? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Knox logged into Royal Road to find Vennec waiting for him. Vennec, as usual was nothing more than a moving patch of shadows in the corner of the room but the deadly looking daggers in his hands were visible enough. “Good. You’re back. I’ve got a job for you.” “What is it?” “Some bandits have moved into a pub on the east side of the city... Go kill them.” *Tring!* | Quest: A Den of ThievesDescription: Kill all the bandits in Ol’ Oak Pub. Acquire the Bandit Leader’s sword as proof. Requirements: Must be trained by Vennec. Must retrieve bandit leader’s sword.Rewards: 50 Gold +110 (+10) Fame | | --- | “Sure.” | You have accepted the quest. | | --- | “And since you don’t have any weapons use these.” Vennec tossed two daggers and a belt sheath at Knox who caught it easily. | Paired Steel Dagger (2)Durability: 35/35Attack: 8-11A paired of dagger designed to be used with it's twin. Crafted by an adequate blacksmith and sharpened without loss of durability. Bonuses:+15 Str+20 Agi+2% Critical Hit ChanceRequirements: - Dual Wield- Lv20- 75 Agi - 25 Luk | | --- | “Sweet! Thanks!” “Don’t die...” “I didn’t know you cared...” “I don’t. It would just be embarrassing for me.” Knox sighed and headed for the surface. His trip through the city was much different than when he first arrived. Vennec had taken him around the town once already to let Knox get familiar with it and since then the NPCs had avoided him like the plague. Apparently, Vennec was rather well known... In a rather bad way but it did give Knox some pleasure to see people running back into alleys to avoid being on the street with him. ‘Serves them right for chasing me all over the damn place.’ He had strapped his two new daggers to his waist and made sure they were in easy reach as he walked down the street. He kept his thumbs looped through his belt and his eyes moved back and forth, scanning the crowd and taking in all the different sights. The houses for all their chipped paint and shabby outer appearance seemed to be well built and sturdy. None of the glass in the windows was broken and there were no signs of vandalism. He also saw a few grime covered statues and fountains that looked like they could be quite nice if cleaned up... It made him think that this place hadn’t always been a hellhole. Maybe it only recently became like this? Vennec hadn’t really said anything about this place other than how dirty and annoying it was to live here... Vennec did a lot of complaining now that Knox thought about it. ‘Well I’ll have to find out what happened to this town...’ As he entered the east side of the city, he left the road and began moving through the back alleys. He activated his stealth skill as soon as he was out of sight and began making his way toward Ol’ Oak pub. The pub looked like it had once been a barn, it was bright red and much larger than the neighboring buildings. It was two stories tall, with only a few windows and one front entrance. The front door opened quietly and thanks to Knox’s <<Stealth>> he easily slipped inside. | You have entered A Den of Thieves. | | --- | The main room was a typical dimly lit bar. Broken beer kegs and overturned tables littered the room along with several drunk bandits. A teenage girl was walking from table to table giving out beer, ale and whatever else the bandits called for. Step 1: Observe the situation Knox watched everything from a corner of the room and no one even noticed he was there. The poor waitress looked like she was unsure if she wanted to cry or bash beer mugs over empty bandit skulls. “Hurry up and bring more beer over here!” “Get me some more ale!” He saw several of the bandits take their beers and climb unsteadily up the stairs, so he figured there would be quite a few on the second floor... probably the leader as well. Because the bandit’s infamy was high enough, each of the bandit NPCs had a red name above their heads, which meant they would count as monsters, giving Exp and additional loot! Knox wasn’t going to let any of them get away. Step 2: Create a plan of attack First he would have to get the girl to safety... So he walked almost directly behind her as she went into a room behind the bar to get more beer. He grabbed her from behind and activated his skill <<Pressure Points>> and her body went limp. | Experience in Pressure Points has increased! | | --- | Knox dragged the unconscious girl deeper into the room and hid her behind a large barrel of ale. Then proceed with the next step... Block the escape routes. He had already left a razor wire across the front entrance at knee level and he did the same with the back door. From what he had learned from Vennec the legs were the best place for such traps. Height varies too much from person to person to leave the traps at neck height. But no matter how tall or short someone might be their legs are always in the same place! Then he positioned himself alongside the door and waited. “Hey, where’d the wench go?” “Someone go drag her out of the back, she’s pro’lly weeping her eyes out again.” “Damn, good service is hard to find...” A minute later a drunken bandit stumbled into the back room... Step 3: Execute | <<Backstab>> | | --- | Knox’s daggers glowed with a soft purple light as he slammed them into the bandit’s back. All the practice Vennec made him do on the ‘human scarecrows’ made his daggers automatically find the spine and the heart. | - Sneak Attack! | | --- | | - Critical Hit! | | --- | | - Backstab Damage +200% Target unaware of your presence! | | --- | | - Fatal Blow | | --- | | - Stealth disabled from executing an attack. | | --- | | Your mastery of Backstab has leveled up! | | --- | Knox caught the bandit's body and lowered it gently to the ground. He took the time to search the corpse but only took a ring and the bandits boots before moving on. After scooping up his loot he slipped quietly into the bar. There were only three bandits who seemed conscious and he moved from one to the next. He was only visible for a brief time after each attack but his heart was beating rapidly from nervousness... All it would take is one glance and this would get messy. | <<Backstab>> | | --- | | - Sneak Attack!! | | --- | | - Critical Hit! | | --- | | - Backstab Damage +250% Target unaware of your presence! | | --- | | - Fatal Blow | | --- | | - Stealth disabled from executing an attack. | | --- | | You have leveled up! | | --- | | Level Up: Dagger Mastery [5]Increases Attack Power with daggers (+35% ATK)Increases Attack Speed with daggers (+21% ATK SPD)Agility Increased by 5Luck Increased by 5Critical Hit Chance with Daggers Increased by 2%Critical Damage with Daggers Increased by 8% | | --- | | New Skill: RuptureRupture (Lv. 1 0%) – Rupture your enemy’s recent wounds with a dual pommel strike to the body.Causes target to receive 15% of all the damage taken from a blade in the past 20 seconds.If target is Bleeding, damage increased by 1.5xIf target is not Bleeding, inflicts BleedIf target is Bleeding, causes severe BleedingIf target is Bleeding severely, no effectRequires two weapons to be equippedMana Cost: 450 | | --- | ‘Damn that’s almost all the mana I have... even after all the leveling I’ve done.’ When every last bandit on the first floor was dead, Knox sighed with relief. He took a moment to distribute his stat points and then proceeded to set up traps along the stairs. | <<Wire Trap>> | | --- | | <<Wire Trap>> | | --- | | <<Wire Trap>> | | --- | | Trap Mastery has leveled up! [2]Traps are 15% harder to notice.Traps do 25% more damage and an additional 25% if not noticed. | | --- | This time, Knox set up three traps all at varying heights. This way, if a bandit saw one of their buddies hit a trap and tried to dodge, he’d hit one of the other traps. In truth it was more to raise his proficiency than anything else. “Wire Trap” was the only trap Knox was currently able to create at his level, without massive time to prep and so he had decided to try and level it up. The traps would at least slow them down if they tried to run away. The second floor was three large open rooms, with a small room at the top of the stairs that was used as a bathroom. The floor of the first room was littered with sleeping bandits. Knox decided to ignore them for the time being and check on the other rooms. He knew he’d have to take care of these guys eventually but for now he wanted a better idea of what he was dealing with. He did a lot of damage but his class wasn’t designed for huge brawls. Surprise and speed were his primary weapons after all. Over the last two months in game Vennec had made him kill dozens of opponents... Sometimes Knox was able to get them alone, which was the best possible outcome for him. Other times the situation quickly devolved into what his father would call a “Cluster f***.” A loud gurgle as his target died or a leg spasm that knocks over a chair and Knox would soon find himself fighting for his life. After a lot of ‘error and trial’ Knox had come to realize simply knowing all the pieces beforehand could save a lot of trouble later. He also noticed that whenever he thoroughly investigated before he began his attacks he gained a new stat called “Insight”. He wasn’t a hundred percent sure what it was for but it seemed the game was rewarding him for planning ahead. The second room had four men who looked slightly better equipped than the others. Their swords looked newer and their armors were well made leather... ‘That armor is mine! With that I might be able to survive some of Vennec’s beatings.’ The bandits were completely unaware of the killing intent that was suddenly directed toward them and the armor they were so proud of... The bandits were sitting at a table playing cards but their behavior seemed subdued. They kept shooting nervous glances toward the closed door that led to the last room. ‘This will be tricky... I can probably take out these four but not all at once...’ Knox tilted his head back to think and a huge smile spread across his face at what he saw. Then he crept back into the first room and began the brutal work of slaughtering sleeping bandits. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ “Jerry, whatcha thinks got da boss in such a fury?” “Prolly them rumors about some master assassin in these parts.” “Ya, we headed dis way cause we heard it was easy pickins and before we get here some assassin starts making a name for himself offing thieves and bandits...whadda he think he’s better dan us?” “Hmph... He prolly ain’t nothin’ special anyhow.” “True, scared little rabbits just spreadin’ crazy rumors.” Jerry turned his head toward the lantern and frowned... He could have sworn he saw something out of the corner of his eye but there was nothing there. With a shake of his head he turned back to his cards... and the lantern went out. “Wha... Gaakh!” “Roy?!” *Spurt!* “Eric? Vauhn?!” *Thump* “I’m her... Kuuhk!” “Guys?! WHAT THE HELL? GUYS?!” Jerry was in such a panic that it took him a few seconds to realize the burning sensation that seemed to be spreading from his back... It felt like someone was burning his insides... Then he felt his legs giving out and he fell to the floor. The last thing he heard as his consciousness faded was a door being slammed open and a voice roaring something... \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ “WHAT THE f*** IS ALL THIS RACK...” The giant man who had smashed open the door halted mid-yell as the light from his room flickered over the crimson pool on the floor. Without another word he spun around and ran back into his room. He didn’t stop moving until his hand closed around the grip of the huge sword lying against the wall. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Knox waited patiently for the Bandit Boss to come back. Thirty minutes... Forty-five minutes... An hour... He didn’t twitch or shift his weight after settling in. A few weeks ago he would have rushed through that door like an idiot and he probably would’ve received massive damage for his trouble. Maybe even death. ‘No need to risk it. He’ll come to me.’ *Grin* Forty minutes and several leg cramps later a lantern began to illuminate the room. The bandit leader slowly entered the room, making sure to keep his back toward the wall. As the lantern drove away the darkness the four corpses, sprawled on the floor, were cast in harsh relief. Knox watched the bandit leader circle the entire room with his back against the wall. The bandit would periodically swing his sword in front of him like he was fishing and Knox found it really hard not to chuckle. When the bandit finally made it to the doorway he quickly peeked inside and then swung his sword in front of him. Then he took a hesitant step toward the center of the room, swinging his huge sword in big arcs as he went. Knox waited until the bandit got to the middle of the room. The table and chairs were overturned like he’d been checking to see if anyone was hiding under them. Then Knox made his move. He dropped off the ceiling beam and aimed his daggers at either side of the man’s neck but it didn’t go as he planned. Something must have given away his presence because at the last moment the man twitched to the side and Knox’s daggers dug into the bandit’s shoulders instead. “AARRRGH!!!” The bandit howled and then an elbow slammed into Knox’s stomach with the force of a hammer. “Gaaah!” His feet weren’t on the ground so Knox had no way to mitigate the damage of the blow and went flying into the wall. ‘What ridiculous strength... That was just an elbow and it took a quarter of my health! If that guy hits me with his weapon I’m dead...’ Knox pushed himself off the floor and rushed toward his target. He ducked under the swing of the brute’s sword and could feel the wind ruffling his hair... ‘Shit this is scary!’ Luckily for Knox the bandit’s ability to swing the sword were seriously reduced thanks to the pain in his ruined shoulder. Knox closed the distance and began hacking and slicing at a furious pace. The bandit tried to defend himself but with his huge sword and one arm useless, he was taking plenty of cuts. Then a system window appeared in the corner of Knox’s eye and he blinked in surprise. | Rupture Counter10 Cuts Executed | | --- | ‘What? Guess I’ll give it a try...’ He didn’t really like the idea of testing something out for the first time in a real fight but his stamina was running out. | <<RUPTURE!>> | | --- | The hilts of Knox’s daggers began to glow with a red light and he quickly flipped them in his hands. Then he slammed those hilts into the bandit’s chest... And then it began raining blood. | - Target’s wounds have ruptured!- Target was inflicted with Bleed Status. All regeneration will be negated. Stamina & Health will rapidly decrease. | | --- | With a scream the bandit leader fell to his knees panting for breath, his whole body convulsing. Knox didn’t waste the opportunity and slashed the bandit’s throat before jumping away. He’d experienced some of the ridiculous feats people could achieve with their death throes and wasn’t about to take any chances. The bandit’s body began to turn gray, starting from the various cuts and spreading outward... *Tring!* | You have killed the bounty head Benjamin Barlow. - Reputation with the Church of Tyr has increased!- Reputation with the Nine Valkyries has increased!- Fame +300 If you present Barlow’s greatsword to any branch of the Church of Tyr you will receive a 500 gold reward! | | --- | | You have leveled up! | | --- | Knox thought that was the end of it but then a golden light appeared above him! He shielded his eyes and tried to squint at the glowing figure that was floating down through the ceiling. Hovering over the body of Barlow was a tall woman in golden armor. White wings seemed to have sprouted from various sections of the armor and they flapped lazily in the air. She was carrying a huge spear in one hand and Knox could see a shield strapped to her back. A silver light floated up from Barlow’s body and the Golden Women reached out and grabbed the ghost of Barlow by the neck. - Thank you warrior. We, the Valkyrie accept all suitable donations, such as this man’s soul. - - He will be only a minor addition to Einherjar... However, I have a feeling that you will be sending many more our way, no? - - In that case I’ll grant you this... - She made a sweeping gesture with her hand and a white light floated toward Knox and seemed to seep into his body. | New Skill: Blessing of the ValkyrieBlessing of the Valkyrie (Lv ??) - ???? | | --- | “What the...” In a flash of golden light both Barlow’s spirit and the Valkyrie were gone. As the light vanished, Barlow’s body broke apart leaving only the huge greatsword behind. “Wow... That’s got to suck... Dude gets killed then gets conscripted to an army. Well, better him than me!” \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ As Knox made his way out of the building he made sure to retrieve his traps for later use. By removing his own traps he gained a new skill. | New Skill: Disable TrapsDisable Traps (Lv. 1 0%) – Allows you to identify and disable traps based on your level in ‘Disable Traps’. This skill is affected by Luck and Insight stats. Successfully disabling traps grants additional stats depending on the ‘Difficulty’. | | --- | | Insight rises by 1 point (Ins +1) | | --- | | Luck rises by 1 point (Luk +1) | | --- | When he got to the first floor, the teenage girl he’d knocked out and a young man were sitting at one of the tables. They looked strikingly similar, light brown hair, almost gold, sharp features and eyes so dark in color they almost looked black. “Ah, Mr. Assassin! Done already?” The young man spoke jovially with a wave of the hand to indicate the empty seat at the table. As Knox approached, the guy’s smile didn’t diminish at all but the girl scooted her chair back as far as she could. Knox really didn’t blame her. He probably looked horrible. He was covered in blood from various bandits and the black outfit that Vennec had given him already looked like something out of a scream movie... “Vennec sent me over, I’m Darrak. Said you might need some help but looks like that wasn’t the case at all! Although you did miss one...” Darrak jerked his thumb over his shoulder indicating a bound and gagged figure by the door. “Huh... So I did. Damn! Vennec’s gonna ride my case if he hears about this...” Knox eyed Darrak for a moment before asking... “So, you’re an assassin too?” “Me? No way! I’m a thief! A thief!” “I see. Think you can keep that bandit over there a secret then?” “What’s in it for me?” Darrak shot back with a big grin. Knox grinned in reply and began pulling out some of the better leather armor from his inventory. After some haggling they decided on one pair of leather boots and a well made leather jerkin. “Pleasure doing business with ya. I suppose I should give you this back...” Darrak tossed Knox’s small pouch of gold onto the table. Knox whistled. He didn’t think he was susceptible to that sort of thing anymore... ‘This guy’s pickpocket level must be ridiculously high...’ “Sorry... It’s a habit. Gotta keep my skills up... Oh! I’ve got a message for you, too.” Darrak dug in his pockets for a while before pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. Knox took it and began to read. Good job getting rid of those bandits. I’ve got something I need to take care of so I’ll be gone for awhile. I suggest you keep training. Go to the Charcoal Mine to the east of Cara. Make that brat Darrak take you. He’s rather useful and with him along you’ll be able to get a lot more loot. Now then for the conditions of this training... * 1.) No Stealth 2.) No Backstab 3.) Clear the mine within 3 weeks or I’ll triple your training! 4.) If you cheat I’ll fucking kill you! Think I won’t find out? I’M A WORLD CLASS ASSASSIN YOU PUNK! Capeesh? Have a nice trip! When he finished reading the letter Knox just groaned and banged his head on the table. ‘One day I’m going to kill that cocky bastard... I would rather him kill me than triple my training though...’ ...To be continued. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Author's notes: Comments/Critiques & Opinions Appreciated! If you see a mistake please point it out to me! Special Thanks to: Kaine for Proofreading!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 4 : Freya<br> <br>On the day Aria and Nedia fought, Unicorn Corp was in an uproar because many players, journalist and television station were asking for the information about the earthquake and a loud explosion, which were happened on that day.<br> <br>Director Kim was in his office waiting for the report about that event, he only know that there was a player who fight with a dragon somewhere in the western part of the continent, he couldn’t believe when he heard that, this game was only 2 month ago launched for public, and the dragon was the most powerful race on mortal world realm, so how could a player who was just played this game for 8 months game time could fight against a dragon and caused an uproar <br> <br>Knock Knock<br> <br>“Come in”<br> <br>A beautiful blond hair women entered the room, she walked towards director Kim’s desk and gave him the documents.<br> <br>Director Kim took the documents and started reading them, he found the document that contained the information about the earthquake and loud explosion, he almost fall from his chair when he read the report.<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">(H-How can this be, she just told me that she didn’t do anything except reading books, if what she said true than her level must be really low, how can she fight against a dragon?.... It must be that guy doing.)</span> <br> <br>“Is that guy in the monitoring room ?” He asked the women<br> <br>“Yes.”Replied the women.<br> <br>Director Kim rushed out of his office and went to the elevator, he pushed the button a few times and the elevator started moving, <br> <br>Director Kim was heading toward the monitoring room, it was not the regular monitoring room that used by the development department to monitor the players but a personal monitoring room for the creator of Royal Road, yes when director Kim meant by “that guy”, it was the creator of Royal Road Byung Jun Yoo.<br> <br>Director Kim admit that Byung was a real genius, because he alone created the core system of Royal Road, but the only thing director Kim couldn’t handle about that guy was his personality, which was always loved to make trouble. <br> <br>The elevator stopped and director Kim stepped out of the elevator, he walked through a long corridor, every few meters there was a camera on the wall, and some kind of machine that looked like a metal detector was placed in the entrance to the corridor, there were also some security robots patrolling in the corridor, this place was heavily guarded. <br> <br>Well of course it was heavily guarded like this because this place was where the main system of Royal Road and many classified information were stored, even in Unicorn only a few people who could enter this place. <br> <br>Director Kim arrived in front of a metal door that looked like the door for a spaceship, before he could open it, the door started to move by itself revealing a white room behind it, he walked into the room and looked around searching for that guy.<br> <br>Director Kim found that guy was sitting on the chair in the center of the room, in front of him there were three big screen that showed the video image of players who were playing Royal Road.<br> <br>The man turned his chair and faced director Kim, this man was about 50 years old, with brown short hair, black eyes, and wearing casual clothes.<br> <br>“So what can I do for you?” The man asked director Kim with warm smile.<br> <br>“Stop playing dumb, you know why I am here for?”<br> <br>His smile turned into a grin and said “Ah yes of course, its about miss Erica.<br> <br>Director Kim groaned, whenever he saw that grin it was always mean trouble, whenever that guy was planning something bad, he always had that grin on his face.<br> <br>“So what did you do this time.”<br> <br>“Nothing, I didn’t do anything, at least not yet.”<br> <br>Director Kim pretended he didn’t hear the last part of his sentence and thought for a while, director Kim knew that this person loved to make trouble but he wasn’t a liar, when there was something that he wanted to hide, he choose to keep silent rather than lying. So if he said that he didn’t do anything it meant that he really didn’t do anything.<br> <br>“So what’s going on then?”Director Kim looked puzzled.<br> <br>“Well you know that all the board member were given a bonus 30 stats and one wish at the avatar creation.”<br> <br>Erica also was one of the board member so obviously she also got the bonus, director Kim nodded her head, he also got the bonus of 30 stasts point and asked for a skill as a wish to be granted..<br> <br>“What about that?”<br> <br>“She asked for a class that would let her read many books, and she got her wish granted.”<br> <br>“What is her class?”<br> <br>“She got a class as a goddess.”<br> <br>“...”<br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> <br> <br>After the battle with Nedia, Aria went back to Babel tower followed by Nedia, that battle taught her that she was lacking many things, her race and main class were indeed gave her many advantage in stats, but none of them gave her any a real battle skills or magics, the only skill she could use in battle was divine aura<br> <br>Aria never thought that she had won against Nedia, she won that battle just because the battle turned into a magic battle and not a close combat battle, because of her class advantage, all Nedia magic attacks couldn't do any damage to her, if Nadia kept fighting using her sword, maybe she would have been defeated by Nedia just in a few slash, if she didn’t do anything about this, she might lose and worse she could die when she fought with another opponent who was stronger than her in close combat.<br> <br>She learned from this incident that her class would bring her more battle like this, that was why, when she arrived at the tower, she asked Babel to bring her any books that were related to close combat.<br> <br>The first book Aria read was about the basic of swordsmanship book, it contained many basic information about basic movement of swordplay, because of her True Eyes skill and her natural born photographic memory abillity, she finished reading the entire book in 10 minutes and remembered all of its contents perfectly, she kept reading till dinner time in real world.<br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> <br>After dinner Erica remember the conversation with director Kim, she was a bit hesitating to call Anna, she didn’t know what to say to her, but she resolved herself to take her cell phone, searched Anna`s name in the contacts list and called her.<br> <br>Anna was surprised when Erica suddenly called her, she never thought that Erica would call her, it was always her who called or started a conversation with Erica, she asked why Erica called her.<br> <br>Erica didn’t know what to say, so she just told Anna her conversation with director Kim, of course Erica didn’t tell her who was director Kim, she just told Anna that somebody asked her opinion about Royal Road, when Anna heard the story she also reacted the same way as director Kim, no normal person who played a game just to read books inside the game.<br> <br>Anna agreed with director Kim and told Aria to meet her in Royal Road, she was now in the middle of quest of guarding a group of merchant to the Citadel of Serabourg in Rosenheim Kingdom, and she would arrive in two weeks if there was no problem on the way,<br> <br>It seemed that Anna had planned to meet her from the beginning, a few days ago (Real time) Anna had asked her where she was, because Etna forest was in Rosenheim Kingdom territory Erica answered her with just two words “Rosenheim Kingdom”. it seemed that Anna concluded that Erica was in the library in Serabourg, because Serabourg was the only starter city for beginners in the western part of the continent.<br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> <br>For the next two weeks in game, Aria read various books related to close combat, she couldn’t train properly because there was no training room in the tower, so she just remembered all of them and then trained it later later.<br> <br>“Open Status Window.”<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Aria</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td width="25%">The Master of Etna Forest</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Ancient God</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Main Class</td><td colspan="3">Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Subclass</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Hidden Class</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">448</td><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">93.800</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">133.600 (+ 1.336.000)</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">157.924 (+ 1.579.240)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health Regeneration/Sec</td><td width="25%">336,0/Sec</td><td width="25%">Mana Regeneration/Sec</td><td width="25%">560,4/Sec</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">460 (+3.800)</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">310 (+ 3.050)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">872 (+ 4.360)</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">934 (+ 4.670 )</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">Infinite</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">310 (+ 3.050)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">310 (+ 1.550)</td><td width="25%">Divinity</td><td width="25%">155.300</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">400 (+ 1.000)</td><td width="25%">Charisma</td><td width="25%">375 (+ 1.000)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td colspan="3">440 (+ 1.200)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Unused SP</td><td colspan="3">46.965</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Resistance</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wind</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Lightning</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Dark</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Race : Ancient God</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>+1000% Health and Mana.</li><br><li>+500% Health and Mana Regeneration.</li><br><li>+500% All Stats.</li><br><li>+50% All Magic Resistance.</li><br><li>Satisfaction factor, hunger and thirst will never go below 40%.</li><br><li>Penalty for dying reduced by 30% (-70% Exp. -10,5% Skill Mastery and less chance random item droped).</li><br><li>Immune to all negative stats.</li><br><li>Gain 400% Exp.</li><br><li>Gain 100 Stats points every level up.</li><br><li>Can use Divine magic.</li><br><li>New stats Divinity</li><br><li>+150.000 Divinity</li></ul><br></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Main Class : Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom(Stastus : Sealed)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>Infinite mana and mana Regeneration.</li><br><li>Infinite wisdom and intelligence.</li><br><li>Absorb all magic attack.</li><br><li>Instant spell casting.</li><br><li>Instant skills and magics cool down.</li><br><li>All skill mastery to maximum (True Master)</li><br><li>Enable you to learn unlimited number of skills and magics</li><br><li>Enable you to learn any skills and magics of any classes.</li><br><li>+500 All stats</li><br><li>Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class( Can’t be sealed).</li><br><li>Enables you to learn secret skills based on your class (Can’t be sealed).</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Title : The Master of Etna Forest</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ All monster respect you<br>+ Can command any monster from your territory<br>+ Familiarity with all monster increased to friendly<br>+ 1500 Str, Agi, and Vit.<br>+ 1000 Leadership and Charisma.<br>+ 1200 Fighting Spirit.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>Aria hadn’t check her status window for more than 8 months now, the last time she openned her status window was when she converted her main class.<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">(What stats should I put my status points to ?... well my level and stats are already too high for a player who just played this game for 8 months, so lets just leave it like this for now.)</span><br> <br>“Are you going now ?”<br> <br>Aria turned her her head and saw Nedia was walking toward her.<br> <br>“Yes.”<br> <br>Today was the day when Anna or Rinea (her avatar name) should be arriving at Serabourg, so Aria had told Babel and Nedia that she would be leaving today and told them to stay at the tower. <br> <br>“Alright then before you go I will teach you this.” <br> <br>Ting!<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Flying Magic (Active) (Beginner : 0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You can fly by manipulate wind element around your body, you can fly as long as you want till you cancel the spell or run out of mana.<br> <br>Mana cost : 500/10 minutes.<br>Cooldown : 30s/cancel.<br>Tier : 4</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Teleport (Active) (Beginner : 0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You can move instantly to any place that you have visited once.<br> <br>Mana cost : 1000<br>Cool down : 300s<br>Range : 500m<br>Tier : 7</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>"I think this magic will help you on your adventures."<br> <br>"Thanks."<br> <br>"Ah and don't forget to summon me when you are in trouble."<br> <br>Aria hoped that she would never need to summon Nedia, if she needed to summon her, then it meant that the situation was really bad so that she needed a help from Nedia.<br> <br>After that Nedia made a teleportation magic circle which would teleport Aria to Serabourg.<br> <br>Aria appeared in the forest near Serabourg, she could see many new players hunting rabbits, and foxes in the distance, also in the forest she saw a party of 5 players were fighting against a wolf, she ignored them all and headed toward the gate . .<br> <br>When she arrived at the gate, the guards looked at her with respect and salute her, she just gave them a glance and walked pass them, the players who saw this looked puzzled, they never seen the guards gave salute to anyone except to the nobles.<br> <br>A curious female player asked the guard ”Um, sir who is that person just now ?”<br> <br>“Ah that person is Lady Aria, the ruler of the most dangerous region in the Rosenheim Kingdom.”Replied the guard.<br> <br>The players who heard this now guessing, is Aria a player or NPC, if Aria was a player than it would be a big news, there were a few players who already became the city lord but no one had their own region, and Aria would be the first player who had her own region to rule. <br> <br>“Sir is she a freedman?” A male players asked the guard. <br>“Of course not, I don’t really know where she is from, but she is a local born.”<br> <br>Because of her class Aria was treated like a NPC by the other NPCs, so of course the guard NPC said that she was a local born and not a freedman. <br> <br>“But sir, that girl is only about 12 years old, how can she rule a region.” The male<br>player asked again.<br> <br>“I advise you not to say that in front of her, even though her appearance is like a little girl she is already 16 years old, and if you think she is weak than you have made a big mistake, she is the strongest person in this kingdom, also about two weeks ago she defeated an ancient dragon by herself.” <br> <br>“Eh two weeks ago, wasn’t that when the earthquake and loud explosion happened?”Asked the female girl.<br> <br>“Yes, all of that are the result of her battle with the ancient dragon.”<br> <br>When the players heard that they were in an uproar, many of them whispering their friends or using the guild chat room to tell this new information, and in the real world this topic had became the hot news in many forums, <br> <br>“Hey guys I have a new info.”<br>“Hey”<br>“Info?”<br>“Do you mean about the earthquake and loud explosion.”<br>“Yes that one.”<br>“So what did you get?”<br>“You know, all of that were caused by a battle.”<br>“Stop joking, there is no way a battle could cause that.”<br>“Where did you get this information from?” <br>“From the guard in the Serabourg.”<br>“Tell me the details.”<br>(Retelling the story)<br>“So it was caused by a battle between human NPC and an ancient dragon.”<br>“Wow that human NPC maybe the strongest human NPC in Royal Road.”<br>“Yeah, one on one battle with ancient dragon.”<br>“Is she still in Serabourg?”<br>“Maybe.”<br>“Lets find her, maybe we can get a quest from her.”<br>“Okay see you in game then.”<br>‘I hope we get a good quest.”.<br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> <br>Aria walked toward the central square where the map of the city was located, she looked at the map and searched for the location of library and training hall, she found them not to far from each other in the western part of the city, she had told Rinea to search for her in that two places when she arrived.<br> <br>Aria headed toward the training hall, when she was about to enter the training hall, the instructor came and welcome her.. <br> <br>“Welcome to the training hall lady Aria, it’s an honor to have you visited this place.”<br> <br>“I want to train.”<br> <br>“Yes of course, you can use any weapon over there.”<br> <br>Aria walked toward the barrels filled with many kinds of weapons swords, spears, axes, etc , she took a wooden katana on the one of barrels and headed to the nearby scarecrow. <br> <br>She took a deep breath while holding the katana on her right hand, she tried a few basic move from the book which she had read before at the tower, thanks to her divine body skill, she now could control her power and speed easily, she only used 1/100 of his strength and agility stats to attack the scarecrow, if she used her full strength the scarecrow would be destroyed in one attack.<br> <br>There was no useless movement when she swing the sword, her training in jujitsu and aikido in real life had made her body accustomed to using small movement, she also could understand when and where to attack more efficient and accurately, creating her own pace she kept attacking the scarecrow, her sword moved naturally like flowing water. <br> <br>The instructor who saw this smile brightly, for a long time he saw many swordsman training in this place, none of them had the same swordplay like what he saw right now, the swordplay of the true swordsman, it wasn’t just a sword, strength, speed, or skills that made you a swordsman, the true swordsman also had to become one with the sword, and to reached that level you must understand the sword and made the sword become part of your body, he himself needed more than 20 years to reached that level. <br> <br>Aria was dancing with her sword, she had stopped thinking and made her mind clear, letting her body moved naturally following the sword movement, unconsciously she slowly increase her speed and strength, the sword slowly moved faster and faster, till finally the scarecrow was cut to pieces, <br> <br>She was confused when she saw the sword in her hand wasn't destroyed when the scarecrow was cut into pieces, she checked the its durability and found out its durability was still at max.<br> <br>“It’s hard to believe that this is your first time wielding a sword lady Aria.”<br> <br>The instructor who was standing behind her from the beginning suddenly talked to her.<br> <br>“What ?”<br> <br>“That sword, I am guessing that it’s durability is still at max right.”The instructor pointed at the sword on Aria hand.<br> <br>“Yes.”<br> <br>“Only the true swordsman can use a sword without damaging the sword no matter who or what is their opponent, they used sword as if its part of their body, and nobody wants to hurt their own body to attack your opponent, that’s why the sword used by the true swordsman rarely reduce its durability.” <br> <br>The instructor also told her what was the true swordsman and told her a few stories about some famous swordsman that he had met in the past.<br> <br>The instructor gave her an iron katana as a reward for completing the basic training, the instructor told her that usually people would need a month or more to finish the basic training, but there was one exception when the instructor judge that person had the qualification to pass the basic training, and she was one of the exception person to pass basic training. <br> <br>Ting!<br> <br>You have finished basic training<br>+ 50 Str<br>+ 50 Agi<br>+ You have generated Elegance and Appearance stats<br>+ 20 Elegance<br>+ 20 Appearance<br> <br>Aria learned sword mastery (Beginner 4 : 24%) and generated new stats that she never expected, the elegance stats which would make her every movement more refined and elegant, also the appearance stats which was supposed to be the only dancer class who could get it had generated, it seemed that when she was attacking the scarecrow the system recognize it as a dance and generated appearance stats.<br> <br>Aria wanted to train with another weapon when Rinea came.<br> <br>“Ah there you are.” <br> <br>Rinea walked toward Aria, Rinea appearance was the same as her real body, shoulder length brown hair and green eyes, she was wearing blue robe of a mage. <br> <br>“Are you still want to training, if so then I will wait for you.”<br> <br>“I am done.”Aria shook her head.<br> <br>“If you say so, then lets go to the restaurant near the central square, we can talk there.” <br> <br>They headed toward the restaurant, it was quite empty inside, there were only about 7 other customers beside them, they sat took the table near the window and called for the waitress, they ordered some drinks and food.<br> <br>“So what will we do now?”<br> <br>“... Nothing.”<br> <br>Aria hoped that Rinea had a plan, the only things that Aria had plan was to training with another type of weapon and read more books, she didn’t think that Rinea will be happy to train with her in the training hall because she was a mage and not a combat class type, and for reading books, well maybe Rinea could increase her Int and Wis, but Rinea was here to make Aria to do something other than reading, so Aria understood her plan was a no.<br> <br>“Hm... have you do any quest?”<br> <br>Quest, Aria remembered her first quest 2 weeks ago, a crazy quest that force her to fight against an ancient dragon, she never wanted to have another fight like that again, but she understood that her class would make her do that kind of quest again. <br> <br>“Just once.”<br> <br>“Oh good then, you have experience a quest, now what left are join a party and go hunting, first you, ah yes I forgot to ask you, what is your class?”<br> <br>It was the hardest question Aria had to answer, she couldn’t just say “ My class is a goddess who govern over knowledge and wisdom.”, no way in hell she could say that. This was the first time in Aria life that she already had the answer for the question, but couldn’t answer it. <br> <br>“... don’t have class.”<br> <br>At the end she decided not to tell Rinea her class.<br> <br>“Well then we must choose a class for you first, hm... if you spend 8 months reading a book your Int and Wis must be very high, so the good choice are a mage or a priest, I am already a mage so thinking about the balance of the party, you better change your class into a priest.” <br> <br>Aria thought about it and had the same conclusion as Rinea, after they finished eating, they searched for a Church to change Aria class into a priestess, the only Church in Serabourg was the Church of Freya, it was a small Church at the eastern part of the city. <br> <br>They entered the Church and greeted by a young priest.<br> <br>“Welcome to our Church travelers, what can I do for you?”Said the young priest with a smile.<br> <br>“My friend here want to become a priestess.”<br> <br>The young priest looked at Aria and nodded, he then brought them into a big hall where an old man wearing white robe of priest, and at the center back of the hall there was a sculpture of beautiful women with a long hair. The young priest talked to the old man for a while and then leave the hall. <br> <br>The old man looked at them and then smile.<br> <br>“Welcome travelers, my name is Vincent, I am the high priest of this Church of Freya. I have heard one of you want to join our order.”<br> <br>“My name is Rinea and this is my friend Aria, she is the one who wants to join the Church of Freya.”<br> <br>The old man looked at Aria and said ” Ah so it’s lady Aria who wants to join our order, of course we will welcome you into our order, please follow me.”<br> <br>Rinea was confused how could the high priest know about Aria, and asked Aria “Have you met with the high priest before or did you do any quest for the Church before?”<br> <br>Aria didn’t know how to answer this so she just kept silent.<br> <br>They walked towards the altar in front of the sculpture of a beautiful women. when they got closer, Aria felt the sculpture was watching her and she also could sense some kind of aura emitting from the sculpture, the aura she was familiar with... yes it was divine aura. <br> <br>“Freya.”<br> <br>Suddenly the world became white, and inside that world there were only two people, the first was Aria and the second was a beautiful women with long black hair, black eyes and white skin wearing white dress. <br> <br>The women was squatting on the floor while holding her stomach, it seemed that she was holding herself not to laugh, but at the end she couldn’t hold it anymore.<br> <br>“Kukuku hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaha m-my sto-stomach hahahaha.”<br> <br> Aria waited for the women to stop laughing, about 5 minutes later she could control herself and stop laughing.<br> <br>“Ahh.. its been a long time since I laugh like that, sorry for that.”<br> <br>“Somethings funny ?”<br> <br>“Of course, how can I am not laughing when I heard thet you want to become my priestess, you yourself are a goddess, how can you want to become another goddess priestess while you have the same status as the goddess herself, you are suppose to make your own Church and search for priest/priestess of your own, and not to become another goddess priestess.” <br> <br>Aria understood about that from the very beginning, but she couldn’t explain her situation to Rinea so she had no other choice, the only way she could heal was to become a priestess.<br> <br>“I don’t have any choice.”<br> <br> “Hm. It seems you have your own reason, but its a good thing that you came into my Church, if you go to another Church, maybe they will try to capture you or the god worshiped there will tell your location to Odin ”<br> <br>“You are not going to tell Odin?”<br> <br>“No, I also hate conflict and war just like you, so I won’t help Odin, but don’t misunderstand me I also cannot help you, my position will be on the worse side if the others find out that I am helping you.”<br> <br>“Are the other gods know that I am in this realm ?”<br> <br>“There is no way that all of us don’t know you are in this realm, when you used that much divine power, its basically saying that you are in this realm.”<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">(Ah. did she mean by using Amaterasu on that battle, so because of that they know where I am... that means they can detect my divine power just like Nedia, if thats true than I should avoid using any kind of divine power at all cost and try not to enter any Church.)</span><br> <br>“If you are here then thats mean the other gods can come to this realm too.”<br> <br>“No, I am not really in this realm, this is just my shadow, my real body is still in upperworld realm.”<br> <br>Aria never know that there was a way like that, to separate the shadow from the body and sent it to this realm, this proved that gods could come indirectly and make a contact with the people of this realm.<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">(Now that you think about it, how can gods make the people of this realm to become their believers if they never come and speak with them.)</span><br> <br>“Indirect way to come to this realm.”<br> <br>“Correct, now then, about you wants to become my priestess, my answer is no, you can think why I say no right.”<br> <br>Well yeah Aria could think more than 3 reasons why Freya rejected Aria to become her priestess.<br> <br>Aria now looked troubled she couldn’t become a priestess of any Church in the entire continent.<br> <br>“If you just need the skills of a priestess you don’t need to become a priestess yourself, I will give you the skill books for priestess as a thanks for making me laugh like that, just read the books and you will learn all of the priestess skill.”<br> <br>“Thanks.”<br> <br>“Well then see you again, you can visit my Church whenever you want, and one advice be very careful with Tyr followers, they are searching for you.”<br> <br>After Freya said that, the entire world went back to normal, Aria now was walking again toward the altar, on the altar there were 3 books with white cover, the high priest took the books and gave it to Aria.<br> <br> <br>“These are the skill books for priestess and now it’s all yours”Said the high priest to Aria.<br> <br>“Thanks.”<br> <br>After that they leave the Church, they went to the library to read the books which Aria just got, because Rinea never saw people converted their class into a priestess before, she didn’t notice that there were something strange about earlier event, usually the people who wanted to become a priest/priestess were asked if they want to be one or not, and if they agreed to it their body would be glowing for a moment as a sign that their class had changed, after that they were usually given a skill book as a basic skill, but Aria was different, the high priest didn’t ask her if she wanted to become a priestess or not, he just gave Aria 3 skill books which was usually only one basic skill book. <br> <br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> <br>Author's notes :<br>1. I am still looking for an editor. <br>2. I have changed some of the status windows of Aria, Babel, Nedia, and also the reward for getting divine body and defeating Nedia, please check the previous chapters. </div>

Chapter 4 : Freya On the day Aria and Nedia fought, Unicorn Corp was in an uproar because many players, journalist and television station were asking for the information about the earthquake and a loud explosion, which were happened on that day. Director Kim was in his office waiting for the report about that event, he only know that there was a player who fight with a dragon somewhere in the western part of the continent, he couldn’t believe when he heard that, this game was only 2 month ago launched for public, and the dragon was the most powerful race on mortal world realm, so how could a player who was just played this game for 8 months game time could fight against a dragon and caused an uproar Knock Knock “Come in” A beautiful blond hair women entered the room, she walked towards director Kim’s desk and gave him the documents. Director Kim took the documents and started reading them, he found the document that contained the information about the earthquake and loud explosion, he almost fall from his chair when he read the report. (H-How can this be, she just told me that she didn’t do anything except reading books, if what she said true than her level must be really low, how can she fight against a dragon?.... It must be that guy doing.) “Is that guy in the monitoring room ?” He asked the women “Yes.”Replied the women. Director Kim rushed out of his office and went to the elevator, he pushed the button a few times and the elevator started moving, Director Kim was heading toward the monitoring room, it was not the regular monitoring room that used by the development department to monitor the players but a personal monitoring room for the creator of Royal Road, yes when director Kim meant by “that guy”, it was the creator of Royal Road Byung Jun Yoo. Director Kim admit that Byung was a real genius, because he alone created the core system of Royal Road, but the only thing director Kim couldn’t handle about that guy was his personality, which was always loved to make trouble. The elevator stopped and director Kim stepped out of the elevator, he walked through a long corridor, every few meters there was a camera on the wall, and some kind of machine that looked like a metal detector was placed in the entrance to the corridor, there were also some security robots patrolling in the corridor, this place was heavily guarded. Well of course it was heavily guarded like this because this place was where the main system of Royal Road and many classified information were stored, even in Unicorn only a few people who could enter this place. Director Kim arrived in front of a metal door that looked like the door for a spaceship, before he could open it, the door started to move by itself revealing a white room behind it, he walked into the room and looked around searching for that guy. Director Kim found that guy was sitting on the chair in the center of the room, in front of him there were three big screen that showed the video image of players who were playing Royal Road. The man turned his chair and faced director Kim, this man was about 50 years old, with brown short hair, black eyes, and wearing casual clothes. “So what can I do for you?” The man asked director Kim with warm smile. “Stop playing dumb, you know why I am here for?” His smile turned into a grin and said “Ah yes of course, its about miss Erica. Director Kim groaned, whenever he saw that grin it was always mean trouble, whenever that guy was planning something bad, he always had that grin on his face. “So what did you do this time.” “Nothing, I didn’t do anything, at least not yet.” Director Kim pretended he didn’t hear the last part of his sentence and thought for a while, director Kim knew that this person loved to make trouble but he wasn’t a liar, when there was something that he wanted to hide, he choose to keep silent rather than lying. So if he said that he didn’t do anything it meant that he really didn’t do anything. “So what’s going on then?”Director Kim looked puzzled. “Well you know that all the board member were given a bonus 30 stats and one wish at the avatar creation.” Erica also was one of the board member so obviously she also got the bonus, director Kim nodded her head, he also got the bonus of 30 stasts point and asked for a skill as a wish to be granted.. “What about that?” “She asked for a class that would let her read many books, and she got her wish granted.” “What is her class?” “She got a class as a goddess.” “...” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ After the battle with Nedia, Aria went back to Babel tower followed by Nedia, that battle taught her that she was lacking many things, her race and main class were indeed gave her many advantage in stats, but none of them gave her any a real battle skills or magics, the only skill she could use in battle was divine aura Aria never thought that she had won against Nedia, she won that battle just because the battle turned into a magic battle and not a close combat battle, because of her class advantage, all Nedia magic attacks couldn't do any damage to her, if Nadia kept fighting using her sword, maybe she would have been defeated by Nedia just in a few slash, if she didn’t do anything about this, she might lose and worse she could die when she fought with another opponent who was stronger than her in close combat. She learned from this incident that her class would bring her more battle like this, that was why, when she arrived at the tower, she asked Babel to bring her any books that were related to close combat. The first book Aria read was about the basic of swordsmanship book, it contained many basic information about basic movement of swordplay, because of her True Eyes skill and her natural born photographic memory abillity, she finished reading the entire book in 10 minutes and remembered all of its contents perfectly, she kept reading till dinner time in real world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ After dinner Erica remember the conversation with director Kim, she was a bit hesitating to call Anna, she didn’t know what to say to her, but she resolved herself to take her cell phone, searched Anna`s name in the contacts list and called her. Anna was surprised when Erica suddenly called her, she never thought that Erica would call her, it was always her who called or started a conversation with Erica, she asked why Erica called her. Erica didn’t know what to say, so she just told Anna her conversation with director Kim, of course Erica didn’t tell her who was director Kim, she just told Anna that somebody asked her opinion about Royal Road, when Anna heard the story she also reacted the same way as director Kim, no normal person who played a game just to read books inside the game. Anna agreed with director Kim and told Aria to meet her in Royal Road, she was now in the middle of quest of guarding a group of merchant to the Citadel of Serabourg in Rosenheim Kingdom, and she would arrive in two weeks if there was no problem on the way, It seemed that Anna had planned to meet her from the beginning, a few days ago (Real time) Anna had asked her where she was, because Etna forest was in Rosenheim Kingdom territory Erica answered her with just two words “Rosenheim Kingdom”. it seemed that Anna concluded that Erica was in the library in Serabourg, because Serabourg was the only starter city for beginners in the western part of the continent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For the next two weeks in game, Aria read various books related to close combat, she couldn’t train properly because there was no training room in the tower, so she just remembered all of them and then trained it later later. “Open Status Window.” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Aria | Title | The Master of Etna Forest | | Race | Ancient God | Alignment | Neutral | | Main Class | Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom | | | | Subclass | N/A | | | | Hidden Class | N/A | | | | Level | 448 | Fame | 93.800 | | Health | 133.600 (+ 1.336.000) | Mana | 157.924 (+ 1.579.240) | | Health Regeneration/Sec | 336,0/Sec | Mana Regeneration/Sec | 560,4/Sec | | Strength | 460 (+3.800) | Agility | 310 (+ 3.050) | | Wisdom | 872 (+ 4.360) | Intelligence | 934 (+ 4.670 ) | | Stamina | Infinite | Vitality | 310 (+ 3.050) | | Luck | 310 (+ 1.550) | Divinity | 155.300 | | Leadership | 400 (+ 1.000) | Charisma | 375 (+ 1.000) | | Fighting Spirit | 440 (+ 1.200) | | | | Unused SP | 46.965 | | | | Magic Resistance | | | | | Fire | 50% | Water | 50% | | Wind | 50% | Earth | 50% | | Lightning | 50% | Neutral | 50% | | Holy | 50% | Dark | 50% | | Race : Ancient God | | | | | * +1000% Health and Mana. * +500% Health and Mana Regeneration. * +500% All Stats. * +50% All Magic Resistance. * Satisfaction factor, hunger and thirst will never go below 40%. * Penalty for dying reduced by 30% (-70% Exp. -10,5% Skill Mastery and less chance random item droped). * Immune to all negative stats. * Gain 400% Exp. * Gain 100 Stats points every level up. * Can use Divine magic. * New stats Divinity * +150.000 Divinity | | | | | Main Class : Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom(Stastus : Sealed) | | | | | * Infinite mana and mana Regeneration. * Infinite wisdom and intelligence. * Absorb all magic attack. * Instant spell casting. * Instant skills and magics cool down. * All skill mastery to maximum (True Master) * Enable you to learn unlimited number of skills and magics * Enable you to learn any skills and magics of any classes. * +500 All stats * Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class( Can’t be sealed). * Enables you to learn secret skills based on your class (Can’t be sealed). | | | | | Title : The Master of Etna Forest | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + All monster respect you+ Can command any monster from your territory+ Familiarity with all monster increased to friendly+ 1500 Str, Agi, and Vit.+ 1000 Leadership and Charisma.+ 1200 Fighting Spirit. | | | | Aria hadn’t check her status window for more than 8 months now, the last time she openned her status window was when she converted her main class. (What stats should I put my status points to ?... well my level and stats are already too high for a player who just played this game for 8 months, so lets just leave it like this for now.) “Are you going now ?” Aria turned her her head and saw Nedia was walking toward her. “Yes.” Today was the day when Anna or Rinea (her avatar name) should be arriving at Serabourg, so Aria had told Babel and Nedia that she would be leaving today and told them to stay at the tower. “Alright then before you go I will teach you this.” Ting! | Flying Magic (Active) (Beginner : 0%) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You can fly by manipulate wind element around your body, you can fly as long as you want till you cancel the spell or run out of mana. Mana cost : 500/10 minutes.Cooldown : 30s/cancel.Tier : 4 | | | | | Teleport (Active) (Beginner : 0%) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You can move instantly to any place that you have visited once. Mana cost : 1000Cool down : 300sRange : 500mTier : 7 | | | | "I think this magic will help you on your adventures." "Thanks." "Ah and don't forget to summon me when you are in trouble." Aria hoped that she would never need to summon Nedia, if she needed to summon her, then it meant that the situation was really bad so that she needed a help from Nedia. After that Nedia made a teleportation magic circle which would teleport Aria to Serabourg. Aria appeared in the forest near Serabourg, she could see many new players hunting rabbits, and foxes in the distance, also in the forest she saw a party of 5 players were fighting against a wolf, she ignored them all and headed toward the gate . . When she arrived at the gate, the guards looked at her with respect and salute her, she just gave them a glance and walked pass them, the players who saw this looked puzzled, they never seen the guards gave salute to anyone except to the nobles. A curious female player asked the guard ”Um, sir who is that person just now ?” “Ah that person is Lady Aria, the ruler of the most dangerous region in the Rosenheim Kingdom.”Replied the guard. The players who heard this now guessing, is Aria a player or NPC, if Aria was a player than it would be a big news, there were a few players who already became the city lord but no one had their own region, and Aria would be the first player who had her own region to rule. “Sir is she a freedman?” A male players asked the guard. “Of course not, I don’t really know where she is from, but she is a local born.” Because of her class Aria was treated like a NPC by the other NPCs, so of course the guard NPC said that she was a local born and not a freedman. “But sir, that girl is only about 12 years old, how can she rule a region.” The male player asked again. “I advise you not to say that in front of her, even though her appearance is like a little girl she is already 16 years old, and if you think she is weak than you have made a big mistake, she is the strongest person in this kingdom, also about two weeks ago she defeated an ancient dragon by herself.” “Eh two weeks ago, wasn’t that when the earthquake and loud explosion happened?”Asked the female girl. “Yes, all of that are the result of her battle with the ancient dragon.” When the players heard that they were in an uproar, many of them whispering their friends or using the guild chat room to tell this new information, and in the real world this topic had became the hot news in many forums, “Hey guys I have a new info.” “Hey” “Info?” “Do you mean about the earthquake and loud explosion.” “Yes that one.” “So what did you get?” “You know, all of that were caused by a battle.” “Stop joking, there is no way a battle could cause that.” “Where did you get this information from?” “From the guard in the Serabourg.” “Tell me the details.” (Retelling the story) “So it was caused by a battle between human NPC and an ancient dragon.” “Wow that human NPC maybe the strongest human NPC in Royal Road.” “Yeah, one on one battle with ancient dragon.” “Is she still in Serabourg?” “Maybe.” “Lets find her, maybe we can get a quest from her.” “Okay see you in game then.” ‘I hope we get a good quest.”. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aria walked toward the central square where the map of the city was located, she looked at the map and searched for the location of library and training hall, she found them not to far from each other in the western part of the city, she had told Rinea to search for her in that two places when she arrived. Aria headed toward the training hall, when she was about to enter the training hall, the instructor came and welcome her.. “Welcome to the training hall lady Aria, it’s an honor to have you visited this place.” “I want to train.” “Yes of course, you can use any weapon over there.” Aria walked toward the barrels filled with many kinds of weapons swords, spears, axes, etc , she took a wooden katana on the one of barrels and headed to the nearby scarecrow. She took a deep breath while holding the katana on her right hand, she tried a few basic move from the book which she had read before at the tower, thanks to her divine body skill, she now could control her power and speed easily, she only used 1/100 of his strength and agility stats to attack the scarecrow, if she used her full strength the scarecrow would be destroyed in one attack. There was no useless movement when she swing the sword, her training in jujitsu and aikido in real life had made her body accustomed to using small movement, she also could understand when and where to attack more efficient and accurately, creating her own pace she kept attacking the scarecrow, her sword moved naturally like flowing water. The instructor who saw this smile brightly, for a long time he saw many swordsman training in this place, none of them had the same swordplay like what he saw right now, the swordplay of the true swordsman, it wasn’t just a sword, strength, speed, or skills that made you a swordsman, the true swordsman also had to become one with the sword, and to reached that level you must understand the sword and made the sword become part of your body, he himself needed more than 20 years to reached that level. Aria was dancing with her sword, she had stopped thinking and made her mind clear, letting her body moved naturally following the sword movement, unconsciously she slowly increase her speed and strength, the sword slowly moved faster and faster, till finally the scarecrow was cut to pieces, She was confused when she saw the sword in her hand wasn't destroyed when the scarecrow was cut into pieces, she checked the its durability and found out its durability was still at max. “It’s hard to believe that this is your first time wielding a sword lady Aria.” The instructor who was standing behind her from the beginning suddenly talked to her. “What ?” “That sword, I am guessing that it’s durability is still at max right.”The instructor pointed at the sword on Aria hand. “Yes.” “Only the true swordsman can use a sword without damaging the sword no matter who or what is their opponent, they used sword as if its part of their body, and nobody wants to hurt their own body to attack your opponent, that’s why the sword used by the true swordsman rarely reduce its durability.” The instructor also told her what was the true swordsman and told her a few stories about some famous swordsman that he had met in the past. The instructor gave her an iron katana as a reward for completing the basic training, the instructor told her that usually people would need a month or more to finish the basic training, but there was one exception when the instructor judge that person had the qualification to pass the basic training, and she was one of the exception person to pass basic training. Ting! You have finished basic training + 50 Str + 50 Agi + You have generated Elegance and Appearance stats + 20 Elegance + 20 Appearance Aria learned sword mastery (Beginner 4 : 24%) and generated new stats that she never expected, the elegance stats which would make her every movement more refined and elegant, also the appearance stats which was supposed to be the only dancer class who could get it had generated, it seemed that when she was attacking the scarecrow the system recognize it as a dance and generated appearance stats. Aria wanted to train with another weapon when Rinea came. “Ah there you are.” Rinea walked toward Aria, Rinea appearance was the same as her real body, shoulder length brown hair and green eyes, she was wearing blue robe of a mage. “Are you still want to training, if so then I will wait for you.” “I am done.”Aria shook her head. “If you say so, then lets go to the restaurant near the central square, we can talk there.” They headed toward the restaurant, it was quite empty inside, there were only about 7 other customers beside them, they sat took the table near the window and called for the waitress, they ordered some drinks and food. “So what will we do now?” “... Nothing.” Aria hoped that Rinea had a plan, the only things that Aria had plan was to training with another type of weapon and read more books, she didn’t think that Rinea will be happy to train with her in the training hall because she was a mage and not a combat class type, and for reading books, well maybe Rinea could increase her Int and Wis, but Rinea was here to make Aria to do something other than reading, so Aria understood her plan was a no. “Hm... have you do any quest?” Quest, Aria remembered her first quest 2 weeks ago, a crazy quest that force her to fight against an ancient dragon, she never wanted to have another fight like that again, but she understood that her class would make her do that kind of quest again. “Just once.” “Oh good then, you have experience a quest, now what left are join a party and go hunting, first you, ah yes I forgot to ask you, what is your class?” It was the hardest question Aria had to answer, she couldn’t just say “ My class is a goddess who govern over knowledge and wisdom.”, no way in hell she could say that. This was the first time in Aria life that she already had the answer for the question, but couldn’t answer it. “... don’t have class.” At the end she decided not to tell Rinea her class. “Well then we must choose a class for you first, hm... if you spend 8 months reading a book your Int and Wis must be very high, so the good choice are a mage or a priest, I am already a mage so thinking about the balance of the party, you better change your class into a priest.” Aria thought about it and had the same conclusion as Rinea, after they finished eating, they searched for a Church to change Aria class into a priestess, the only Church in Serabourg was the Church of Freya, it was a small Church at the eastern part of the city. They entered the Church and greeted by a young priest. “Welcome to our Church travelers, what can I do for you?”Said the young priest with a smile. “My friend here want to become a priestess.” The young priest looked at Aria and nodded, he then brought them into a big hall where an old man wearing white robe of priest, and at the center back of the hall there was a sculpture of beautiful women with a long hair. The young priest talked to the old man for a while and then leave the hall. The old man looked at them and then smile. “Welcome travelers, my name is Vincent, I am the high priest of this Church of Freya. I have heard one of you want to join our order.” “My name is Rinea and this is my friend Aria, she is the one who wants to join the Church of Freya.” The old man looked at Aria and said ” Ah so it’s lady Aria who wants to join our order, of course we will welcome you into our order, please follow me.” Rinea was confused how could the high priest know about Aria, and asked Aria “Have you met with the high priest before or did you do any quest for the Church before?” Aria didn’t know how to answer this so she just kept silent. They walked towards the altar in front of the sculpture of a beautiful women. when they got closer, Aria felt the sculpture was watching her and she also could sense some kind of aura emitting from the sculpture, the aura she was familiar with... yes it was divine aura. “Freya.” Suddenly the world became white, and inside that world there were only two people, the first was Aria and the second was a beautiful women with long black hair, black eyes and white skin wearing white dress. The women was squatting on the floor while holding her stomach, it seemed that she was holding herself not to laugh, but at the end she couldn’t hold it anymore. “Kukuku hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaha m-my sto-stomach hahahaha.” Aria waited for the women to stop laughing, about 5 minutes later she could control herself and stop laughing. “Ahh.. its been a long time since I laugh like that, sorry for that.” “Somethings funny ?” “Of course, how can I am not laughing when I heard thet you want to become my priestess, you yourself are a goddess, how can you want to become another goddess priestess while you have the same status as the goddess herself, you are suppose to make your own Church and search for priest/priestess of your own, and not to become another goddess priestess.” Aria understood about that from the very beginning, but she couldn’t explain her situation to Rinea so she had no other choice, the only way she could heal was to become a priestess. “I don’t have any choice.” “Hm. It seems you have your own reason, but its a good thing that you came into my Church, if you go to another Church, maybe they will try to capture you or the god worshiped there will tell your location to Odin ” “You are not going to tell Odin?” “No, I also hate conflict and war just like you, so I won’t help Odin, but don’t misunderstand me I also cannot help you, my position will be on the worse side if the others find out that I am helping you.” “Are the other gods know that I am in this realm ?” “There is no way that all of us don’t know you are in this realm, when you used that much divine power, its basically saying that you are in this realm.” (Ah. did she mean by using Amaterasu on that battle, so because of that they know where I am... that means they can detect my divine power just like Nedia, if thats true than I should avoid using any kind of divine power at all cost and try not to enter any Church.) “If you are here then thats mean the other gods can come to this realm too.” “No, I am not really in this realm, this is just my shadow, my real body is still in upperworld realm.” Aria never know that there was a way like that, to separate the shadow from the body and sent it to this realm, this proved that gods could come indirectly and make a contact with the people of this realm. (Now that you think about it, how can gods make the people of this realm to become their believers if they never come and speak with them.) “Indirect way to come to this realm.” “Correct, now then, about you wants to become my priestess, my answer is no, you can think why I say no right.” Well yeah Aria could think more than 3 reasons why Freya rejected Aria to become her priestess. Aria now looked troubled she couldn’t become a priestess of any Church in the entire continent. “If you just need the skills of a priestess you don’t need to become a priestess yourself, I will give you the skill books for priestess as a thanks for making me laugh like that, just read the books and you will learn all of the priestess skill.” “Thanks.” “Well then see you again, you can visit my Church whenever you want, and one advice be very careful with Tyr followers, they are searching for you.” After Freya said that, the entire world went back to normal, Aria now was walking again toward the altar, on the altar there were 3 books with white cover, the high priest took the books and gave it to Aria. “These are the skill books for priestess and now it’s all yours”Said the high priest to Aria. “Thanks.” After that they leave the Church, they went to the library to read the books which Aria just got, because Rinea never saw people converted their class into a priestess before, she didn’t notice that there were something strange about earlier event, usually the people who wanted to become a priest/priestess were asked if they want to be one or not, and if they agreed to it their body would be glowing for a moment as a sign that their class had changed, after that they were usually given a skill book as a basic skill, but Aria was different, the high priest didn’t ask her if she wanted to become a priestess or not, he just gave Aria 3 skill books which was usually only one basic skill book. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Author's notes : 1. I am still looking for an editor. 2. I have changed some of the status windows of Aria, Babel, Nedia, and also the reward for getting divine body and defeating Nedia, please check the previous chapters.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The Beast<br>Chapter 6: Gobblin’<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction… of sorts<br>By Halosty<br><br> A pack of wolves was surrounding a lone rabbit. The tasty morsel had just wandered into their turf. They had little else to do, so they would play with it for a while before eating it. Not that they could even do much of that with a weak rabbit. The wolves howled, and then a chill swept over all those who were present.<br><br> It was not the wolves who were frightening. No, it was something else. The wolves had instincts very important for determining whether or not something was prey or predator. They felt a predator, but could not figure out where it was. Still, they were frozen in fear.<br><br> Then, The Beast used the full might of his Fighting Spirit. The wolves realized the source, and scattered in fear.<br><br> The Beast was bored with wolves. He wanted to move on to something else. He had just come out to play for a little bit.<br><br> Wolves had ceased to be a challenge quite some time ago, because of The Beast’s skill in combat. Of course, there were also the numbers.<br><br> The Beast did not think about the numbers, but another may have done some simple calculations.<br><br> The Beast was currently at level 30. This was not a particularly high level, although it was plenty for fighting wolves. However, The Beast had also eaten a very special carrot. It gave him +10 to all stats, which was something like 10 or more levels worth of stats in effect. He had also completed the beginner’s training course. This gave him something like 30 levels worth of stats. A frightening, level 70 monster indeed. However, that was not the limit of The Beast’s strength. With his 240% stats at night, he was something akin to a level 168 creature. Of course, he was almost completely without equipment. Players often gained somewhere between 20 and 50% of their statistics from equipment, so he was really more around level 100. <br><br> He was undoubtedly the strongest rabbit in the history of Royal Road. Of course, that had also been true when he was level 3, but nobody would really have called him strong then.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> In the many strange tales told in Royal Road, one of the most wild and least frequently believed was the one where an entire pack of wolves turned into vegetarians. Rangers and other elves around Heartwood Forest of course knew this was not true. However, some of them said something even stranger. The wolves still ate meat, but they never hunted rabbits. Nobody knew what could cause such a phenomenon, and everyone wrote it off as fiction.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> When Lailam logged back in, she found Roger sleeping next to Arasel’s vegetable stall. The fan club had long since dispersed, since Roger was no longer doing anything very interesting. Of course, some had watched him sleep for a little bit, but it got uninteresting very quickly.<br><br> “Hello again. I see you’ve been taking care of Roger?” said Lailam.<br><br> Arasel lifted her head up from the bored pose she had been in. “What? Oh, yes. I guess so. Someone has to eat my carrots after all.” She was surprised at someone talking to her.<br><br> Lailam looked slightly embarrassed at the thought of her animal companion eating all of somebody’s wares. “Well, he won’t trouble you much longer since we’re heading on to another area soon. Come on Roger, we’re going.”<br><br> Roger’s ears perked up at this, and he walked over next to Lailam. They started to head away.<br><br> Arasel sighed. There went her only entertainment in this game. She would have to find something else to do.<br><br> “Um, wait a minute please.”<br><br> Lailam turned around.<br><br> “I was wondering if I could come with you. I know I’m not any good at combat or anything, but I want to travel out of the city. You don’t have to let me join your party, so I won’t take any of your experience, I just-”<br><br> “It’s fine, you can come with us. Besides, you’re Roger’s friend, right?”<br><br> Roger nodded vigorously. He didn’t exactly understand friends, but he knew it was a good thing, and this lady had carrots.<br><br> Cael’van and Aeltas gladly accepted Arasel into the party. They may not have seen much use for her in combat, but they would be glad to have another pretty lady around.<br><br> Lailam and Arasel easily hit it off, with them both sharing a love of cute things, and in particular Roger.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> During the day, Roger wasn’t much stronger than either Cael’van or Aeltas. In fact, if they had slightly better equipment then they would surpass him. This meant that all the party members were all about the same level of strength… All except Arasel. As she was not a combat class, and almost entirely without combat skills, she could do very little in combat. Technically, she had a sickle, but that was really more a tool for harvesting plants.<br><br> Not that Arasel was entirely useless. Outside of combat, she could bandage wound, and combined with her herbalism skill, this reduced the downtime required between combat. She could also cook some, so the party didn’t have to eat rye bread. Last and most importantly, at least to Roger, she provided carrots and other vegetables.<br> Cael’van noticed how much Roger ate. “Is he eating after every battle? I’m pretty sure he’s eaten more carrots today than his body weight.”<br><br> “Of course. He eats a lot. Is that not normal?” asked Arasel.<br><br> “You shouldn’t eat when you’re full, Roger,” admonished Lailam. “You’ll get fat.” She wasn’t actually sure if he could get fat, but it was still <br><br> ‘I’m not full. Food is energy, so I eat after battles to get energy.’<br><br> Lailam translated what he said for the group.<br><br> “I’m pretty sure he converts his satiety bar into stamina,” said Arasel. “I was watching him run around in town and he never had to slow down except when he hadn’t eaten, and then he was running again right after he ate.”<br><br> Roger nodded at this. <br><br> “So, if I feed you during battle, you can just keep using stamina as fast as you want?”<br><br> Roger again nodded. Thus, Arasel’s position in the party was upgraded from “nothing” to “bunny feeder”.<br><br> That day the party was hunting goblins near the town of Riverwood. Yes, the elven towns all had wood in their names. This didn’t change that goblins sometimes infested their forests. Although they were around level 30, since they never came in groups less than 5 they could be quite troublesome for solo players. They weren’t a challenge for the party, but the level of goblins rose sharply in the next area.<br><br> It was Cael’van’s job to find the goblins and pull them. Of course, he also tried to kill or seriously injure one before they could get to the group, just to make it easier.<br><br> Aeltas would then gain the attention of about half of the rest of the goblins, as well as watching for any party members who were in danger.<br><br> Lailam healed anyone who was in trouble, provided buffs, and helped Cael’van finish off the first goblin.<br><br> Roger got the attention of the portion of the goblins Aeltas didn’t, and used his Quick Attack ability without sparing any stamina. When he ran out, Aeltas would taunt them while he took a quick break.<br><br> Arasel now had a job to do, and that was to feed Roger when he was out of stamina. Although she was embarrassed to admit it, she actually had a skill, “Hand Feeding”, that increased the amount of satiety gained from food. It was too embarrassing to use on other players, so she normally only provided the benefits to herself, and she had considered it useless. However, with Roger using stamina, and thus satiety, like a bottomless pit, Arasel was glad to have the skill. Every little bit of speed helped, and Roger had to get back into the fight as soon as he could.<br><br> This strategy of hunting worked well for the party, and they kept it up until nightfall.<br><br> In a normal party, at night time you would stay fighting the same monsters, or possibly easier ones to make up for the increase in strength. However, this party was different. They moved deeper into the forest, where goblins were in their 50’s. Although most of them were at a disadvantage, Roger was so much more powerful that it was like having 3 more people at night.<br><br> Arasel was properly surprised at the change in Roger’s abilities. She had seen him in the training hall, and he was pretty fast and pretty strong. She had never seen him at night before. She had merely thought of him as an exceptional rabbit. Now, he appeared more like a lion or cheetah trapped in a rabbit’s body.<br><br> The battles went much the same, except Roger focused on finishing off a few of the goblins before he ran out of stamina. Aeltas may have been good at his job, but he would be hard pressed to take on more than two or three monsters who significantly outleveled him. Cael’van helped focus on killing Roger’s main target. Lailam saved more of her mana for healing, since healing was more critical for Aeltas, and Roger even took some damage from the concentrated attacks of the goblins. Arasel… just kept feeding Roger. She had noticed that varying the vegetables she fed him was more effective, so she took care to do just that.<br><br> Between battles, Aeltas and Cael’van rested to restore mana and stamina. Lailam did so too, but not before casting some magic to help Arasel quickly grow more for Roger to eat. If they didn’t, they would quickly run out of things for him to eat. The quickened growth did make the vegetables slightly less effective, but they didn’t have the luxury of time or a proper garden.<br><br> After the night, the party had to log off. They had spent more than twelve hours playing, and they had things to do in real life… like sleeping.<br><br> Roger decided to go visit the peaceful river he had seen near the city. If only there were another one of those training hall thingys in Riverwood… but he had checked, and there wasn’t.<br><br> By the river, all he saw was an elf napping. Of course, the elf was probably nominally fishing, but it was safe to say he was napping too.<br><br> Roger decided to nap in a field near the fisherman, on a nice field of clovers. He hadn’t really taken time to rest, and although he didn’t need to sleep, he was due for a nice break.<br><br>End Chapter 6: Gobblin’ </div>

The Beast Chapter 6: Gobblin’ A Royal Road Fan Fiction… of sorts By Halosty A pack of wolves was surrounding a lone rabbit. The tasty morsel had just wandered into their turf. They had little else to do, so they would play with it for a while before eating it. Not that they could even do much of that with a weak rabbit. The wolves howled, and then a chill swept over all those who were present. It was not the wolves who were frightening. No, it was something else. The wolves had instincts very important for determining whether or not something was prey or predator. They felt a predator, but could not figure out where it was. Still, they were frozen in fear. Then, The Beast used the full might of his Fighting Spirit. The wolves realized the source, and scattered in fear. The Beast was bored with wolves. He wanted to move on to something else. He had just come out to play for a little bit. Wolves had ceased to be a challenge quite some time ago, because of The Beast’s skill in combat. Of course, there were also the numbers. The Beast did not think about the numbers, but another may have done some simple calculations. The Beast was currently at level 30. This was not a particularly high level, although it was plenty for fighting wolves. However, The Beast had also eaten a very special carrot. It gave him +10 to all stats, which was something like 10 or more levels worth of stats in effect. He had also completed the beginner’s training course. This gave him something like 30 levels worth of stats. A frightening, level 70 monster indeed. However, that was not the limit of The Beast’s strength. With his 240% stats at night, he was something akin to a level 168 creature. Of course, he was almost completely without equipment. Players often gained somewhere between 20 and 50% of their statistics from equipment, so he was really more around level 100. He was undoubtedly the strongest rabbit in the history of Royal Road. Of course, that had also been true when he was level 3, but nobody would really have called him strong then. -------------------------- In the many strange tales told in Royal Road, one of the most wild and least frequently believed was the one where an entire pack of wolves turned into vegetarians. Rangers and other elves around Heartwood Forest of course knew this was not true. However, some of them said something even stranger. The wolves still ate meat, but they never hunted rabbits. Nobody knew what could cause such a phenomenon, and everyone wrote it off as fiction. -------------------------- When Lailam logged back in, she found Roger sleeping next to Arasel’s vegetable stall. The fan club had long since dispersed, since Roger was no longer doing anything very interesting. Of course, some had watched him sleep for a little bit, but it got uninteresting very quickly. “Hello again. I see you’ve been taking care of Roger?” said Lailam. Arasel lifted her head up from the bored pose she had been in. “What? Oh, yes. I guess so. Someone has to eat my carrots after all.” She was surprised at someone talking to her. Lailam looked slightly embarrassed at the thought of her animal companion eating all of somebody’s wares. “Well, he won’t trouble you much longer since we’re heading on to another area soon. Come on Roger, we’re going.” Roger’s ears perked up at this, and he walked over next to Lailam. They started to head away. Arasel sighed. There went her only entertainment in this game. She would have to find something else to do. “Um, wait a minute please.” Lailam turned around. “I was wondering if I could come with you. I know I’m not any good at combat or anything, but I want to travel out of the city. You don’t have to let me join your party, so I won’t take any of your experience, I just-” “It’s fine, you can come with us. Besides, you’re Roger’s friend, right?” Roger nodded vigorously. He didn’t exactly understand friends, but he knew it was a good thing, and this lady had carrots. Cael’van and Aeltas gladly accepted Arasel into the party. They may not have seen much use for her in combat, but they would be glad to have another pretty lady around. Lailam and Arasel easily hit it off, with them both sharing a love of cute things, and in particular Roger. -------------------------- During the day, Roger wasn’t much stronger than either Cael’van or Aeltas. In fact, if they had slightly better equipment then they would surpass him. This meant that all the party members were all about the same level of strength… All except Arasel. As she was not a combat class, and almost entirely without combat skills, she could do very little in combat. Technically, she had a sickle, but that was really more a tool for harvesting plants. Not that Arasel was entirely useless. Outside of combat, she could bandage wound, and combined with her herbalism skill, this reduced the downtime required between combat. She could also cook some, so the party didn’t have to eat rye bread. Last and most importantly, at least to Roger, she provided carrots and other vegetables. Cael’van noticed how much Roger ate. “Is he eating after every battle? I’m pretty sure he’s eaten more carrots today than his body weight.” “Of course. He eats a lot. Is that not normal?” asked Arasel. “You shouldn’t eat when you’re full, Roger,” admonished Lailam. “You’ll get fat.” She wasn’t actually sure if he could get fat, but it was still ‘I’m not full. Food is energy, so I eat after battles to get energy.’ Lailam translated what he said for the group. “I’m pretty sure he converts his satiety bar into stamina,” said Arasel. “I was watching him run around in town and he never had to slow down except when he hadn’t eaten, and then he was running again right after he ate.” Roger nodded at this. “So, if I feed you during battle, you can just keep using stamina as fast as you want?” Roger again nodded. Thus, Arasel’s position in the party was upgraded from “nothing” to “bunny feeder”. That day the party was hunting goblins near the town of Riverwood. Yes, the elven towns all had wood in their names. This didn’t change that goblins sometimes infested their forests. Although they were around level 30, since they never came in groups less than 5 they could be quite troublesome for solo players. They weren’t a challenge for the party, but the level of goblins rose sharply in the next area. It was Cael’van’s job to find the goblins and pull them. Of course, he also tried to kill or seriously injure one before they could get to the group, just to make it easier. Aeltas would then gain the attention of about half of the rest of the goblins, as well as watching for any party members who were in danger. Lailam healed anyone who was in trouble, provided buffs, and helped Cael’van finish off the first goblin. Roger got the attention of the portion of the goblins Aeltas didn’t, and used his Quick Attack ability without sparing any stamina. When he ran out, Aeltas would taunt them while he took a quick break. Arasel now had a job to do, and that was to feed Roger when he was out of stamina. Although she was embarrassed to admit it, she actually had a skill, “Hand Feeding”, that increased the amount of satiety gained from food. It was too embarrassing to use on other players, so she normally only provided the benefits to herself, and she had considered it useless. However, with Roger using stamina, and thus satiety, like a bottomless pit, Arasel was glad to have the skill. Every little bit of speed helped, and Roger had to get back into the fight as soon as he could. This strategy of hunting worked well for the party, and they kept it up until nightfall. In a normal party, at night time you would stay fighting the same monsters, or possibly easier ones to make up for the increase in strength. However, this party was different. They moved deeper into the forest, where goblins were in their 50’s. Although most of them were at a disadvantage, Roger was so much more powerful that it was like having 3 more people at night. Arasel was properly surprised at the change in Roger’s abilities. She had seen him in the training hall, and he was pretty fast and pretty strong. She had never seen him at night before. She had merely thought of him as an exceptional rabbit. Now, he appeared more like a lion or cheetah trapped in a rabbit’s body. The battles went much the same, except Roger focused on finishing off a few of the goblins before he ran out of stamina. Aeltas may have been good at his job, but he would be hard pressed to take on more than two or three monsters who significantly outleveled him. Cael’van helped focus on killing Roger’s main target. Lailam saved more of her mana for healing, since healing was more critical for Aeltas, and Roger even took some damage from the concentrated attacks of the goblins. Arasel… just kept feeding Roger. She had noticed that varying the vegetables she fed him was more effective, so she took care to do just that. Between battles, Aeltas and Cael’van rested to restore mana and stamina. Lailam did so too, but not before casting some magic to help Arasel quickly grow more for Roger to eat. If they didn’t, they would quickly run out of things for him to eat. The quickened growth did make the vegetables slightly less effective, but they didn’t have the luxury of time or a proper garden. After the night, the party had to log off. They had spent more than twelve hours playing, and they had things to do in real life… like sleeping. Roger decided to go visit the peaceful river he had seen near the city. If only there were another one of those training hall thingys in Riverwood… but he had checked, and there wasn’t. By the river, all he saw was an elf napping. Of course, the elf was probably nominally fishing, but it was safe to say he was napping too. Roger decided to nap in a field near the fisherman, on a nice field of clovers. He hadn’t really taken time to rest, and although he didn’t need to sleep, he was due for a nice break. End Chapter 6: Gobblin’

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The first true virtual reality took the world by storm. No one had ever seen anything like it. It was like a whole new world. &nbsp;It's name was&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 0.9em;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Virtual Reality Unbound or just Unbound as it was often called.</span></span><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">&nbsp; The moment Brian heard about unbound &nbsp;he wanted to play it. How could anyone pass up a virtual reality fantasy world? The only problem was the price, both for the capsule and for the monthly subscription. His parents wouldn't buy it for him, but they promised that if he earned the money to pay for the capsule himself they would pay the monthly subscription fees. In order to get the money he needed he worked part time at a local restaurant. It took a while, but eventually he managed it. Now the capsule was sitting right in front of him waiting to be entered.</span> <br> <br>As soon as he entered the capsule a message came up. <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Virtual Reality Unbound <br>Yes | No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>“Yes” <br> <br>—Are you a new user?&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 0.9em;">— A feminine voice asked.</span> <br> <br> <br>“Yes” <br> <br><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">Do you want to create a new account?</span> <br> <br> <br><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">Yes</span> <br> <br> <br>—Select the name of your avatar— <br> <br>He thought about it for a few moments. He had never been that good at naming things. <br> <br>“Skylar” <br> <br>It at least had the virtue of being easy to remember. <br> <br>— Select your gender from male, female or neutral— <br> <br>“Male!” <br> <br>—Unbound &nbsp;currently has 9 playable races. &nbsp;Which race would you like to choose.?­— <br> <br>“Human” <br> <br>— Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Unbound. Please select a city and kingdom you want to start. <br> <br>“Gorata” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Such a newly established place must be filled with undiscovered things. <br> <br>— Welcome to Unbound. &nbsp;A tutorial is available if you would like — <br> <br>“Pass” <br> <br>He was too eager to wait. Besides he had already read about most of the basic stuff on the intent. <br> <br>*Flash* <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; With a flash of light, he appeared in Gorata. Crowed of &nbsp;both players and NPC wandered around. <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; His eyes widened. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Amazing, it felt, like he was really there. &nbsp; It this what people felt like watching the first motion picture? <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Another noob. You would think they would learn that the north is no place for beginners.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He tensed up a bit &nbsp;hearing the players harsh words, but quickly relaxed. From reading things on the internet he knew the north wasn't an easy place to start out. He heard on most of forms he visited that only a thin area around the city had lower level monsters suited for beginning player. &nbsp;Beyond that monster were in the one hundred or two hundred level range, and they often roamed around in groups. &nbsp;Still he couldn't resist it. The idea of places unexplored. Of being able to leave some kind of mark on a new frontier. It was an amazing idea. The real world didn't have any frontiers left. Everything was already explored, inhabited, owned and controlled. Here things were different! <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Well not really. In reality it was just a virtual reality owned and controlled by a real life company, but it felt different. At least that's the feeling he got watching videos of the northern expedition fighting the Bone Dragon. Now he had the chance to experience it for himself. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He began to walk around the main square looking, listening and getting used to his new body. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Weapons for sale, quality weapons for sale. Don't miss out on these fine prices.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Level 200 warrior looking for a party. I have intermediary sword mastery, and C-grade sword techniques.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Self destruct potions for sale. Get them while they last! Good for all your self destructing needs!” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; That last one seemed a bit funny. He walked up to the stall. A man wearing flowing purple robes was sitting behind a pile of potions. He looked to be in his mid twenties, on the short side and a little disheveled, but his most distinguishing features was mischievous looking grin plastered on his face. <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Looking at the potions more closely he saw that the liquid inside them was glowing red and continuously boiling. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You would appear to be a new player. Are you interested in my self destruct potions?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I certainly find them interesting. I was wondering how do they work exactly.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You just drink one, and thirty seconds later... boom!” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Skylar couldn't help but smile. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You actually explode. That's amazing!” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Isn't it! I wish more people would see it that way.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The man gave a quick look around his almost abandoned stall then let out a theatrical sigh. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Well I think it's amazing. The idea that a game that allows for the existence of self destruct potions, it really makes you wonder what else you might find. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “It really does doesn't it. As an alchemist I wont stop until I've discovered all the secrets that this world has to offer.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Skylar's eyes widened in shock. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; What an admirable goal. This world attracted some amazing people. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I wish you the best luck in your endeavor.” &nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thanks. Here take some of these potions.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “But I don't have any money.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The man laughed. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I don't think anyone else is going to be buying them, besides I have a feeling you're going places kid. You can pay me back later when you become rich and famous.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Such a vague dept could end up being too expensive, but he couldn't find a polite way refuse. Besides he really wanted the potions. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thank I'll put these to good use.” he said talking a few dozen potions. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “You know what kid, I believe you will.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; After that they exchanged names, friended each other and parted company on good terms. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He spent the rest of the day walking around talking to people, and doing minor quests. The quests he found were all really easy, but had only minor rewards. They all seemed to be fetch quests, or minor chores. Things like take this money and go buy me some vegetables, clean my shed and deliver this package. &nbsp;All basic stuff, but he was still having fun. Just being in this world with it's incredible realism and life like NPCs was an amazing experience. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; After cutting the last of the firewood Skylar wiped the sweat from his brow, and took a drink from his water container. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Even sweating is realistic in this world he thought to himself. &nbsp;Maria, the pretty but stern faced NPC he was working for, came into the yard. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Are you almost done?” She asked. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I just finished.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Good, than you can eat this. It just came out of the oven.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She handed him a piece of warm fresh bread. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thanks.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Biting into it his face lit up with pleasure. The taste was was completely different than the stale rye bread he had started out with. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Do you like it?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, I really do.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The girl smiled happily at the compliment, but then went back to her normal serious expression. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I don't have a lot to give you for your work.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He smile to show her that it was fine. Given the look of the over sized shake she was living in he hadn't really been expecting that much. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Whatever you can spare is fine. Also, do you mind if I take a few pieces of wood?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She furrowed her brows obviously confused why he would want a few pieces of wood. They weren't even worth a copper. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Sure, go ahead” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Thanks. Find me if you need anything else.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Really he had gotten a lot from this quest. Besides the bread, wood and a few copper coins he had also gained the skill Axe Mastery. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Grabbing a few choice pieces of wood he logged out of the game. </div>

The first true virtual reality took the world by storm. No one had ever seen anything like it. It was like a whole new world.  It's name was Virtual Reality Unbound or just Unbound as it was often called.  The moment Brian heard about unbound  he wanted to play it. How could anyone pass up a virtual reality fantasy world? The only problem was the price, both for the capsule and for the monthly subscription. His parents wouldn't buy it for him, but they promised that if he earned the money to pay for the capsule himself they would pay the monthly subscription fees. In order to get the money he needed he worked part time at a local restaurant. It took a while, but eventually he managed it. Now the capsule was sitting right in front of him waiting to be entered. As soon as he entered the capsule a message came up. | Connect to Virtual Reality Unbound Yes | No | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Yes” —Are you a new user? — A feminine voice asked. “Yes” Do you want to create a new account? Yes —Select the name of your avatar— He thought about it for a few moments. He had never been that good at naming things. “Skylar” It at least had the virtue of being easy to remember. — Select your gender from male, female or neutral— “Male!” —Unbound  currently has 9 playable races.  Which race would you like to choose.?­— “Human” — Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Unbound. Please select a city and kingdom you want to start. “Gorata”    Such a newly established place must be filled with undiscovered things. — Welcome to Unbound.  A tutorial is available if you would like — “Pass” He was too eager to wait. Besides he had already read about most of the basic stuff on the intent. *Flash*               With a flash of light, he appeared in Gorata. Crowed of  both players and NPC wandered around.               His eyes widened.               Amazing, it felt, like he was really there.   It this what people felt like watching the first motion picture?               “Another noob. You would think they would learn that the north is no place for beginners.”               He tensed up a bit  hearing the players harsh words, but quickly relaxed. From reading things on the internet he knew the north wasn't an easy place to start out. He heard on most of forms he visited that only a thin area around the city had lower level monsters suited for beginning player.  Beyond that monster were in the one hundred or two hundred level range, and they often roamed around in groups.  Still he couldn't resist it. The idea of places unexplored. Of being able to leave some kind of mark on a new frontier. It was an amazing idea. The real world didn't have any frontiers left. Everything was already explored, inhabited, owned and controlled. Here things were different!               Well not really. In reality it was just a virtual reality owned and controlled by a real life company, but it felt different. At least that's the feeling he got watching videos of the northern expedition fighting the Bone Dragon. Now he had the chance to experience it for himself.               He began to walk around the main square looking, listening and getting used to his new body.               “Weapons for sale, quality weapons for sale. Don't miss out on these fine prices.”               “Level 200 warrior looking for a party. I have intermediary sword mastery, and C-grade sword techniques.”               “Self destruct potions for sale. Get them while they last! Good for all your self destructing needs!”               That last one seemed a bit funny. He walked up to the stall. A man wearing flowing purple robes was sitting behind a pile of potions. He looked to be in his mid twenties, on the short side and a little disheveled, but his most distinguishing features was mischievous looking grin plastered on his face.               Looking at the potions more closely he saw that the liquid inside them was glowing red and continuously boiling.               “You would appear to be a new player. Are you interested in my self destruct potions?”               “I certainly find them interesting. I was wondering how do they work exactly.”               “You just drink one, and thirty seconds later... boom!”               Skylar couldn't help but smile.               “You actually explode. That's amazing!”               “Isn't it! I wish more people would see it that way.”               The man gave a quick look around his almost abandoned stall then let out a theatrical sigh.               “Well I think it's amazing. The idea that a game that allows for the existence of self destruct potions, it really makes you wonder what else you might find.               “It really does doesn't it. As an alchemist I wont stop until I've discovered all the secrets that this world has to offer.”               Skylar's eyes widened in shock.               What an admirable goal. This world attracted some amazing people.               “I wish you the best luck in your endeavor.”                             “Thanks. Here take some of these potions.”               “But I don't have any money.”               The man laughed.               “I don't think anyone else is going to be buying them, besides I have a feeling you're going places kid. You can pay me back later when you become rich and famous.”               Such a vague dept could end up being too expensive, but he couldn't find a polite way refuse. Besides he really wanted the potions.               “Thank I'll put these to good use.” he said talking a few dozen potions.               “You know what kid, I believe you will.”               After that they exchanged names, friended each other and parted company on good terms.               He spent the rest of the day walking around talking to people, and doing minor quests. The quests he found were all really easy, but had only minor rewards. They all seemed to be fetch quests, or minor chores. Things like take this money and go buy me some vegetables, clean my shed and deliver this package.  All basic stuff, but he was still having fun. Just being in this world with it's incredible realism and life like NPCs was an amazing experience.               After cutting the last of the firewood Skylar wiped the sweat from his brow, and took a drink from his water container.               Even sweating is realistic in this world he thought to himself.  Maria, the pretty but stern faced NPC he was working for, came into the yard.               “Are you almost done?” She asked.               “I just finished.”               “Good, than you can eat this. It just came out of the oven.”               She handed him a piece of warm fresh bread.               “Thanks.”               Biting into it his face lit up with pleasure. The taste was was completely different than the stale rye bread he had started out with.               “Do you like it?”               “Yes, I really do.”               The girl smiled happily at the compliment, but then went back to her normal serious expression.               “I don't have a lot to give you for your work.”               He smile to show her that it was fine. Given the look of the over sized shake she was living in he hadn't really been expecting that much.               “Whatever you can spare is fine. Also, do you mind if I take a few pieces of wood?”               She furrowed her brows obviously confused why he would want a few pieces of wood. They weren't even worth a copper.               “Sure, go ahead”               “Thanks. Find me if you need anything else.”               Really he had gotten a lot from this quest. Besides the bread, wood and a few copper coins he had also gained the skill Axe Mastery.               Grabbing a few choice pieces of wood he logged out of the game.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Aaron was still walking down the road through Esster’s forest. He was currently in Enea’s form trying to even walk properly but could not walk the way he used to in his original form and instead had a swaying rhythm with his hips slowly going to the side as he took each step.<br><br>Thanks to the evolution the armor had also changed for this form. Similar to his original form the plates have shifted to expose Malle at the joints and hands. What was not like his other form is that his stomach was now exposed.<br><br>Aaron, “Enea I really hate that the stomach is exposed it feels irritating and Its open to direct attack.”<br><br>Enea, “sorry Aaron but I have no control over the evolution of the armor it automatically changes to suit the wearers style of combat and needs.”<br><br>Aaron, “but why would it change to not cover the stomach leaving an obvious weak point”<br><br>Enea, “Its possible that it was meant for a wider range of movement instead of being confined by the armor. Plus that kind of looks sexy on you.”<br><br>Aaron, “I don’t want sexy! I want to have a proper defense like any other armor.”<br><br>Enea, “Come on I meant it as a compliment.”<br><br>Aaron, “Ah what ever, lets just get to the next village to find the Chosen.”<br><br>Enea continued to laugh at Aaron in his embarrassment and irritation. <br><br>At that Aaron continued on down the road eventually getting out his bow to shoot some animals for xp and some basic loot. The road continued to weave back and forth as he continued to work his way through the forest. Soon he began to notice that there weren’t any animals and that the forest had grown silent. Aaron slowed a bit putting his bow away and putting his hands on his swords handles. <br><br>As he came upon a small clearing he began to think he had made a mistake when he had noticed the signs. As he reached to center of the clearing he heard a branch snap off to his right. In one swift motion he drew out a dagger and throw it at where the sound came from striking a tree that a bandit had stepped out from behind. <br><br>Bandit, “Well that wasn’t a nice greeting.”<br><br>Aaron, “what do you want?”<br><br>Slowly more bandits began to step out from the trees with multiple types of bows readied but not drawn yet.<br> <br>Sadistic Bandit, “Women really shouldn’t be carrying weapons or out on their own.”<br><br>He gave a twisted chuckle.<br><br>Aaron said while irritated, “and why is that bastard!”<br><br>Sadistic bandit after chuckling again, “woman are only good for sitting on a mans lap and doing anything he wishes of them.”<br><br>Aarons face turned bright red with anger while tightening his grip on his swords. One of the bandits at the sadistic bandits side told him to knock it off.<br><br>Bandit, “sorry about my companion here he wasn’t raised properly. But where are my manors could we guide you to your destination?”<br><br>Aaron, “I’m sorry but I really don’t feel like going anywhere with the likes of you.”<br><br>Bandit, “Well then could you please surrender we would not want to harm any valuable goods.”<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “Can I take her first boss I’d love to teach the delicate thing a lesson of manners.”<br><br>Bandit, “you can have her all night if you wish but don’t ruff her up to badly.”<br><br>[Aaron, “These guys are scum why would anyone treat people like that. Plus I’m not really even a woman!”]<br><br>[Enea, “would you like to teach them a lesson for me and all the women out there.”]<br>[Aaron, “I would gladly do so.”]<br><br>Aaron began to cite the fireball spell quietly while taking his hands off his swords.<br><br>Bandit, “I take it that means you are surrendering to…”<br><br>The bandit could not finish his sentence, as above Aarons hands appeared two fireballs. He quickly through them at the closest bandits while he began to cite the fireball spell once while running for the closest cover. The bandits quickly started to fire their arrows and bolts at Aaron. Most of them missed while a few bounced off his armor. As he neared the cover one of the arrows pierced his side sending a numbing shock up his body but still managed to get behind cover.<br><br>[Enea, “are you alright!?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “do you think I’m alright I have an arrow in my side! I told you that the belly being exposed was a weakness.]<br><br>Aaron quickly tossed his two new fireballs at the bandits near him then moved deeper into the forest. <br><br>[Enea, “when I had the armor I had the same style armor and it wasn’t a weak spot for me.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Well you are a Goddess and more skilled then me.”]<br><br>Aaron quickly stepped behind a tree and through on a quick bandage to try and stop the blood and health loss. As he finished he quickly look back behind the tree to see the bandits almost on him again. Using a mana and health potion he quickly started to cite the fireball spell once more. As the fireballs appeared above his hands again he tossed them at the bandits before drawing out his swords.<br><br>He ran out as the fireballs struck jumping through the smoke that it caused to land in the middle of the bandits once more. They all came at him with their swords drawn. Aaron quickly blocked the first bandits attack with one sword and used his other sword to strike the mans leg. As the bandit collapsed from the pain Aaron moved on to the next bandit blocking with both his swords. <br><br>As he drew his swords back for the next attack he saw the other bandits where to close so he activated Whirlwind striking at all the critical spots he could. A number of them disintegrated to loot while the remaining ones where forced back from the attack. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have leveled up!<br><br>You have leveled up!</span><br><br>Aaron quickly began to attack the bandits one after another either critically wounding them ore killing them on the spot. Soon he was facing the bandit leader one on one. They continued to strike and block each other’s attacks. Aaron knew he could not continue this single fight the way it was so he used twin blades to quickly strike at the bandit’s joints. <br><br>Aaron missed his attack on one of the legs and arms but still forced the bandit to the ground. As he was about to finish him off a blade was set against the side of Aarons throat. Stopping where they where Aaron turned slightly to see the sadistic bandit standing there holding the sword. <br>The bandit gave one of his chuckles again.<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “You are an interesting one. Chu chu chu. I really must have you all to myself.”<br><br>The bandit leader slowly got up off the ground with the assistance of one of his companions. <br><br>Aaron, “do you really think that I would let you.”<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “I don’t really think that you have a choice in the matter right now.”<br><br>Aaron quickly dropped the moment the bandit finished his sentence while raising one of his swords to nock the bandits sword aside. With the bandits sword in an awkward position after the move Aaron quickly kicked the Bandit in the stomach to push get some distance.<br><br>The Sadistic Bandit laughed again.<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “I have not had this much fun in years. You will make a perfect little plaything.”<br><br>Bandit leader, “We can’t take her as we are right now everyone retreat for now. “<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “what and end my fun…”<br><br>Bandit leader, “then would you like to face your brother for disobeying me.”<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “Ah what a poor sport. Well see you another time my plaything.”<br><br>Aaron stood there as the remaining few Bandits quickly began to grab their wounded and run away to where ever. As the bandits were soon out of sight Aaron put away his swords and took in a breath and exhaled.<br><br>Enea, “That was a tuff fight, are you ok.” She said in a worried voice.<br><br>Aaron, “That was worse then the first time I had to fight wolves.“<br><br>Enea, “well it seems like you are alright. We really do need to learn more skills and spells so we can be able to handle more situations.”<br><br>Aaron began to pick up the loot from the dead bandits then headed to the clearing where the fight had begun.<br><br>Aaron, “what book do you think I should read first or do you know a few that you can teach me.”<br><br>Enea, “I could teach you a few things but I can only do that while we are in my domain. So I think we should try reading a couple of the first chapters in the books we have now.”<br><br>Aaron grabbed his dagger out of the tree and stowed it away again.<br><br>Aaron, “well for now I’ll finish reading the fire tombs first chapter.”<br><br>Enea, “that is a good plan.”<br><br>Aaron began to head down the road once more with a little more sway to his hips then earlier not worrying about how he walked while reading some of the books he had.<br><br>While he walked he had a number of windows pop up.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have Learned Fire Sword!<br><br>Ability allows caster to target a weapon to have flames run down its blade. lasts 10min per ability’s level or until canceled[costs 100 Mana].<br><br>You have learned Fire Wall!<br><br>Ability allows caster to summon a wall of fire, Lasts for 10 minutes or until canceled [Costs 400 Mana].<br><br>You have learned Shadow step!<br><br>You are to fast for the average eye to see, Causes and after image. Ability only lasts for as many moves as its level: 1 [costs 50 mana]<br><br>Your mana Pool has grown by +200!</span><br><br>Status Window<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Name|</span> Aaron <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary Class|</span> Enea's Chosen<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gender|</span> Male <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Height|</span> 6'4"<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Health|</span> 1000 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana|</span> 1000 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Level|</span> 64<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Health Regen/sec|</span> 6.4 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Regen/sec|</span> 6.4<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strength|</span> 38 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Agility|</span> 40<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wisdom|</span> 20 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Intelligence|</span> 24<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stamina|</span> 34 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vitality|</span> 26<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dexterity|</span> 26<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith|</span> 750<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fame|</span> 320<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skills|</span><br>Precise shot-Basic Level 4, Blade Proficiency-basic level 8, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 7, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 6, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 9, Repair-Basic level 6, Handicraft-Basic Level 4,Blacksmith-Basic level 3, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 3,Traps-Basic Level 3, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 6, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 1,<br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weapon Forms</span><br>Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Shadow Step,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spells</span><br>Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Fireball, Fire Blade, Fire Wall,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Language</span><br>Common, Ancient<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Head|</span> Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neck|</span> Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chest Armor|</span> Enea's armor: durability 38/40, Defense +16<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arms|</span> Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pants/Legs|</span> Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feet|</span> Enea's Boots: Durability 19/20, Defense +10<br> <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enea's Armor</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Durability|</span> 150/150 total <span style="font-weight: bold;">Defense|</span> 54<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Armor|</span> Heavy <span style="font-weight: bold;">Class|</span> Ultimate Rare<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ability’s</span><br>Enea was once the peacekeeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. <br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evolution|</span> Stage 1 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Level|</span> 53<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evolutions Affects</span><br>Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed<br><br><br><br>Aaron , “that should do for now but I will still need to learn more.”<br><br>Enea, “Don’t push yourself to far.”<br><br>Aaron, “I know mother Hen.”<br><br>Enea, “well someone needs to look out after you.”<br><br>Aaron, “thanks.”<br><br>Aaron continued to travel through the woods for 2 days changing forms multiple times as he went. Towards the end of the second day he finally arrived at the next town. As he got closer he noticed there was some smoke rising from the town. As he continued to get closer it became easy to tell that there was something going on so he ran forward while in Enea’s form.<br><br>As he neared the town gates he noticed that there where no guards and that there where three bodies on the ground. As he got closer they vanished leaving behind some loot. Aaron did not go for the loot since it looked like before they vanished that two of them where guardsman. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">New quest Acquired Bandit Raid!<br><br>You may either hunt the bandits down and saving as many towns folk as you can, or join in the looting and sacking of the town.<br>Rewards: Unknown</span><br><br>He quickly ran through the gate to see people running in panic with a number of bandits running around looting and dragging people. Aaron quickly went for the nearest bandit stabbing one of his blades through the mans back and using the other a moment later to slit his throat. The body quickly disintegrated as he ran to the next bandit continuing the proses again.<br><br>He continued to work his way down the street killing one bandit after another until the rest noticed. They quickly began to group and come at him. As they got closer he used a fireball to disorganize them before charging in to the fray. He quickly began to target the joints to either immobilize them or slow them down. <br><br>As he blocked the bandit’s swords from both sides he activated whirlwind taking out the whole group due to his build up of his attacks. As he looked for the next bandit a large man came forward with a large war hammer over his shoulder. He seemed to be this group of bandits leader.<br><br>Bandit leader, “so someone actually worth a challenge is here, and can you tell me your name so I can know the one who has killed many of my men?”<br><br>Aaron, “I am… Enea’s Chosen the keeper of the worlds balance.”<br><br>The Bandit laughs, “so another chosen has arrived oh what shale we do… Ha the other ones not even here so the town is easy pickings.”<br><br>Aaron, “not while I’m around.”<br><br>Bandit leader, “oh is that so then I will just have to cower in fear… ha.”<br><br>As the bandit was finishing his sentence he swung his hammer down as Aaron jumped back. Aaron was about to go in to attack thinking that the man was slow but he had to duck from the bandit’s next swing. Aaron then quickly moved to his right as the man swung his hammer again. Aaron quickly rolled behind the man as he began his next swing.<br><br>Aaron quickly jumped up and struck at the mans arms barely even leaving a scratch. The man turned around laughing.<br>Bandit Leader, “Is this all you’ve got?! My mother can do better then that.”<br><br>Aaron quickly cited his new fire blade spell causing his swords to ignite.<br><br>Bandit Leader, “oh now this can get interesting. “<br><br>The bandit leader began to swing his hammer down at him again. Aaron instead of stepping back he went to the side and struck at the mans side causing third degree burns where his sword struck but still could not pierce the bandits flesh deep enough. <br><br>The bandit swung again but missed as Aaron rolled behind the man. Has Aaron began to rise he noticed that the bandit had not finished his swing and was bringing it around while spinning. It struck Aaron in the side throwing him into some barrels on the side of the road causing them to shatter on impact. Aaron slowly got to his feet almost out of breath and spitting up blood.<br><br>Bandit leader, “this was almost to easy.”<br><br>The bandit leader was coming towards Aaron again raising his weapon for another strike. Aaron quickly sidestepped under the mans arm and used twin blades with all the force he could muster finally piercing deep enough to prevent further use of the mans arm. The bandit using his other arm swung again but slower. Aaron used Shadow step to move behind the man and attack the bandits only good arm. He did not cut deep enough to prevent use of the arm but the damage was enough that the bandit could not raise his hammer again.<br><br>The bandit gave a grown and fell do his knees as blood continued to run down his arms. The other bandits all began to either run away on foot or on horseback leaving their fallen commander kneeling in the street before Aaron.<br><br>Bandit, “finish me off I can only live for fallen king. I’m nothing since I failed him.”<br><br>Aaron wiped off his blades and slid them into their sheaths. <br><br>[Enea, “Aaron… please spare his life.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Why should I let these kind of scum live.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Not all are how they seem.”]<br><br>Aaron sighed.<br><br>Aaron, “I will not kill you since you are no longer a threat. I leave you to the towns council or rulers judgment.”<br><br>Aaron looked at the man then began to bandage him up.<br><br>Bandit, “Why are you doing this I must fall in battle following my warriors code of honor.”<br><br>Aaron, “I really do not care about a warriors honor. I care more for peoples lives and helping others then ones own selfishness.”<br><br>Bandit, “I am not worthy of this…”<br><br>[Enea, “man this guy does not know when to quit.”] <br><br>Aaron, “If you want to die so badly find something to fight for besides banditry.”<br><br>Bandit, “it is the only thing I can do in this land since I have nowhere I belong anymore.”<br><br>Aaron turned to see many of the villagers either standing there looking at him, putting fires out, or crying over loved ones.<br><br>Aaron, “these people need someone to fight for them. This land from what I have seen it is very hard to survive alone besides having bandits raiding them.”<br><br>Aaron looked back at the man.<br><br>Bandit, “My name my lady is Jonathan Verstin I am in your debt.”<br><br>Aaron nodded then walked over to the nearby villagers.<br><br>Towns folk, “My I ask you for your name stranger.”<br><br>Aaron, “My name is…you may call me Enae I am the Chosen of Goddess Enae.” </div>

Aaron was still walking down the road through Esster’s forest. He was currently in Enea’s form trying to even walk properly but could not walk the way he used to in his original form and instead had a swaying rhythm with his hips slowly going to the side as he took each step. Thanks to the evolution the armor had also changed for this form. Similar to his original form the plates have shifted to expose Malle at the joints and hands. What was not like his other form is that his stomach was now exposed. Aaron, “Enea I really hate that the stomach is exposed it feels irritating and Its open to direct attack.” Enea, “sorry Aaron but I have no control over the evolution of the armor it automatically changes to suit the wearers style of combat and needs.” Aaron, “but why would it change to not cover the stomach leaving an obvious weak point” Enea, “Its possible that it was meant for a wider range of movement instead of being confined by the armor. Plus that kind of looks sexy on you.” Aaron, “I don’t want sexy! I want to have a proper defense like any other armor.” Enea, “Come on I meant it as a compliment.” Aaron, “Ah what ever, lets just get to the next village to find the Chosen.” Enea continued to laugh at Aaron in his embarrassment and irritation. At that Aaron continued on down the road eventually getting out his bow to shoot some animals for xp and some basic loot. The road continued to weave back and forth as he continued to work his way through the forest. Soon he began to notice that there weren’t any animals and that the forest had grown silent. Aaron slowed a bit putting his bow away and putting his hands on his swords handles. As he came upon a small clearing he began to think he had made a mistake when he had noticed the signs. As he reached to center of the clearing he heard a branch snap off to his right. In one swift motion he drew out a dagger and throw it at where the sound came from striking a tree that a bandit had stepped out from behind. Bandit, “Well that wasn’t a nice greeting.” Aaron, “what do you want?” Slowly more bandits began to step out from the trees with multiple types of bows readied but not drawn yet. Sadistic Bandit, “Women really shouldn’t be carrying weapons or out on their own.” He gave a twisted chuckle. Aaron said while irritated, “and why is that bastard!” Sadistic bandit after chuckling again, “woman are only good for sitting on a mans lap and doing anything he wishes of them.” Aarons face turned bright red with anger while tightening his grip on his swords. One of the bandits at the sadistic bandits side told him to knock it off. Bandit, “sorry about my companion here he wasn’t raised properly. But where are my manors could we guide you to your destination?” Aaron, “I’m sorry but I really don’t feel like going anywhere with the likes of you.” Bandit, “Well then could you please surrender we would not want to harm any valuable goods.” Sadistic Bandit, “Can I take her first boss I’d love to teach the delicate thing a lesson of manners.” Bandit, “you can have her all night if you wish but don’t ruff her up to badly.” [Aaron, “These guys are scum why would anyone treat people like that. Plus I’m not really even a woman!”] [Enea, “would you like to teach them a lesson for me and all the women out there.”] [Aaron, “I would gladly do so.”] Aaron began to cite the fireball spell quietly while taking his hands off his swords. Bandit, “I take it that means you are surrendering to…” The bandit could not finish his sentence, as above Aarons hands appeared two fireballs. He quickly through them at the closest bandits while he began to cite the fireball spell once while running for the closest cover. The bandits quickly started to fire their arrows and bolts at Aaron. Most of them missed while a few bounced off his armor. As he neared the cover one of the arrows pierced his side sending a numbing shock up his body but still managed to get behind cover. [Enea, “are you alright!?”] [Aaron, “do you think I’m alright I have an arrow in my side! I told you that the belly being exposed was a weakness.] Aaron quickly tossed his two new fireballs at the bandits near him then moved deeper into the forest. [Enea, “when I had the armor I had the same style armor and it wasn’t a weak spot for me.”] [Aaron, “Well you are a Goddess and more skilled then me.”] Aaron quickly stepped behind a tree and through on a quick bandage to try and stop the blood and health loss. As he finished he quickly look back behind the tree to see the bandits almost on him again. Using a mana and health potion he quickly started to cite the fireball spell once more. As the fireballs appeared above his hands again he tossed them at the bandits before drawing out his swords. He ran out as the fireballs struck jumping through the smoke that it caused to land in the middle of the bandits once more. They all came at him with their swords drawn. Aaron quickly blocked the first bandits attack with one sword and used his other sword to strike the mans leg. As the bandit collapsed from the pain Aaron moved on to the next bandit blocking with both his swords. As he drew his swords back for the next attack he saw the other bandits where to close so he activated Whirlwind striking at all the critical spots he could. A number of them disintegrated to loot while the remaining ones where forced back from the attack. You have leveled up! You have leveled up! Aaron quickly began to attack the bandits one after another either critically wounding them ore killing them on the spot. Soon he was facing the bandit leader one on one. They continued to strike and block each other’s attacks. Aaron knew he could not continue this single fight the way it was so he used twin blades to quickly strike at the bandit’s joints. Aaron missed his attack on one of the legs and arms but still forced the bandit to the ground. As he was about to finish him off a blade was set against the side of Aarons throat. Stopping where they where Aaron turned slightly to see the sadistic bandit standing there holding the sword. The bandit gave one of his chuckles again. Sadistic Bandit, “You are an interesting one. Chu chu chu. I really must have you all to myself.” The bandit leader slowly got up off the ground with the assistance of one of his companions. Aaron, “do you really think that I would let you.” Sadistic Bandit, “I don’t really think that you have a choice in the matter right now.” Aaron quickly dropped the moment the bandit finished his sentence while raising one of his swords to nock the bandits sword aside. With the bandits sword in an awkward position after the move Aaron quickly kicked the Bandit in the stomach to push get some distance. The Sadistic Bandit laughed again. Sadistic Bandit, “I have not had this much fun in years. You will make a perfect little plaything.” Bandit leader, “We can’t take her as we are right now everyone retreat for now. “ Sadistic Bandit, “what and end my fun…” Bandit leader, “then would you like to face your brother for disobeying me.” Sadistic Bandit, “Ah what a poor sport. Well see you another time my plaything.” Aaron stood there as the remaining few Bandits quickly began to grab their wounded and run away to where ever. As the bandits were soon out of sight Aaron put away his swords and took in a breath and exhaled. Enea, “That was a tuff fight, are you ok.” She said in a worried voice. Aaron, “That was worse then the first time I had to fight wolves.“ Enea, “well it seems like you are alright. We really do need to learn more skills and spells so we can be able to handle more situations.” Aaron began to pick up the loot from the dead bandits then headed to the clearing where the fight had begun. Aaron, “what book do you think I should read first or do you know a few that you can teach me.” Enea, “I could teach you a few things but I can only do that while we are in my domain. So I think we should try reading a couple of the first chapters in the books we have now.” Aaron grabbed his dagger out of the tree and stowed it away again. Aaron, “well for now I’ll finish reading the fire tombs first chapter.” Enea, “that is a good plan.” Aaron began to head down the road once more with a little more sway to his hips then earlier not worrying about how he walked while reading some of the books he had. While he walked he had a number of windows pop up. You have Learned Fire Sword! Ability allows caster to target a weapon to have flames run down its blade. lasts 10min per ability’s level or until canceled[costs 100 Mana]. You have learned Fire Wall! Ability allows caster to summon a wall of fire, Lasts for 10 minutes or until canceled [Costs 400 Mana]. You have learned Shadow step! You are to fast for the average eye to see, Causes and after image. Ability only lasts for as many moves as its level: 1 [costs 50 mana] Your mana Pool has grown by +200! Status Window Name| Aaron Primary Class| Enea's Chosen Gender| Male Height| 6'4" Health| 1000 Mana| 1000 Level| 64 Health Regen/sec| 6.4 Mana Regen/sec| 6.4 Strength| 38 Agility| 40 Wisdom| 20 Intelligence| 24 Stamina| 34 Vitality| 26 Dexterity| 26 Faith| 750 Fame| 320 Skills| Precise shot-Basic Level 4, Blade Proficiency-basic level 8, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 7, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 6, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 9, Repair-Basic level 6, Handicraft-Basic Level 4,Blacksmith-Basic level 3, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 3,Traps-Basic Level 3, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 6, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 1, Weapon Forms Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Shadow Step, Spells Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Fireball, Fire Blade, Fire Wall, Language Common, Ancient Equipment Head| Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6 Neck| Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4 Chest Armor| Enea's armor: durability 38/40, Defense +16 Arms| Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8 Pants/Legs| Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Feet| Enea's Boots: Durability 19/20, Defense +10 Enea's Armor Durability| 150/150 total Defense| 54 Armor| Heavy Class| Ultimate Rare Ability’s Enea was once the peacekeeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. Evolution| Stage 1 Level| 53 Evolutions Affects Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed Aaron , “that should do for now but I will still need to learn more.” Enea, “Don’t push yourself to far.” Aaron, “I know mother Hen.” Enea, “well someone needs to look out after you.” Aaron, “thanks.” Aaron continued to travel through the woods for 2 days changing forms multiple times as he went. Towards the end of the second day he finally arrived at the next town. As he got closer he noticed there was some smoke rising from the town. As he continued to get closer it became easy to tell that there was something going on so he ran forward while in Enea’s form. As he neared the town gates he noticed that there where no guards and that there where three bodies on the ground. As he got closer they vanished leaving behind some loot. Aaron did not go for the loot since it looked like before they vanished that two of them where guardsman. New quest Acquired Bandit Raid! You may either hunt the bandits down and saving as many towns folk as you can, or join in the looting and sacking of the town. Rewards: Unknown He quickly ran through the gate to see people running in panic with a number of bandits running around looting and dragging people. Aaron quickly went for the nearest bandit stabbing one of his blades through the mans back and using the other a moment later to slit his throat. The body quickly disintegrated as he ran to the next bandit continuing the proses again. He continued to work his way down the street killing one bandit after another until the rest noticed. They quickly began to group and come at him. As they got closer he used a fireball to disorganize them before charging in to the fray. He quickly began to target the joints to either immobilize them or slow them down. As he blocked the bandit’s swords from both sides he activated whirlwind taking out the whole group due to his build up of his attacks. As he looked for the next bandit a large man came forward with a large war hammer over his shoulder. He seemed to be this group of bandits leader. Bandit leader, “so someone actually worth a challenge is here, and can you tell me your name so I can know the one who has killed many of my men?” Aaron, “I am… Enea’s Chosen the keeper of the worlds balance.” The Bandit laughs, “so another chosen has arrived oh what shale we do… Ha the other ones not even here so the town is easy pickings.” Aaron, “not while I’m around.” Bandit leader, “oh is that so then I will just have to cower in fear… ha.” As the bandit was finishing his sentence he swung his hammer down as Aaron jumped back. Aaron was about to go in to attack thinking that the man was slow but he had to duck from the bandit’s next swing. Aaron then quickly moved to his right as the man swung his hammer again. Aaron quickly rolled behind the man as he began his next swing. Aaron quickly jumped up and struck at the mans arms barely even leaving a scratch. The man turned around laughing. Bandit Leader, “Is this all you’ve got?! My mother can do better then that.” Aaron quickly cited his new fire blade spell causing his swords to ignite. Bandit Leader, “oh now this can get interesting. “ The bandit leader began to swing his hammer down at him again. Aaron instead of stepping back he went to the side and struck at the mans side causing third degree burns where his sword struck but still could not pierce the bandits flesh deep enough. The bandit swung again but missed as Aaron rolled behind the man. Has Aaron began to rise he noticed that the bandit had not finished his swing and was bringing it around while spinning. It struck Aaron in the side throwing him into some barrels on the side of the road causing them to shatter on impact. Aaron slowly got to his feet almost out of breath and spitting up blood. Bandit leader, “this was almost to easy.” The bandit leader was coming towards Aaron again raising his weapon for another strike. Aaron quickly sidestepped under the mans arm and used twin blades with all the force he could muster finally piercing deep enough to prevent further use of the mans arm. The bandit using his other arm swung again but slower. Aaron used Shadow step to move behind the man and attack the bandits only good arm. He did not cut deep enough to prevent use of the arm but the damage was enough that the bandit could not raise his hammer again. The bandit gave a grown and fell do his knees as blood continued to run down his arms. The other bandits all began to either run away on foot or on horseback leaving their fallen commander kneeling in the street before Aaron. Bandit, “finish me off I can only live for fallen king. I’m nothing since I failed him.” Aaron wiped off his blades and slid them into their sheaths. [Enea, “Aaron… please spare his life.”] [Aaron, “Why should I let these kind of scum live.”] [Enea, “Not all are how they seem.”] Aaron sighed. Aaron, “I will not kill you since you are no longer a threat. I leave you to the towns council or rulers judgment.” Aaron looked at the man then began to bandage him up. Bandit, “Why are you doing this I must fall in battle following my warriors code of honor.” Aaron, “I really do not care about a warriors honor. I care more for peoples lives and helping others then ones own selfishness.” Bandit, “I am not worthy of this…” [Enea, “man this guy does not know when to quit.”] Aaron, “If you want to die so badly find something to fight for besides banditry.” Bandit, “it is the only thing I can do in this land since I have nowhere I belong anymore.” Aaron turned to see many of the villagers either standing there looking at him, putting fires out, or crying over loved ones. Aaron, “these people need someone to fight for them. This land from what I have seen it is very hard to survive alone besides having bandits raiding them.” Aaron looked back at the man. Bandit, “My name my lady is Jonathan Verstin I am in your debt.” Aaron nodded then walked over to the nearby villagers. Towns folk, “My I ask you for your name stranger.” Aaron, “My name is…you may call me Enae I am the Chosen of Goddess Enae.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> “Ma’am, why are you crying?”<br>“Ah, Mr. Kim, is that you… Some of the stories in the game are so, so…”<br>“Real?”<br>“Yes. And through such vivid stories, to be able to access the minds of individuals like the inmates… it’s a beautiful thing. Don’t you agree?”<br>“Park Sun Ja-nim, you’re surprisingly sentimental.”<br>“Kya, Mr. Kim, is that praise I hear? Are you fancying me, perhaps?”<br>“…!”<br>“Wait-- wait! Don’t run away! It was a joke!”<br><br>--<br><br>“Thanks for your patronage, as always. How is the little Jay?”<br><br>A pretty young lady clothed in simple and modest leathers shook her head stoically. “Not good. Worse.”<br><br>Her voice did not match the lack of expression in her face. There was a hint of sorrow in the dark, somber tone.<br><br>“… I see. Well, I put in a little extra burdock root. Tell Helen I said hi, alright?”<br><br>Crow nodded, took the package, and left the small Apothecary. Picking up Jay’s dose of fresh herbs every day was one of her jobs.<br><br>She walked through the street. It was still morning, and she felt a slight morning chill. Summer’s warmth had already departed, and Fall was preparing to come in earnest. Thankfully, the change of the seasons was not severe here. A sudden frost like the one that nipped at the fingers and toes in the cold prison cells would have been disastrous to Jay’s health.<br><br>Although there weren’t many people on the streets, Crow was still uncomfortable and moved quickly. She weaved through alleys and squeezed through the tight spaces between buildings. On her first few days of journeying to the Apothecary, she had found a twisting set of passages that neatly skirted past Florisa’s store and avoided the main roads. Florisa took great delight in jeering when Crow passed, and although she didn’t mind insults directed at her, she couldn’t help but feel rather irritated when the woman picked on Helen. It was true that Helen was not a good Tailor, but she was a good woman.<br><br>Helen had accepted Crow with great enthusiasm. She taught Crow different types of stitches, but the most valuable information she imparted concerned the materials. There were all sorts of raw materials. Helen could take the fresh hide of a rabbit and turn it into a supple, soft piece of leather, seemingly by magic. In any case, Crow was unable to duplicate the action, and Helen had responded that she “needed more practice.”<br><br>There were leathers from the strangest animals. Wolf, fox, even badger hide were common and rather cheaply bought. It occurred to Crow after seeing these hides in great quantity that these animals must either exist in enormous numbers outside the city, or they had some method of constant replenishment. There were just too many hides to imagine that the numbers worked the same way as in reality. Perhaps it was a game mechanic; in any case, it didn’t really concern her.<br><br>There were also fabrics made of cotton and wool, as well as normal bovine leather. There were no synthetic materials. The thread was made of wound gut or wool. Helen even showed her a spool of thread from the long furs of a mountain goat.<br><br>At first, Helen only entrusted Crow with small tasks, like sewing on a side or practicing her stitches, or sweeping the floor and wiping the place free of dust. The lattermost took a good two days of constant sweeping to accomplish, but with diligence and steady devotion, Crow was able to wipe the store clean. It turned out that the copious amount of dust was a large factor in aggravating Jay’s cough, and when it was clean he was able to stay downstairs for longer as long as he was next to the stove. Within a week, Helen began to allow Crow to sew her own wares, tend and keep Jay company, and even brew his teas.<br><br>Crow’s Herbology stat was now at Beginner 3. Her Sewing skill was at Beginner 8, and her Handicraft skill had risen far more slowly, putting her at Beginning 3. Crow noticed that she could make more asthetically pleasing designs with higher Handicraft, so she assumed that was what the stat was for. It took her awhile to wrap her head around the concept of skill levels, but she eventually accepted their existences and even began to work towards their advancement. She was surprised to feel a strange satisfaction when her skills rose a level, accompanied by a tinkling noise in her ear. She had also picked up Cooking from Helen. It was only at Beginner 2, but thanks to her Handicraft, the meals she made were not bad, if elementary. Most interesting were the brief item descriptions of the products she made. As her skills rose, so did the quality of her products.<br><br>The clothing she had made mainly consisted of leather products. That was mostly due to the fact that she was most comfortable with leatherworking. Helen gave Crow enough material to make her own clothes. With it, she fashioned a finer pair of shoes and a new set of clothes. Since it was one of her first times making clothing, the design was a bit crude, but it was still a passable set, and comfortable enough. She also made a soft pair of warm leather slippers for Jay.<br><br>Crow had told the apothecary tender that Jay was not doing well. With the weather slowly getting chillier, Jay was always either huddled up next to the kitchen stove in a blanket or in bed. Catching a simple cold would likely be fatal for the child.<br><br>That was on the good days. On the bad days, it was painful to hear the raking, rattling cough that seemed to convulse his entire frame. On some days he woke with a fever and the sleeping draft had to be spooned into his trembling mouth. He was delirious then, his vulnerable little form going from shivering with cold to sweating and back again. He mumbled things about knights and adventures sometimes, but mostly he moaned and gasped for breath through the night, coughing and wheezing. Those nights were the worst. Helen was often driven to tears as she sat by his side in the dark, praying that he would not be taken that night. Crow kept silent vigil, but Jorgen could not bring himself to be in the same room for very long. It was too painful.<br><br>In some ways, Jorgen was not as powerful as his stature indicated. Sometimes Crow saw him run off in the night with Brutus loping alongside him.<br><br>But today was a good day; Jay had woken up with a mild cough, but a few hours at the stove had mostly driven it away. <br><br>Crow emerged silently from an alleyway and slid into the shop. She walked past the tables she’d spent hours clearing and into the kitchen. Helen was probably in the workshop.<br><br>As she’d expected, Jay was huddled up next to the stove, a large book cradled in his arms. It was one of his favorites, “The Adventures of Hagus the Great,” a rollicking tale of a Knight and his battles. Jay loved to babble about it.<br><br>“Crow noona! You’re back!” Jay tried to stand, but Crow quickly moved forward and pushed him back down with a gentle shove. <br><br>“Stay.”<br><br>Jay smiled, not put off by her firm and taciturn nature. They got along quite well. Crow was not much in terms of companionship, but for some reason, Jay had really grown attached to her. Perhaps that was a testament of his loneliness—he was not well enough to go to school or go outside and play with other boys his age. He had no friends. It was something that Crow could understand, and she accepted his friendship, somewhat against her will. Jay’s burbling charm could not be denied.<br><br>Jay returned to his book. He usually chattered when she returned from an errand, but he must have gotten to one of his favorite parts and was completely absorbed. When Jay tried to show her how to read his favorite passage, she had refused at first, but at his stubborn insistence she took a look at it. Surprisingly, it was in Korean and she could read it. An automatic translation system must be in the game. It was truly incredible.<br><br>Crow worked quickly. She unpackaged the herbs and brewed the tea, careful not to steep the herbs in for too long. There was a precise line between overdoing it and getting it just right. Her high level of patience enabled her to stand right next to the tea pot for several minutes, counting off the necessary time down to the second. It had taken a lot of practice to achieve this level of tea brewing. Jay had his tea three to five times a day, depending on the severity of his condition.<br><br>She pushed the lever to press the herbs to the bottom of the pot and poured the steaming brew into a cup. It smelled terrible, as always, but Jay seemed to welcome it, even enjoy it. He was a strange child.<br><br>At the smell of his sockwater, Jay looked up from his book, coughed a little into his arm, and smiled. Crow brought him the tea and sank into the kitchen wall to watch him drink it.<br><br>“Did you see any adventurers in town today, noona?”<br><br>“No.”<br><br>“Aww. I’d like to see a Swordsman, or a Magician! Did you know they have staffs or wands? And they wear robes! But of course it’s not as cool as the armor Soldiers wear, or Knights…”<br><br>Jay was very proud of his father and especially liked looking at Jorgen’s full plate mail. The kid was a walking encyclopedia of armors and swords. He had told Crow that he wanted to be a Knight some day.<br><br>Hearing that had made Helen very sad. Crow had simply nodded and asked him where he would get his horse. That had led Jay to start a whole new conversation about the palace stables and the prodigious mounts housed within. The Graystones could not possibly afford a horse—Jay had told her the cheapest one was a few thousand Gold, at least—the family could only barely buy Jay’s medicines.<br><br>Thankfully, Crow was able to start leading Helen in a new direction with the wares. She found that she couldn’t just sit back and watch as Helen mutilated the fabric and turned it into a monstrosity of poofs and puffs. Crow indicated her strong desire to learn to work leather, and Helen was game. The designs of her leather wares were actually quite good, and since leather was usually naturally colored, unlike the crazily dyed colors of the cotton, the final products were also aesthetically pleasing. More and more customers were beginning to seek the store in search of bargain leather armor and clothes. When Helen was not busily sewing clothes or being with Jay, she was tending customers.<br><br>There were also quite a sizeable number of young men who frequented the store. For some reason Crow could not fathom, they always asked for her. She did not attend to the valuable customers because of her lacking social skills, but since the store was connected to the kitchen and the workshop, she couldn’t help but walk through the store to get around. The people who saw her often returned, sometimes dragging along their friends. She didn’t think much of it, but more customers meant more money for food, which meant more bread. Helen had even bought some meat yesterday, and they had enjoyed a meat stew with dinner rolls. It had been delightful.<br><br>So she came when she was summoned, stood there with a blank and uninterested face, answered questions with blunt, one-word answers, and left when it got awkward enough that the customer hurriedly bought something to cover the silence. And then she was off to sew again, or finish chopping the vegetables for dinner.<br><br>She never did get quite used to Brutus, the wolfdog, but they developed a working relationship. She had no particular interest in him, besides the threat he represented, and he had no interest in her. It soon became apparent that Brutus loved no one more than Jorgen, and it was with a single-minded devotion that the wolfdog dedicated himself to his master. Crow never saw them apart. The only other humans Brutus liked were Helen and Jay. The wolfdog particularly liked curling up around Jay when he was by the stove, and the sight of the little boy dwarfed by the huge canine was terrifying and incredible at the same time. Crow had never seen an animal that carried itself with such care and intelligence. Brutus was a member of the family, and it was obvious that he was a trustworthy and valuable animal.<br><br>Crow had never really been a fan of dogs. If she had to say, she preferred cats over dogs. She had never owned a dog, but she saw them as dangerous, noisy, needy, and messy. The calm and composed nature of the cat suited her better. However, although Brutus was definitely dangerous, Crow saw more of the wolf in him, albeit a very domestic version of his wild blood. He never bared a fang at any of the family members, and was affectionate, but not overly so. He had a wolf’s pride, but the dog’s desire for companionship and was fiercely loyal.<br><br>She also never saw him eat. The wolfdog rivaled a small pony in size, and Crow couldn’t help but wonder where all the food to sustain him came from. Perhaps the animals in Royal Road did not require sustenance… but no, a game with a realism of 99.99% would not neglect such an important factor.<br>Actually, Jorgen didn’t seem to eat enough in comparison to his heft. The meager fare they consumed every day was plenty for petite Helen, sickly Jay, and slim Crow, but the muscular and beefy Jorgen could not possibly satisfied with just that. It was something Crow was mildly interested in. Jorgen and Brutus were not a usual pair. Over a period of nearly three weeks of working day and night at the store, that much had become clear.<br><br>Crow finished washing all the dishes that had piled up in Helen’s kitchen. She still did not have plans for the future. She didn’t even know what the purpose of the game was, and was only mildly comfortable with talking to 4 or 5 NPCs she had grown accustomed to over the last weeks in game.<br><br>As Park Sun Ja had promised, the 50 inmates spent nearly all their time in the capsules. The first time Crow had “woken up” was a little after becoming a Tailor on the first crazy day. She had emerged to that white capsule room, bleached of color, just as bleak as the rest of the prison. But now something was different. There was a strange ache in her chest. A world, full of color and emotion, was waiting inside each of those white capsules. It was the world of Royal Road. Before she knew it, it had become more than a simple escape for her. She wanted to go back, to feel that place again, and see those people. It was a place she had thought didn’t exist anymore. A place where she was whole, a real person, an existence that mattered to someone, something. She was Crow there, assistant Tailor to Helen Graystone, friend to Jay Graystone. She could start anew.<br><br>These thoughts were swimming in her head as Crow was herded into a white room, fed porridge, and put on a treadmill for thirty minutes. She went to the bathroom afterward, accompanied by a guard the entire time. While she was outside the capsule, she only saw four other inmates, and was forbidden to speak to them. Thankfully, Harpy One was not among them. The others also seemed preoccupied, lost in their thoughts.<br><br>And then it was back to Royal Road.<br><br>As she repeated this process again and again, she lost all sense of time in the real world. Day and night mushed together without much consequence. By her estimation, not much time had really passed in real life in comparison to the time she perceived in Royal Road. That was incredible to her—that the warping of time in the human brain could be achieved in a game seemed like something to be found in one of Jay’s magic books.<br><br>Of course, Royal Road was so much more than a mere game. It was a second life. For her, it was freedom.<br><br>At some point, at some time, Royal Road had become important to her. Jay, Helen, Jorgen—even Brutus and the apothecary tender, they were important to her. And that scared her.<br><br>Happiness is made to be taken away.<br><br>How much longer did she have?<br><br>***<br><br>She read.<br><br>Jay’s rasping, pained wheeze filled the silence between the words she read. She read of adventures, of Knights and glory and battle, so that Jay might forget that he was dying, even for a little bit.<br><br>The boy’s condition had plummeted in the last few days. He could no longer stand on his own, and even sitting up unaided was impossible. His bloody cough was his constant companion as his body fought desperately to stay alive for just one more painful moment.<br><br>A few days ago, he had suddenly fallen into a violent fit in the middle of a relatively good day. The tiny hand had come away smeared with blood, and Helen had sobbed while clutching the unconscious, senseless Jay. Crow had to gently pry her away so she could carry Jay up the stairs and into his room. He had not left since. He woke up after two feverish and hellish days, and the first thing he asked for was water. The second was a story.<br><br>So Crow read.<br><br>He did not interrupt her, or was unable to. She stumbled over some words and was sure she butchered the names of his favorite heroes, but he just listened with his eyes closed, or slept. She often couldn’t tell. Her voice lacked inflection, but there was no objection, so she just kept reading.<br><br>At some point, she looked up from a book to find him awake, looking straight at her with unusually clear eyes. Helen had gone down to brew his tea, so they were alone. He looked at her for awhile, and she looked back, because his gaze demanded it.<br><br>“I’m going to die, aren’t I?” he said quietly. “I won’t ever be a Knight.” Then he looked away, as if to hide his tears, and shortly fell into another fit of violent coughing. Helen came into the room exclaiming, a steaming cup of sockwater in her hands. <br><br>Helen had closed the shop on the day Jay crumpled and moved her workshop to Jay’s small room. She usually sat in a corner, constantly watching Jay with one anxious eye, as she sewed. She only made clothes for girls and women, and never for young boys. Sometimes she left and returned with tea and food.<br><br>Crow kept reading.<br><br>Jay stopped taking sleeping drafts, except at night. His face was taut with pain even as he repeatedly turned away his face from the sockwater. Helen was upset, but she didn’t press the issue. No amount of sleeping potion would save the life that was ebbing away.<br><br>The worst was when he awoke screaming in the middle of the fourth night, sobbing and wailing and struggling, only to fall into an uneasy sleep again and have no recollection of the horror in the blessed morning. After that, Helen increased the intensity of the sleeping potion to near dangerous levels.<br><br>Crow read, ate sometimes, and watched Jay as he lapsed into consciousness and unconsciousness. On the sixth day, he moaned with a hoarse voice, “It hurts… it hurts…” as his eyes rolled weakly within a gaunt, haunted face. Helen sobbed and left the room. Crow never stopped reading.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have read “The History of the Conquest of Aeringaard, a Fantasy by an Anonymous Knight.” Intelligence has increased by 1.<br>You have read “The Story of Daren Silverhorn.” Charm increased by 1.<br>You have read “The Knights of Kallamore.”<br>You have read “The Biology of Drakes.” Intelligence increased by 1.<br>You have read “The Tale of Heroes.” <br>You have read “The Dark Magician.” Wisdom has increased by 1.<br><br>You have read 10 histories of the Versailles Continent. Intelligence has increased by 3. Leadership increased by 1.<br>You have read 10 combat novels. Strength has increased by 3. Dexterity has increased by 2.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>And so on. Whenever there was a lull in the reading because of a pressing need to eat, Jay’s coughing was a little more violent, his clenched fists a little tighter than before. Crow’s sharp eyes caught these changes, as much as Jay tried to hide them, so she quickly shoved food into her mouth and kept reading.<br><br>On the sixth day, Helen tried to feed Jay some porridge during a reading of “The Folly of Damarcus.” His hand suddenly jerked up, knocking the spoon away, and he screamed something that came out garbled and incomprehensible. Then he vomited what little he had swallowed, dry heaved, and a foul stink filled the room. The sheets had been soiled. When his body was cleaned and the sheets were changed, the little boy’s bony hand grabbed Crow’s. He wept, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Then he called pitifully for his mother, who was at his side in a second. He repeated the apologies, and wailed something that broke Crow’s cold, numbed heart.<br><br>“I don’t want to die!”<br><br>Crow had never felt this way before. She held Jay’s clammy hand tightly and continued reading about the story of Damarcus, a king whose untimely suicide caused a civil war in the kingdom. <br><br>The only face she hardly ever saw was Jorgen. The man could not handle the sight of his only son dying before his eyes and chose to run away. But even the time for fleeing was fleeting. Jorgen just refused to accept it, and that stirred a brand of fire in Crow. She was… what was this? Anger? It was yet another emotion she hadn’t felt in so long, an uncomfortable pain that pressed at her insides, demanding to be felt and acted upon. <br><br>Jorgen had not shown up for the past few days. So when he did, at night when Jay had already taken the sleeping draft and was far gone, Crow was waiting. Helen was asleep in the small cot she had set up next to Jay’s bed, but Crow watched from her corner as Jorgen trembled and hesitated to hold his son’s hand. He sobbed once, turned on his heel and left the room, then walked down the stairs with stiff steps and ran out of the shop with Brutus at his side.<br><br>Crow followed.<br><br>They ran at great speed, and it was all she could do to keep track of him. Her knowledge of the hidden shortcuts, though primitive, proved immensely helpful. After a few minutes, she had ascertained that he was heading outside the city, and so she maneuvered her way towards the gates. It was far more difficult on this nearly moonless twilight, but she had good night vision and was able to somehow keep up with Jorgen and Brutus. They didn’t notice her, for she was like the night. Years of practicing the art of erasing her presence for self protection helped her blend in, and she followed them like a wraith.<br><br>Jorgen and Brutus left the city walls and headed straight for the great forest that surrounded Granheim. Now that they were in the open, they moved even more quickly, and the small specks of their figures were soon gone.<br><br>How was it possible for Jorgen to move so inhumanly fast?<br><br>Crow followed what she thought was their trail, but by the time she really lost them, she had no clue of where she was. She had entered the forest and didn’t think she was too far in, but the entrance was nowhere to be found.<br><br>Hoot hoot.<br><br>She jumped. This was the forest. At night. Who knew what creatures prowled here, waiting for a vulnerable, unarmed Tailor to stumble into their jaws?<br><br>Crow slowly backed herself into a tree. Even the branches of these huge trees seemed to hold hidden dangers. There had been a dirt path, but she had followed Jorgen and Brutus off it. She shivered. Autumn’s chill was in her bones, but there was something else, something more primal. Fear.<br><br>It was her first time outside the city. She had no weapons, not even a metal ladle.<br><br>A rustle. And a shadow.<br><br>And then… what… what was that?<br><br>It was a two-legged monstrosity. Even in the darkness, she could tell that it had a contorted, fleshy body and an even more hideous face. A mass of dark, coarse hair fell around its broad shoulders. Most of its body was covered in rough and revolting fur, and six breasts sagged from its torso. It made grunting noises as it rooted in the dirt, putting meaty fingers of one hand into its mouth at times. The other hairy appendage held a large club-like tree branch.<br><br>THE FUCK WAS THIS THING?!!<br><br>She almost screamed, but kept her revulsion bottled inside her with great willpower. The creature didn’t seem to have noticed her yet, so she stayed flat against the tree, stilling her ragged breath and willing her heart to slow and quiet. Perhaps it would pass, it must pass, there was just no fucking way.<br><br>It drew closer, only a few paces away, when it suddenly stopped. With one finger in its mouth, its repulsive head slowly turned to face Crow, and it grinned, the yellowed fangs gleaming and the whites of its eyes glinting with horrible recognition.<br><br>She cried out then, ducked from the tree and ran away, her heart pounding, racing, faster and faster. She ran desperately past trees, knowing she was making a racket but not caring because IT WAS FOLLOWING HER.<br><br>And it was coming closer with each bound of those twisted legs, until she could almost feel its breath on her neck. She felt its claws catch at her back, but she surged away with a rush of adrenaline. A warm trickle ran down her leg.<br><br>And then, she was running and suddenly she was not. Her heart nearly burst when the thing finally grabbed a loose fold of her leather clothing and dragged her down. She fell into the balmy soil, her breath exploding from her burning lungs. The creature ululated with exultation and swung its club—<br><br>GRAAAWWR!<br><br>An earsplitting roar shattered the forest. Something huge and black crashed into the creature, knocking it back. A strong, furry hand grabbed her arm, wrenched her up, and shoved her away. She stumbled back, her mind reeling. She barely saw the face, but… Jorgen…? </div>

“Ma’am, why are you crying?” “Ah, Mr. Kim, is that you… Some of the stories in the game are so, so…” “Real?” “Yes. And through such vivid stories, to be able to access the minds of individuals like the inmates… it’s a beautiful thing. Don’t you agree?” “Park Sun Ja-nim, you’re surprisingly sentimental.” “Kya, Mr. Kim, is that praise I hear? Are you fancying me, perhaps?” “…!” “Wait-- wait! Don’t run away! It was a joke!” -- “Thanks for your patronage, as always. How is the little Jay?” A pretty young lady clothed in simple and modest leathers shook her head stoically. “Not good. Worse.” Her voice did not match the lack of expression in her face. There was a hint of sorrow in the dark, somber tone. “… I see. Well, I put in a little extra burdock root. Tell Helen I said hi, alright?” Crow nodded, took the package, and left the small Apothecary. Picking up Jay’s dose of fresh herbs every day was one of her jobs. She walked through the street. It was still morning, and she felt a slight morning chill. Summer’s warmth had already departed, and Fall was preparing to come in earnest. Thankfully, the change of the seasons was not severe here. A sudden frost like the one that nipped at the fingers and toes in the cold prison cells would have been disastrous to Jay’s health. Although there weren’t many people on the streets, Crow was still uncomfortable and moved quickly. She weaved through alleys and squeezed through the tight spaces between buildings. On her first few days of journeying to the Apothecary, she had found a twisting set of passages that neatly skirted past Florisa’s store and avoided the main roads. Florisa took great delight in jeering when Crow passed, and although she didn’t mind insults directed at her, she couldn’t help but feel rather irritated when the woman picked on Helen. It was true that Helen was not a good Tailor, but she was a good woman. Helen had accepted Crow with great enthusiasm. She taught Crow different types of stitches, but the most valuable information she imparted concerned the materials. There were all sorts of raw materials. Helen could take the fresh hide of a rabbit and turn it into a supple, soft piece of leather, seemingly by magic. In any case, Crow was unable to duplicate the action, and Helen had responded that she “needed more practice.” There were leathers from the strangest animals. Wolf, fox, even badger hide were common and rather cheaply bought. It occurred to Crow after seeing these hides in great quantity that these animals must either exist in enormous numbers outside the city, or they had some method of constant replenishment. There were just too many hides to imagine that the numbers worked the same way as in reality. Perhaps it was a game mechanic; in any case, it didn’t really concern her. There were also fabrics made of cotton and wool, as well as normal bovine leather. There were no synthetic materials. The thread was made of wound gut or wool. Helen even showed her a spool of thread from the long furs of a mountain goat. At first, Helen only entrusted Crow with small tasks, like sewing on a side or practicing her stitches, or sweeping the floor and wiping the place free of dust. The lattermost took a good two days of constant sweeping to accomplish, but with diligence and steady devotion, Crow was able to wipe the store clean. It turned out that the copious amount of dust was a large factor in aggravating Jay’s cough, and when it was clean he was able to stay downstairs for longer as long as he was next to the stove. Within a week, Helen began to allow Crow to sew her own wares, tend and keep Jay company, and even brew his teas. Crow’s Herbology stat was now at Beginner 3. Her Sewing skill was at Beginner 8, and her Handicraft skill had risen far more slowly, putting her at Beginning 3. Crow noticed that she could make more asthetically pleasing designs with higher Handicraft, so she assumed that was what the stat was for. It took her awhile to wrap her head around the concept of skill levels, but she eventually accepted their existences and even began to work towards their advancement. She was surprised to feel a strange satisfaction when her skills rose a level, accompanied by a tinkling noise in her ear. She had also picked up Cooking from Helen. It was only at Beginner 2, but thanks to her Handicraft, the meals she made were not bad, if elementary. Most interesting were the brief item descriptions of the products she made. As her skills rose, so did the quality of her products. The clothing she had made mainly consisted of leather products. That was mostly due to the fact that she was most comfortable with leatherworking. Helen gave Crow enough material to make her own clothes. With it, she fashioned a finer pair of shoes and a new set of clothes. Since it was one of her first times making clothing, the design was a bit crude, but it was still a passable set, and comfortable enough. She also made a soft pair of warm leather slippers for Jay. Crow had told the apothecary tender that Jay was not doing well. With the weather slowly getting chillier, Jay was always either huddled up next to the kitchen stove in a blanket or in bed. Catching a simple cold would likely be fatal for the child. That was on the good days. On the bad days, it was painful to hear the raking, rattling cough that seemed to convulse his entire frame. On some days he woke with a fever and the sleeping draft had to be spooned into his trembling mouth. He was delirious then, his vulnerable little form going from shivering with cold to sweating and back again. He mumbled things about knights and adventures sometimes, but mostly he moaned and gasped for breath through the night, coughing and wheezing. Those nights were the worst. Helen was often driven to tears as she sat by his side in the dark, praying that he would not be taken that night. Crow kept silent vigil, but Jorgen could not bring himself to be in the same room for very long. It was too painful. In some ways, Jorgen was not as powerful as his stature indicated. Sometimes Crow saw him run off in the night with Brutus loping alongside him. But today was a good day; Jay had woken up with a mild cough, but a few hours at the stove had mostly driven it away. Crow emerged silently from an alleyway and slid into the shop. She walked past the tables she’d spent hours clearing and into the kitchen. Helen was probably in the workshop. As she’d expected, Jay was huddled up next to the stove, a large book cradled in his arms. It was one of his favorites, “The Adventures of Hagus the Great,” a rollicking tale of a Knight and his battles. Jay loved to babble about it. “Crow noona! You’re back!” Jay tried to stand, but Crow quickly moved forward and pushed him back down with a gentle shove. “Stay.” Jay smiled, not put off by her firm and taciturn nature. They got along quite well. Crow was not much in terms of companionship, but for some reason, Jay had really grown attached to her. Perhaps that was a testament of his loneliness—he was not well enough to go to school or go outside and play with other boys his age. He had no friends. It was something that Crow could understand, and she accepted his friendship, somewhat against her will. Jay’s burbling charm could not be denied. Jay returned to his book. He usually chattered when she returned from an errand, but he must have gotten to one of his favorite parts and was completely absorbed. When Jay tried to show her how to read his favorite passage, she had refused at first, but at his stubborn insistence she took a look at it. Surprisingly, it was in Korean and she could read it. An automatic translation system must be in the game. It was truly incredible. Crow worked quickly. She unpackaged the herbs and brewed the tea, careful not to steep the herbs in for too long. There was a precise line between overdoing it and getting it just right. Her high level of patience enabled her to stand right next to the tea pot for several minutes, counting off the necessary time down to the second. It had taken a lot of practice to achieve this level of tea brewing. Jay had his tea three to five times a day, depending on the severity of his condition. She pushed the lever to press the herbs to the bottom of the pot and poured the steaming brew into a cup. It smelled terrible, as always, but Jay seemed to welcome it, even enjoy it. He was a strange child. At the smell of his sockwater, Jay looked up from his book, coughed a little into his arm, and smiled. Crow brought him the tea and sank into the kitchen wall to watch him drink it. “Did you see any adventurers in town today, noona?” “No.” “Aww. I’d like to see a Swordsman, or a Magician! Did you know they have staffs or wands? And they wear robes! But of course it’s not as cool as the armor Soldiers wear, or Knights…” Jay was very proud of his father and especially liked looking at Jorgen’s full plate mail. The kid was a walking encyclopedia of armors and swords. He had told Crow that he wanted to be a Knight some day. Hearing that had made Helen very sad. Crow had simply nodded and asked him where he would get his horse. That had led Jay to start a whole new conversation about the palace stables and the prodigious mounts housed within. The Graystones could not possibly afford a horse—Jay had told her the cheapest one was a few thousand Gold, at least—the family could only barely buy Jay’s medicines. Thankfully, Crow was able to start leading Helen in a new direction with the wares. She found that she couldn’t just sit back and watch as Helen mutilated the fabric and turned it into a monstrosity of poofs and puffs. Crow indicated her strong desire to learn to work leather, and Helen was game. The designs of her leather wares were actually quite good, and since leather was usually naturally colored, unlike the crazily dyed colors of the cotton, the final products were also aesthetically pleasing. More and more customers were beginning to seek the store in search of bargain leather armor and clothes. When Helen was not busily sewing clothes or being with Jay, she was tending customers. There were also quite a sizeable number of young men who frequented the store. For some reason Crow could not fathom, they always asked for her. She did not attend to the valuable customers because of her lacking social skills, but since the store was connected to the kitchen and the workshop, she couldn’t help but walk through the store to get around. The people who saw her often returned, sometimes dragging along their friends. She didn’t think much of it, but more customers meant more money for food, which meant more bread. Helen had even bought some meat yesterday, and they had enjoyed a meat stew with dinner rolls. It had been delightful. So she came when she was summoned, stood there with a blank and uninterested face, answered questions with blunt, one-word answers, and left when it got awkward enough that the customer hurriedly bought something to cover the silence. And then she was off to sew again, or finish chopping the vegetables for dinner. She never did get quite used to Brutus, the wolfdog, but they developed a working relationship. She had no particular interest in him, besides the threat he represented, and he had no interest in her. It soon became apparent that Brutus loved no one more than Jorgen, and it was with a single-minded devotion that the wolfdog dedicated himself to his master. Crow never saw them apart. The only other humans Brutus liked were Helen and Jay. The wolfdog particularly liked curling up around Jay when he was by the stove, and the sight of the little boy dwarfed by the huge canine was terrifying and incredible at the same time. Crow had never seen an animal that carried itself with such care and intelligence. Brutus was a member of the family, and it was obvious that he was a trustworthy and valuable animal. Crow had never really been a fan of dogs. If she had to say, she preferred cats over dogs. She had never owned a dog, but she saw them as dangerous, noisy, needy, and messy. The calm and composed nature of the cat suited her better. However, although Brutus was definitely dangerous, Crow saw more of the wolf in him, albeit a very domestic version of his wild blood. He never bared a fang at any of the family members, and was affectionate, but not overly so. He had a wolf’s pride, but the dog’s desire for companionship and was fiercely loyal. She also never saw him eat. The wolfdog rivaled a small pony in size, and Crow couldn’t help but wonder where all the food to sustain him came from. Perhaps the animals in Royal Road did not require sustenance… but no, a game with a realism of 99.99% would not neglect such an important factor. Actually, Jorgen didn’t seem to eat enough in comparison to his heft. The meager fare they consumed every day was plenty for petite Helen, sickly Jay, and slim Crow, but the muscular and beefy Jorgen could not possibly satisfied with just that. It was something Crow was mildly interested in. Jorgen and Brutus were not a usual pair. Over a period of nearly three weeks of working day and night at the store, that much had become clear. Crow finished washing all the dishes that had piled up in Helen’s kitchen. She still did not have plans for the future. She didn’t even know what the purpose of the game was, and was only mildly comfortable with talking to 4 or 5 NPCs she had grown accustomed to over the last weeks in game. As Park Sun Ja had promised, the 50 inmates spent nearly all their time in the capsules. The first time Crow had “woken up” was a little after becoming a Tailor on the first crazy day. She had emerged to that white capsule room, bleached of color, just as bleak as the rest of the prison. But now something was different. There was a strange ache in her chest. A world, full of color and emotion, was waiting inside each of those white capsules. It was the world of Royal Road. Before she knew it, it had become more than a simple escape for her. She wanted to go back, to feel that place again, and see those people. It was a place she had thought didn’t exist anymore. A place where she was whole, a real person, an existence that mattered to someone, something. She was Crow there, assistant Tailor to Helen Graystone, friend to Jay Graystone. She could start anew. These thoughts were swimming in her head as Crow was herded into a white room, fed porridge, and put on a treadmill for thirty minutes. She went to the bathroom afterward, accompanied by a guard the entire time. While she was outside the capsule, she only saw four other inmates, and was forbidden to speak to them. Thankfully, Harpy One was not among them. The others also seemed preoccupied, lost in their thoughts. And then it was back to Royal Road. As she repeated this process again and again, she lost all sense of time in the real world. Day and night mushed together without much consequence. By her estimation, not much time had really passed in real life in comparison to the time she perceived in Royal Road. That was incredible to her—that the warping of time in the human brain could be achieved in a game seemed like something to be found in one of Jay’s magic books. Of course, Royal Road was so much more than a mere game. It was a second life. For her, it was freedom. At some point, at some time, Royal Road had become important to her. Jay, Helen, Jorgen—even Brutus and the apothecary tender, they were important to her. And that scared her. Happiness is made to be taken away. How much longer did she have? *** She read. Jay’s rasping, pained wheeze filled the silence between the words she read. She read of adventures, of Knights and glory and battle, so that Jay might forget that he was dying, even for a little bit. The boy’s condition had plummeted in the last few days. He could no longer stand on his own, and even sitting up unaided was impossible. His bloody cough was his constant companion as his body fought desperately to stay alive for just one more painful moment. A few days ago, he had suddenly fallen into a violent fit in the middle of a relatively good day. The tiny hand had come away smeared with blood, and Helen had sobbed while clutching the unconscious, senseless Jay. Crow had to gently pry her away so she could carry Jay up the stairs and into his room. He had not left since. He woke up after two feverish and hellish days, and the first thing he asked for was water. The second was a story. So Crow read. He did not interrupt her, or was unable to. She stumbled over some words and was sure she butchered the names of his favorite heroes, but he just listened with his eyes closed, or slept. She often couldn’t tell. Her voice lacked inflection, but there was no objection, so she just kept reading. At some point, she looked up from a book to find him awake, looking straight at her with unusually clear eyes. Helen had gone down to brew his tea, so they were alone. He looked at her for awhile, and she looked back, because his gaze demanded it. “I’m going to die, aren’t I?” he said quietly. “I won’t ever be a Knight.” Then he looked away, as if to hide his tears, and shortly fell into another fit of violent coughing. Helen came into the room exclaiming, a steaming cup of sockwater in her hands. Helen had closed the shop on the day Jay crumpled and moved her workshop to Jay’s small room. She usually sat in a corner, constantly watching Jay with one anxious eye, as she sewed. She only made clothes for girls and women, and never for young boys. Sometimes she left and returned with tea and food. Crow kept reading. Jay stopped taking sleeping drafts, except at night. His face was taut with pain even as he repeatedly turned away his face from the sockwater. Helen was upset, but she didn’t press the issue. No amount of sleeping potion would save the life that was ebbing away. The worst was when he awoke screaming in the middle of the fourth night, sobbing and wailing and struggling, only to fall into an uneasy sleep again and have no recollection of the horror in the blessed morning. After that, Helen increased the intensity of the sleeping potion to near dangerous levels. Crow read, ate sometimes, and watched Jay as he lapsed into consciousness and unconsciousness. On the sixth day, he moaned with a hoarse voice, “It hurts… it hurts…” as his eyes rolled weakly within a gaunt, haunted face. Helen sobbed and left the room. Crow never stopped reading. | You have read “The History of the Conquest of Aeringaard, a Fantasy by an Anonymous Knight.” Intelligence has increased by 1.You have read “The Story of Daren Silverhorn.” Charm increased by 1.You have read “The Knights of Kallamore.”You have read “The Biology of Drakes.” Intelligence increased by 1.You have read “The Tale of Heroes.” You have read “The Dark Magician.” Wisdom has increased by 1.You have read 10 histories of the Versailles Continent. Intelligence has increased by 3. Leadership increased by 1.You have read 10 combat novels. Strength has increased by 3. Dexterity has increased by 2. | | --- | And so on. Whenever there was a lull in the reading because of a pressing need to eat, Jay’s coughing was a little more violent, his clenched fists a little tighter than before. Crow’s sharp eyes caught these changes, as much as Jay tried to hide them, so she quickly shoved food into her mouth and kept reading. On the sixth day, Helen tried to feed Jay some porridge during a reading of “The Folly of Damarcus.” His hand suddenly jerked up, knocking the spoon away, and he screamed something that came out garbled and incomprehensible. Then he vomited what little he had swallowed, dry heaved, and a foul stink filled the room. The sheets had been soiled. When his body was cleaned and the sheets were changed, the little boy’s bony hand grabbed Crow’s. He wept, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Then he called pitifully for his mother, who was at his side in a second. He repeated the apologies, and wailed something that broke Crow’s cold, numbed heart. “I don’t want to die!” Crow had never felt this way before. She held Jay’s clammy hand tightly and continued reading about the story of Damarcus, a king whose untimely suicide caused a civil war in the kingdom. The only face she hardly ever saw was Jorgen. The man could not handle the sight of his only son dying before his eyes and chose to run away. But even the time for fleeing was fleeting. Jorgen just refused to accept it, and that stirred a brand of fire in Crow. She was… what was this? Anger? It was yet another emotion she hadn’t felt in so long, an uncomfortable pain that pressed at her insides, demanding to be felt and acted upon. Jorgen had not shown up for the past few days. So when he did, at night when Jay had already taken the sleeping draft and was far gone, Crow was waiting. Helen was asleep in the small cot she had set up next to Jay’s bed, but Crow watched from her corner as Jorgen trembled and hesitated to hold his son’s hand. He sobbed once, turned on his heel and left the room, then walked down the stairs with stiff steps and ran out of the shop with Brutus at his side. Crow followed. They ran at great speed, and it was all she could do to keep track of him. Her knowledge of the hidden shortcuts, though primitive, proved immensely helpful. After a few minutes, she had ascertained that he was heading outside the city, and so she maneuvered her way towards the gates. It was far more difficult on this nearly moonless twilight, but she had good night vision and was able to somehow keep up with Jorgen and Brutus. They didn’t notice her, for she was like the night. Years of practicing the art of erasing her presence for self protection helped her blend in, and she followed them like a wraith. Jorgen and Brutus left the city walls and headed straight for the great forest that surrounded Granheim. Now that they were in the open, they moved even more quickly, and the small specks of their figures were soon gone. How was it possible for Jorgen to move so inhumanly fast? Crow followed what she thought was their trail, but by the time she really lost them, she had no clue of where she was. She had entered the forest and didn’t think she was too far in, but the entrance was nowhere to be found. Hoot hoot. She jumped. This was the forest. At night. Who knew what creatures prowled here, waiting for a vulnerable, unarmed Tailor to stumble into their jaws? Crow slowly backed herself into a tree. Even the branches of these huge trees seemed to hold hidden dangers. There had been a dirt path, but she had followed Jorgen and Brutus off it. She shivered. Autumn’s chill was in her bones, but there was something else, something more primal. Fear. It was her first time outside the city. She had no weapons, not even a metal ladle. A rustle. And a shadow. And then… what… what was that? It was a two-legged monstrosity. Even in the darkness, she could tell that it had a contorted, fleshy body and an even more hideous face. A mass of dark, coarse hair fell around its broad shoulders. Most of its body was covered in rough and revolting fur, and six breasts sagged from its torso. It made grunting noises as it rooted in the dirt, putting meaty fingers of one hand into its mouth at times. The other hairy appendage held a large club-like tree branch. THE FUCK WAS THIS THING?!! She almost screamed, but kept her revulsion bottled inside her with great willpower. The creature didn’t seem to have noticed her yet, so she stayed flat against the tree, stilling her ragged breath and willing her heart to slow and quiet. Perhaps it would pass, it must pass, there was just no fucking way. It drew closer, only a few paces away, when it suddenly stopped. With one finger in its mouth, its repulsive head slowly turned to face Crow, and it grinned, the yellowed fangs gleaming and the whites of its eyes glinting with horrible recognition. She cried out then, ducked from the tree and ran away, her heart pounding, racing, faster and faster. She ran desperately past trees, knowing she was making a racket but not caring because IT WAS FOLLOWING HER. And it was coming closer with each bound of those twisted legs, until she could almost feel its breath on her neck. She felt its claws catch at her back, but she surged away with a rush of adrenaline. A warm trickle ran down her leg. And then, she was running and suddenly she was not. Her heart nearly burst when the thing finally grabbed a loose fold of her leather clothing and dragged her down. She fell into the balmy soil, her breath exploding from her burning lungs. The creature ululated with exultation and swung its club— GRAAAWWR! An earsplitting roar shattered the forest. Something huge and black crashed into the creature, knocking it back. A strong, furry hand grabbed her arm, wrenched her up, and shoved her away. She stumbled back, her mind reeling. She barely saw the face, but… Jorgen…?

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1038&amp;p=5520#p5520" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a> <br> <br>Author's Note: <br>Here's another chapter, hope you enjoy it. As you'll probably notice its a combo of two once again. Lately I seem to not have enough time and make them much shorter, having to combine them later. Ech... <br> <br>**** <br> <br>The first place Ace visited was the nobles' houses. He went through them looking at every little thing that might have something hidden behind. The usual of course were mirrors, large paintings and wall carpets but none held anything beside a few books Ace picked up. &nbsp; <br> <br>On a fifth house he found something more interesting. Under one of the rugs was a staircase that lead to a treasure room filled with sculptures, rich cloths and a few piles of gold. Ace wasn't such a nice person to leave it behind and soon enough everything rested safely in his backpack. &nbsp; <br> <br>Going farther he saw another room but this one had a bunch of people lying inside. 'Bingo!' Quietly Ace sneaked up to an elder person deciding there shouldn't be any more master assassins in this small castle and shook his shoulder.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Save yourselves! Runaway! Hurry!" the man started shouting without even opening his eyes, waking up the rest of inhabitants. Ace rolled his eyes at that and took a few steps back.&nbsp; <br> <br>A fifteen year old girl approached the old man and tried to sooth him.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Calm down, grandpa. Everything's alright. We already escaped them. Do you hear me? Say something grandpa!"&nbsp; <br> <br>The man opened his eyes and looked at the girl. "What is going on?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"You've had another nightmare. Go to sleep now. We're fine now" the girl said forcing a smile on her face. She sure as hell wasn't okay but she had survived when so many died. It was no surprise.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Actually, it was me" Ace said taking a few steps back into the light of a candle one of woman had lighted up.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Who are you? We won't go down without a fight!" the man said with his voice raised again, taking out a dagger but his hold was wrong signalling lack of any skills.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I'm not here to fight you" Ace said raising his hands to show he was unarmed.&nbsp; <br> <br>The man stood up and holding the dagger poised ahead of him threatened Ace none the less. "Don't you dare to make a movie or you're dead!" &nbsp; <br> <br>It took all Ace had not to snatch the dagger from the man's hand and show him how to hold it properly. It wasn't even that hard! Rolling eyes wasn't good either so Ace took a deep breath and in his calmest voice said. &nbsp; <br> <br>"I'm not looking for trouble here. I'm part of Oradin army that has come to retake the castle and my mission is to seek out survivors and help them make it through in any way I can"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Why should I believe you? Armies don't hire kids" the man said apprehensively.&nbsp; <br> <br>"It was assembled for a single reason from adventurers to retake this place. And skills were more important than age. Also I've already met Sir Owen who gave me this order to look for you"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Is he okay?" the man asked, his dagger wavering.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Depends on what you mean. He's healthy but his youngest daughter is no longer. His heart is broken"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Does that mean Elena...?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Yes, she's still alive. She was asleep with their other daughter and a few maids when I met Sir Owen so I don't know anything more"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Thanks god, at least they made it through" the man said sighing and sat down, three women behind him with fear filled eyes. "How is it outside?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Full of goblins but the first gates are creaking. We hope to get in by the end of the week. Today is Monday by the way" Ace said, lying in case there were spies. It never hurt to be careful.&nbsp; <br> <br>"We can't even tell time in this darkness, living like rats underground. We're running out of candles and there's not much food left either."&nbsp; <br> <br>That was to be expected and Ace rummaged through his backpack taking the requested items out. He presented the man with twenty candles and the same amount of barley bread. The man's disgusted face showed how much he liked the prospect of eating it but didn't complain. Life was hard for the minorities.&nbsp; <br>"Do you have any idea where I could find others?" Ace asked hoping maybe this old man knew something and would make his search so much easier.&nbsp; <br> <br>"No. That day there was so much chaos I doubt anyone knows anything about what happened to others" the man said, shaking his head in sorrow and giving items to one of the women.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Okay. I'll be going then" Ace said and stood up to leave but a girl's voice stopped him.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Can you look in my room if Fluffy survived? He's a white ferret. I'm really afraid for him!" <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">New Quest: Furry Friend <br> <br>Fluffy and Simona were best of friends never leaving each other's side but on the day of takeover they were separated. Help the girl by finding him and bringing it back to her. &nbsp; <br> <br>Quest Difficulty: E&nbsp; <br> <br>Quest Requirements: Appear trustworthy and good with animals</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>"That would be my pleasure" Ace said, deciding it wouldn't hurt to waste a few minutes on this quest.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Thanks! He might even be able to help you find other citizens!" the girl said relieved but still trying desperately to prove the stranger it was really worth it to find the little animal.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Got it" Ace said smiling happily. Now he even had a lead of a kind. &nbsp; <br> <br>Backing down his steps Ace walked out from the secret passage and put the rug back on. From there he went up the stairs and looked through each room but all of them were empty. 'Where could it be hiding?' Ace thought for a moment and knew exactly where he would hide if he was a little critter - the storage room.&nbsp; <br> <br>Going down he found a kitchen and from there a room that long ago was filled with food. Now everything was taken or eaten with crumbs and rotting pieces left lying around. The smell wasn't perfume either. 'Can it really stay here? Doubtfully so' Ace thought shaking his head and searched for another place. Garden seemed like the next best choice.&nbsp; <br> <br>The trees were silent without wind and birds but Ace felt the presence of a single creature. He climbed into a tree and looked for a hollow. One was right at the end of his branch and Ace tried searching it with his hand.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Owowwow!" he hissed, sucking on his injured finger. The little monster bit him! "How am I supposed to get him if he doesn’t want it?"&nbsp; <br> <br>Unsure of a next move, Ace took out a few peanuts and held them shaking before the hollow. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Here, here you little monster. Come out, come out" he said in his own natural soft voice tempting the critter out.&nbsp; <br> <br>It actually worked as a white fur ball with black beads for eyes appeared in the hollow. To Ace's surprise, after a few seconds of hesitation, it jumped on his hand and with its sharp teeth and claws snatched the peanut. Ace hissed in pain as his hands got scratched deep enough for blood to show up. 'Deep breaths, Ace, deep breaths, you're not here to kill him. He must survive for you to fulfil the girl’s request. Deep breaths. You can do it. I believe in you' Ace said to himself with eyes closed.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Hey there, Fluffy. Do you want more?" Ace said with a smile holding another peanut in his hand trusting the power of the accursed skill [Childish Innocence] to do its work. It was around the middle of average level so should probably be enough to charm a little critter.&nbsp; <br> <br>It was also &nbsp;a single skill that never failed Ace no matter he wanted it to or not. This time was no different. The little creature looked at Ace with wonder filled eyes and jumped on his shoulder nuzzling against his neck. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Here you go" Ace said giving him the peanut but this time the little creature made sure not to hurt him. 'At least that improved'&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace made sure Fluffy was comfortable on his shoulder and sneaked towards the castle. He needed more food if he was going to feed all the survivors. And if he was doing that he might as well pick some blankets and other everyday life necessities to earn more favour. &nbsp; <br> <br>The castle stood tall over the other buildings as if inviting to come and admire it. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace enjoyed the pluses of his dual class while climbing the wall towards an open window on the second floor. His [Shadow Veil] being not only simple sneaking but mixed with magic to make the shadows deeper around him allowed to hide other creatures as well if they were close enough to his body so the ferret could happily sleep curled around his neck replacing the scarf. &nbsp; <br> <br>The room he entered was empty of any life and was perfect to start from. Ace looked around after opening the doors slightly. The coast was clear and he went in search of all kinds of items.&nbsp; <br> <br>First he visited some wardrobes where he found a lot of blankets and warm clothes. Then he went for storage room where he found dried and smoked food he could carry around and lots of fresh water. It was clear that goblins haven't been invited to the castle. 'Is that why it's so empty here? I don't think I've seen a living soul since I entered' Shrugging Ace made his way back to the outside.&nbsp; <br> <br>There he found a shadowy place and woke the ferret. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Hey, Fluffy, can you help me find some people who live here? Simona said you're the best for it" &nbsp; <br> <br>The ferret jumped down from his shoulder with a determined look in his eyes and started to run in all directions. Ace tried to follow it as much as he could but soon he became exhausted and sat down in someone's garden. The apples around were quite tasty so Ace decided to stay there for a bit longer and let the ferret go crazy alone.&nbsp; <br> <br>While he was gazing at the sky, he remembered the books he had stolen from the magicians' guild. This was as good time as any to look through them. First he took out the skill books. There was a single problem with them. He didn't have an identifying skill... He could have waited and asked Aurora to do that but it'd take way too much time so Ace just put his hand on the book and said "Learn" <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Unable to learn Holy Cross. Need to be of a cleric's class*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'Here we go. Now should I give it to Aurora or just trade away for herbs? Hm... Oh well I have time to decide later. Next one.' "Learn" <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Unable to learn Double Dash. Need to be of swordsman's class*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'Pff… Did that spellsword even have any useful skills?' "Learn" <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Unable to learn Vertical Slash. Need to be of a swordsman's class*</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'Useless. Not even a single one! Maybe the old wizard had something better?' "Learn!" <br> <br>Tiiring! <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">New skill acquired: Flame Step [Active]&nbsp; <br> <br>You walk leaving a trail of fire behind you for two seconds.&nbsp; <br> <br>The duration and power will increase as the skill advances.&nbsp; <br>Mana Cost 2/s</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'Well, this should be fun but sadly I can't try it now without attracting too much attention. Let's see what else is there.' "Learn!" <br> <br>Tiiring! <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">New skill acquired: Excessive Heat [Toggle] <br> <br>Your body releases a large amount of heat. &nbsp; <br> <br>Higher level will release greater energy.&nbsp; <br> <br>Mana cost 5/s</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Ace frowned reading the description. It looked like a pretty useless skill and ate mana like a hungry beast. 'Maybe it has great power?' <br> <br>"Excessive Heat!" Ace never used incantations even though they strengthened the spell's power. Being at the front of any fight he'd be dead in seconds if he ever tried to chant something for more than half a second. &nbsp; <br> <br>Barely noticeable red aura surrounded him but nothing else seemed to happen. Oh wait! The grass around him lowered its head like on a very sunny day. 'Really? This is all?' It was even worse than Ace expected but he kept the skill none the less.&nbsp; <br> <br>He kind of liked defeating opponents with useless at first glance spells. [Flare] was a prime example of that being the first spell anyone ever learnt and not even good for lightening one’s surroundings. That didn't stop Ace from levelling it up and now he not could only have a constant little light but a quick way to blind his opponents again and again. He was so used to that spell keeping it on for 24/7 that he used it more as extension of his body than anything else. 'There must be a way for this spell to shine too. I just need to use it enough times and maybe level up considerably. Okay one more book left' "Learn!" <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">*Unable to learn Creature of Deepest Fires. Need to be an elementalist and have 500 intelligence* </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'Well this will be a great spell to present to Par on his birthday. When is it anyway? It would be bad of me to miss it' Ace put the skill book away and took out the girl's journal. It was filled with all kinds of formulas and calculations concerning her double class. Ace was about to delve into it when a loud chattering noise came his way. A small white ferret stopped before him and stood on its hind legs looking very proud.&nbsp; <br> <br>"So you've found something?" Ace asked with a smile plastered on his face and putting the journal away for later. The ferret nodded and ran off, not forgetting to stop at every corner to make sure he followed. Ace hid behind his skill and followed the little critter that was running straight into a group of goblins. But those didn't seem to mind the creature and let it pass easily. Ace got through them just as easy as goblins were one of the more stupid classes of monsters. &nbsp; <br> <br>Fluffy made his way towards another garden but this one was overgrown with large trees and thorny bushes. They didn't look to have been placed there for their beauty or delicious fruits. 'What is going on here?' The small ferret dived in evading all the small needles but Ace didn't have such luck. 'I really hope there's something there' Ace thought casting [Gust] to create a cocoon of wind so no goblins would come rushing after hearing his so very silent walk through all the bushes and fallen dry branches.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace felt two people ahead way too late to dodge the vines that sprung from the ground and encircled his whole body. Not that he could have done much in such thick undergrowth. 'Damn. I knew something was wrong here, what with all that random greenery. That guys an earth mage and will doubtfully want to hear my explanations now.'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Excessive Heat" Ace said deciding it might buy him a few moments time but it strengthened the vines! "Turn off! Turn off!" Ace said in a desperate voice cursing himself for trusting an ability he hadn't tested yet. 'Flare to the left and blind them!' he ordered his little flame struggling to get out of his chains. 'That mage is a freaking master. These vines feel like lead!' &nbsp; <br> <br>A flash of light signalled him of a successful attack but it was only procrastination if he couldn't get out. And he didn't. [Flare] stayed in the mage's eyes obstructing his view but the mages were annoying in the way that they only needed a general direction to cast their mass destruction spells.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Father wait! Fluffy is in the way!" a kid shouted jumping in front of Ace who was still struggling to get out. 'Why do I always end up like this? Don't I have any self-preservation?' he wondered. 'Wait maybe I should use another spell I learnt today?'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Flame Step!"&nbsp; <br> <br>It took few seconds but the fire started to gather under his feet burning down the vines. But they hurt him too! "What the hell are these spells?" He shut down the spell and created a wind shield around himself looking at his charred trousers. "Great. And I didn't even take another pair with me" Ace said in annoyance while Fluffy jumped on his shoulder and turned his beady eyes towards the kid who just burst into the few feet clearing Ace just made. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Who are you?" the middle aged mage asked coming into a clearing too.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Ace from the Oradin army" the boy said, deciding it was his best chance.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What army? I don't remember there even existing one,"&nbsp; <br> <br>'Our kingdom doesn't even have an army?' Ace thought, his mouth falling open but he quickly shook his head and resumed his act.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Well, more exactly Lasran city's lord chose a champion and ordered him to form an army of five hundred and retake this castle. I'm part of a group that infiltrated themselves to look for any survivors. Sir Owen asked that of me too"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Did he now? I remember him being very distrusting and you want to say he just went and told you everything?" the mage asked, not believing a word of Ace's and keeping a few spells ready for the moment the kid moved.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace wanted to roll his eyes. 'How can I explain to you that we're both assassins of an old style? Do you even know that about him?'&nbsp; <br> <br>"It may be so but now that he's lost his daughter and was running out of food to feed his last surviving family members he became much more talkative."&nbsp; <br> <br>"You managed to pressure him into giving in?" the mage asked with shock evident in his voice. 'Maybe they're good friends? Or rivals?'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Death changes people, claws of a Grim Reaper over your head too, but that is of no importance right now. What I care is whenever you have enough supplies to last for a few more weeks at least or not. So?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Why should I trust you?" &nbsp; <br> <br>"How did you tame Fluffy?" the mage's boy asked, tired of listening to all the things he didn't care about. "He never liked anyone but me and Simona. Did you meet her? Is she okay?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Food works wonders and yes I did. She is with an old man and two other females of middle age. I gave them some food so they should make it through"&nbsp; <br> <br>"You met Logan?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Don't know their names. We just exchanged information and the girl asked me to find her pet and take care of him until everything's over" Ace said shrugging and checked his quest status. It showed 3/15. 'What? So all I need to do is find them? Helping is optional? But wait, every time I got clues about other locations for assisting. It's probably better to try and gain their trust anyway.'&nbsp; <br> <br>"So you're really not lying?" the mage asked.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Would I say no even if I wasn't?" Ace asked rising an eyebrow at which the mage smiled tiredly.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You're right. And sorry for the rough welcome. We've been betrayed by humans, not overrun by monsters" the mage said, releasing Ace from the wines and leading him deeper into the fake garden where a small clearing with basic things was.&nbsp; <br> <br>"No problem. I heard the story. It's unbelievable how far some people are able to fall"&nbsp; <br>The man nodded and sat down on the ground. "My name is Doran, a Master Earth Mage. I'd like to treat you with some food or better accommodations but as you see that's all I have and we're running short too."&nbsp; <br> <br>"Spellword Ace. I've been to the castle and they were happy to share their supplies with me so I can give you dried meat and some barley bread. Do you need anything else like blankets, spell materials or the like?" &nbsp; <br> <br>"It would be much appreciated. We've run without picking anything and survived by using magic for warmth" the man said, looking older. A month ago he would not only have never &nbsp;taken a stolen item but would have caught the criminal and put him in jail. Now he was relieved to have met him. How quickly can one's idea of what is right and wrong change..? <br> <br>"You're living in hard times and there's not much choice. It’s either living like a criminal or dying and leaving your family members to face the same fate. I'd say there's nothing wrong with wanting to live but I doubt you'd believe me" Ace said noticing the internal struggle on the man's face he knew so well from Monthu.&nbsp; <br> <br>'Why would anyone care so much about empty words? Living is right while giving up on it is wrong. It's as simple as that.' In Ace's logic everything made to ensure one's survival was permitted. &nbsp; <br> <br>He put all kinds of items down on the ground to ensure two's well being and stood up to leave. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Wait! Take this ring" the mage said, taking off a very beautiful green seal ring. "Next time you find anyone show them this and say I sent you. It should solve a lot of your problems."&nbsp; <br> <br>"Thank you" Ace said smiling from ear to ear. He was right in the end, helping the survivors did make it easier to take care of the others. <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">New Title! Flare of Hope <br> <br>*Granted for bringing hope back to the given up people of Vascas&nbsp; <br> <br>*Honourable title for one who has impressed a councilman with his wise words&nbsp; <br> <br>*Will be lost if the hope was unfound</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>"I know the usual goes as the spark but flare suits you better. Especially since it circles your head all the time" the mage said, smiling slightly. &nbsp; <br> <br>"You're too kind" Ace said with a genuine smile. He never expected to gain such a useful thing here.&nbsp; <br> <br>Titles were usually given by high ranked officials who normal players rarely met as you needed a lot of favour to even be allowed in their houses. Those who got in, not only had to extract a quest from unwilling nobles, but had to impress them too. It took a long time and a lot of effort but the end result was well worth it as you were recognized in all cities and trusted. You could say it was equal to around 2-3 thousand fame points especially if it had something to do with being a great warrior. &nbsp; <br> <br>Of course there were other ways to get titles but they weren't as useful. Ace's title wasn't of the best kind but would gain him a great deal of favour none the less, if only the castle was retaken.&nbsp; <br> <br>Thinking such happy thoughts Ace left the clearing, vines closing in behind him. Outside Fluffy jumped off his shoulder and ran off. Ace stopped for a moment thinking of what would be the best course of action and decided to find a secluded corner where he could peacefully read. After some time Fluffy showed up leading him to another encampment. &nbsp; <br> <br>This time with so many cards in his hand Ace gained the trust in moments and collected his information. &nbsp; <br> <br>The next two days passed in a blur to him as ignoring the exhaustion he looked for survivors day and night. He slept for an hour at best while Fluffy was searching. That allowed him to finish a few hours before the rogue mission was to take place. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace decided to rest. He'll need every little drop of energy he can get once they try that particular nonsense. <br> <br>*** <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br>Tiiring! <br> <br>Ting! <br> <br>"Mmm..." Ace murmured not wanting to open his eyes. He felt like he had just fallen asleep. And what was that sound anyway? <br> <br>After some more grumbling and that annoying noise continuing Ace opened his eyes yawning widely. At the corner of his left eye another pop up message appeared. <br> <br>*You have received a new message!* x27 <br> <br>"Wow... What is going on?" With his mind still fuzzy Ace opened the last message. It was from Monthu but absolutely empty. "Huh?" He checked others and they were the same until his mind remembered what spam is. Then he scrolled up to the front and looked at the first message received. &nbsp; <br> <br>/The gates are going to fall in a few days anyway so abort your mission and go behind the second wall. You can do it there. In the meantime create some disturbances or something to make goblins' morality drop/&nbsp; <br> <br>'What? Is he mad?'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Are you serious? I hope you plan to tell that to Fenek yourself?" Ace asked using voice chat.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You'll have that pleasure yourself" Monthu said in a calm voice. Ace just knew he was smiling, 'That bastard'.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Thanks a lot. How did you even manage to accomplish the feat? Last time you said it'll take almost a month."&nbsp; <br> <br>"One of the resident blacksmiths just reached intermediate and managed to create a trebuchet so it's devastating the gates and walls even as we speak." <br> <br>Boooom! <br> <br>"What the hell was that? And what is a trebuchet?" Ace asked his ears ringing. 'Was I really sleeping through that?' <br> <br>"Imagine a large spoon that through various mechanisms can throw large rocks the size of you at an enemy fortress. Anyway how does it feel inside?" <br> <br>"I slept through it but right now I prefer getting somewhere away from this wall. It suddenly doesn't look as sturdy as it did the day before." <br> <br>"Great news. I'll contact you later to see if you're alive. Good luck" Monthu said with a laugh. <br> <br>Ace cut off the chat and took a long breath. 'Should I go and meet in face or better stay away from them as far as possible?' he contemplated while sneaking around the perimeter. <br> <br>The presence of twelve people in a nearby building decided it for him. He came to the door and shed his shadows before entering. Nearest goblins were more than fifty meters away so he could safely act a stupid boy. &nbsp; <br> <br>"There was change of plans" Ace said walking in. &nbsp; <br> <br>"What are you thinking, barging in like that?" Fenek asked angrily but in a whisper and jumped to close the door. He glared at the kid who looked not to give a care in the world about what he might bring. 'How did he even survive those days being so careless?' His group had been quietly sitting in their safe house, letting only one person out to scout the wall for their mission and never letting him back in for fear of him being followed. Life was a dangerous thing.&nbsp; <br> <br>The kid dismissed his words and continued on. "General just contacted me saying they found a way to quickly burst down the gates and our mission is no longer needed. We're to relocate behind the second wall. There you shall separate into three groups by four"&nbsp; <br> <br>"What should we do that for?" Belinda asked unhappily. She liked the rogues quick attacks and invisible movements but this wasn't it. Now there wasn't a group of fighters, mages and a cleric to help her in case she failed something. She was afraid for her life.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Our new mission is to instil fear into goblins' hearts and drop their morality. The more you kill the better. Just remember to station one of the four as a scout because there will be no one to save you if you'll be ambushed" Ace said in a monotone voice.&nbsp; <br> <br>"So you mean all our planning was for nothing and now we have to risk our lives killing goblins alone in their own base?" Fenek asked in a sneer.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Exactly. If anyone wishes to leave, be my guest. Otherwise you'll go and do as told. I'll be around to make sure you don't hole up and kill only those that threaten your safeness. Trust me I'm not kidding" Ace said with his head held up, managing to look down at rogues even though he was smaller than them. That destroyed the last pity they felt for abandoning him and born anger.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You know you're threatening a bunch of rogues?" Fenek asked, taking out his dagger and looking menacing.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Really? I didn't know!’ Ace said pretending shock but soon it turned into a sneer. ‘Oh wait, I did. And. I. Don't. Care. Got it? Or do I have to repeat it for you?". There was no love lost between them.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace smiled a sickeningly sweet smile and left closing the door with a bam. "Spoiled brat" could be heard sent after him but that only made him smile more. If you're making enemies, make them right. There's no need for a bunch of half-hearted idiots running after you. What could you possibly learn from them?&nbsp; <br> <br>Outside he used [Shadow Veil] and thought for a moment what to do next. He could either scout the second wall's defences or start creating fear among the goblins. Or he could receive the rewards from the quests he'd finished and take a good nap. That sounded much more like it.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace went to the house where he had found the first secret passage and entered once again. This time the whole group was awake and met him with hopeful eyes.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Have you managed to find everyone? I see you also have found Fluffy" Sir Owen or Silver Fox asked welcoming the guest in.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Yes, I did. They're tired and scared but alive for now" Ace said, sitting down and stroking the soft fur of Fluffy who curled up in his lap.&nbsp; <br> <br>"That's amazing news!" Elena said happily. 'Is she an assassin too? By the old man's story it would seem so but she doesn't look like one at all.'&nbsp; <br> <br>The woman's face was very delicate with high cheekbones, large eyes and rosy cheeks. She wore a light blue dress the colour of her eyes and looked much younger than her husband.&nbsp; <br> <br>"But I'm afraid we have nothing to reward you with" the man said in regret.&nbsp; <br> <br>"It is of no importance" Ace said shaking his head. "As long as we're in this battle, money and riches are of no use to me anyway." &nbsp; <br> <br>The pair looked at each other for a second and both nodded at the same time. "Come with us, if you prefer something more useful than a pile of gold."&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace smiled inwardly and stood up to follow the couple. Together they left the passage and went through a couple of rooms. In a guest room they went to an armchair and after a bit of fumbling raised the sitting part. Inside lay two middle sized cotton pouches. &nbsp; <br> <br>"No one would expect anything hidden under themselves" Helbert answered to Ace's raised eyebrow. &nbsp; <br> <br>Elena took one of the pouches and retrieved a pair of strange looking weapons. They resembled a three-tine pitchforks with side prongs being much smaller than the middle one. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Uhm... Are these supposed to be weapons?" Ace asked doubtfully. He liked his daggers well enough not to take up a farmer's weapon.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Yes" Elena said gripping them tightly and smiled at him. "Come at me" &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace shrugged and in an instant was before the woman with his daggers in a stabbing motion. She blocked it easily and caught his weapon making it a better choice to grab the next one from his belt. Ace did just that and this time tried a few slashes but his daggers were stopped just as easily. The side prongs made it extremely easy to catch the opponent's weapon, making it immobile. Ace was having a hard time trying to prevent that from happening and still stay on the offensive. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Enough" Helbert said. "I believe you saw that they aren't your everyday pitchforks"&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace nodded eyeing those weapons with a new interest.&nbsp; <br> <br>"They are mostly used for a variety of blocks, parries and captures against opponents from different directions and heights. We believe it would be the best weapon for someone like you who has a small stature and in a one on one will be mostly defending until a good opportunity to escape shows itself" Elena said, extending the evolved pitchforks towards Ace.&nbsp; <br> <br>He looked at them calculating if it would be in his best interests to start using a new weapon at around a hundredth level. 'They seem useful but I haven't seen anyone using them. It could add to the surprise factor but I wasted half a year to train my base dagger fighting knowledge... Should I really just abandon it because something more interesting showed up? Wait if I have two identities wouldn't it be more beneficial to make them as different as I can? It would also add to the child's act since I won't know a thing about using these things...'&nbsp; <br> <br>"I'll take them" Ace said finally and took the weapons. They had been given to him as a reward so he could see an item's description for once. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Training Sai <br> <br>Durability 47/50&nbsp; <br>Damage 10-15 <br> <br>Made for a single purpose of teaching the basic forms of Sai. Unlike other training weapons these aren't wooden showing the blacksmith's trust in the student who would use it. Because of it these Sai can be used in a real fight too. <br> <br>+15 AGI <br> <br>Requirements: 30 STR, 50 AGI </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>It was a great weapon for a beginner up to level 20, 30 at best. Nothing he'd glance at now. <br> <br>"If you free this place, I'll be able to teach you the basics. Right now there isn't a safe place where we could do that" Elena said. <br> <br>"Thank you" Ace said and turned around to leave. He still had a lot of work to do. <br> <br>He went to visit the little girl with her grandpa second and returned her the ferret. Both of them were overjoyed while Ace gained some experience and fame. It wasn't that bad of a deal. <br> <br>After that he decided to rest for a while. He hadn't slept for the last few days and tiredness reared its head. <br> <br>Day game time later Ace was back in full energy. First he went to check on his subordinates. They were still doing nothing. 'I'm having none of that' Ace though with an evil smile and sneaked off to find some goblins. He put his favourite Kris away as he'd only dirty it with goblin blood and took out a pair of simple daggers. One of them was coated in poison while the other in paralysis. <br> <br>The first group he encountered contained only three members. It was too small so Ace dispatched of them in moments and went to look for a larger one. Walking around he found something he'd already used before - a signalling gong! Not wasting a second Ace took a large mallet lying nearby and hit with all his might. A loud reverberating noise was made. 'Is that supposed to be asking for reinforcements?' he wondered killing off the first group who showed up. He needed others to see him killing and chase after him. <br> <br>Once five groups were in sight containing over twenty goblins Ace decided to get out of there. But he didn't use any skills to blend in the shadows. He had a very specific place he wanted to go. <br> <br>He was running out of stamina when the house came in sight. Not stopping he jumped to the door and opened it widely. It was empty, well, not for long as Ace took out glitter dust and threw it around. A dozen rogues showed signs of shock while Ace dashed threw and jumped through the window on the other side. There he used [Shadow Veil] and took out pieces of glass from his hand. The fall and glass ate a fifth of his health 'Assassin survivability is truly pathetic' <br> <br>Finding a larger stone close by he dragged it closer and stood up on it to see what was going inside. The glass-free window provided an excellent view at the rogues’ lack of fighting spirit. They were making a tight circle with their backs inside but it was a tactic for swordsman not rogues who had no defence. They wouldn’t last even five attacks of goblins that were from 60-80 level. <br> <br>"Bunch of idiots" Ace murmured under his breath but didn't go to help. He warned them and if they didn't listen, well, that was their own fault. <br> <br>Fenek who was much higher level than the rest was silently cursing the boy. 'How did he dare to lure all the mobs here? And if we don't escape soon more will come too!' /Fight them/ came a message to the chat from the little bastard. /Or I'll lead them to you again and again. You won't escape me!/ All the rogues could just hear the maniacal laughter from the boy. <br> <br>"That rich spoiled..." Fenek's curse was cut short as he had to block a goblin's axe. It wasn't like they could escape without fighting anyway. Glitter Dust made sure of that. 'One day I'll make him pay...' Fenek promised and jumped at the goblins. <br> <br>He might not have had much defence but his quick and critical attacks made short work of goblins. It was a new experience for Fenek as he preferred keeping his neck safe while now a single wrong move could mean his demise. Other rogues joined him protecting his back and after some time they finished off all the goblins present. <br> <br>/Good work. And start doing what you've been told to or next time there will be twice as many/ <br> <br>/What's wrong with you?!/ Belinda. asked in outrage. <br> <br>/With me? Nothing. I just don't like lazy people. My father always said 'The early bird gets the worm'/ Ace wrote back with a smile and turned off the chat. For now he'll leave them alone and have his own fun. <br> <br>He ran to the upper side of the wall and took out two longer daggers that could almost be called swords and coated them in his new poison. He never liked trying such things on himself so it was a test run. 'Tough luck' he thought looking at goblins going watch and sprinted off. <br> <br>Ace's out of nowhere appearance surprised the goblins and allowed him to run a long way slashing in all directions and making sure that everyone suffered at least a single hit before having to be more careful. He watched their reaction from the corner of his eyes and was disappointed to see nothing of interest. None seemed to even have felt it. 'Did it suddenly loose its effectiveness?' he wondered continuing to run. <br> <br>It wouldn't be the first time when two poisons combined made a remedy but still. Ace expected better results from viper's poison mixed with wolf’s bane. Were they really better separately? <br> <br>When he was finishing out his circle with a large bunch of goblins on his tail, he noticed dead bodies lying before him. They had no twisted faces or white eyes to signal any kind of poisoning. You could say they died peacefully. 'So its deadly anyway? This could be useful while killing nobles to arise no suspicion if I ever feel like taking requests.' <br> <br>Test finished Ace jumped from the wall rolling a few times and ran off. On the first shadowy place he left their sight and used his abilities to disappear completely. Then he entered a random house and making sure it was empty sat down to catch a breath. His health was below half too from getting hit by a few random flying axes and jumping off the wall. He sighted and drank a health potion with barley bread.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace had no time to waste waiting for the health to regenerate back, he was already sneaking out to make the city know him. Their fear will know no bounds when he'll be finished with them, that was for sure. <br> <br> <br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1056" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a> </div>

[Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1038&p=5520#p5520) Author's Note: Here's another chapter, hope you enjoy it. As you'll probably notice its a combo of two once again. Lately I seem to not have enough time and make them much shorter, having to combine them later. Ech... **** The first place Ace visited was the nobles' houses. He went through them looking at every little thing that might have something hidden behind. The usual of course were mirrors, large paintings and wall carpets but none held anything beside a few books Ace picked up.   On a fifth house he found something more interesting. Under one of the rugs was a staircase that lead to a treasure room filled with sculptures, rich cloths and a few piles of gold. Ace wasn't such a nice person to leave it behind and soon enough everything rested safely in his backpack.   Going farther he saw another room but this one had a bunch of people lying inside. 'Bingo!' Quietly Ace sneaked up to an elder person deciding there shouldn't be any more master assassins in this small castle and shook his shoulder.  "Save yourselves! Runaway! Hurry!" the man started shouting without even opening his eyes, waking up the rest of inhabitants. Ace rolled his eyes at that and took a few steps back.  A fifteen year old girl approached the old man and tried to sooth him.  "Calm down, grandpa. Everything's alright. We already escaped them. Do you hear me? Say something grandpa!"  The man opened his eyes and looked at the girl. "What is going on?"  "You've had another nightmare. Go to sleep now. We're fine now" the girl said forcing a smile on her face. She sure as hell wasn't okay but she had survived when so many died. It was no surprise.  "Actually, it was me" Ace said taking a few steps back into the light of a candle one of woman had lighted up.  "Who are you? We won't go down without a fight!" the man said with his voice raised again, taking out a dagger but his hold was wrong signalling lack of any skills.  "I'm not here to fight you" Ace said raising his hands to show he was unarmed.  The man stood up and holding the dagger poised ahead of him threatened Ace none the less. "Don't you dare to make a movie or you're dead!"   It took all Ace had not to snatch the dagger from the man's hand and show him how to hold it properly. It wasn't even that hard! Rolling eyes wasn't good either so Ace took a deep breath and in his calmest voice said.   "I'm not looking for trouble here. I'm part of Oradin army that has come to retake the castle and my mission is to seek out survivors and help them make it through in any way I can"  "Why should I believe you? Armies don't hire kids" the man said apprehensively.  "It was assembled for a single reason from adventurers to retake this place. And skills were more important than age. Also I've already met Sir Owen who gave me this order to look for you"  "Is he okay?" the man asked, his dagger wavering.  "Depends on what you mean. He's healthy but his youngest daughter is no longer. His heart is broken"  "Does that mean Elena...?"  "Yes, she's still alive. She was asleep with their other daughter and a few maids when I met Sir Owen so I don't know anything more"  "Thanks god, at least they made it through" the man said sighing and sat down, three women behind him with fear filled eyes. "How is it outside?"  "Full of goblins but the first gates are creaking. We hope to get in by the end of the week. Today is Monday by the way" Ace said, lying in case there were spies. It never hurt to be careful.  "We can't even tell time in this darkness, living like rats underground. We're running out of candles and there's not much food left either."  That was to be expected and Ace rummaged through his backpack taking the requested items out. He presented the man with twenty candles and the same amount of barley bread. The man's disgusted face showed how much he liked the prospect of eating it but didn't complain. Life was hard for the minorities.  "Do you have any idea where I could find others?" Ace asked hoping maybe this old man knew something and would make his search so much easier.  "No. That day there was so much chaos I doubt anyone knows anything about what happened to others" the man said, shaking his head in sorrow and giving items to one of the women.  "Okay. I'll be going then" Ace said and stood up to leave but a girl's voice stopped him.  "Can you look in my room if Fluffy survived? He's a white ferret. I'm really afraid for him!" Ting! | New Quest: Furry Friend Fluffy and Simona were best of friends never leaving each other's side but on the day of takeover they were separated. Help the girl by finding him and bringing it back to her.   Quest Difficulty: E  Quest Requirements: Appear trustworthy and good with animals | | --- | "That would be my pleasure" Ace said, deciding it wouldn't hurt to waste a few minutes on this quest.  "Thanks! He might even be able to help you find other citizens!" the girl said relieved but still trying desperately to prove the stranger it was really worth it to find the little animal.  "Got it" Ace said smiling happily. Now he even had a lead of a kind.   Backing down his steps Ace walked out from the secret passage and put the rug back on. From there he went up the stairs and looked through each room but all of them were empty. 'Where could it be hiding?' Ace thought for a moment and knew exactly where he would hide if he was a little critter - the storage room.  Going down he found a kitchen and from there a room that long ago was filled with food. Now everything was taken or eaten with crumbs and rotting pieces left lying around. The smell wasn't perfume either. 'Can it really stay here? Doubtfully so' Ace thought shaking his head and searched for another place. Garden seemed like the next best choice.  The trees were silent without wind and birds but Ace felt the presence of a single creature. He climbed into a tree and looked for a hollow. One was right at the end of his branch and Ace tried searching it with his hand.  "Owowwow!" he hissed, sucking on his injured finger. The little monster bit him! "How am I supposed to get him if he doesn’t want it?"  Unsure of a next move, Ace took out a few peanuts and held them shaking before the hollow.   "Here, here you little monster. Come out, come out" he said in his own natural soft voice tempting the critter out.  It actually worked as a white fur ball with black beads for eyes appeared in the hollow. To Ace's surprise, after a few seconds of hesitation, it jumped on his hand and with its sharp teeth and claws snatched the peanut. Ace hissed in pain as his hands got scratched deep enough for blood to show up. 'Deep breaths, Ace, deep breaths, you're not here to kill him. He must survive for you to fulfil the girl’s request. Deep breaths. You can do it. I believe in you' Ace said to himself with eyes closed.  "Hey there, Fluffy. Do you want more?" Ace said with a smile holding another peanut in his hand trusting the power of the accursed skill [Childish Innocence] to do its work. It was around the middle of average level so should probably be enough to charm a little critter.  It was also  a single skill that never failed Ace no matter he wanted it to or not. This time was no different. The little creature looked at Ace with wonder filled eyes and jumped on his shoulder nuzzling against his neck.   "Here you go" Ace said giving him the peanut but this time the little creature made sure not to hurt him. 'At least that improved'  Ace made sure Fluffy was comfortable on his shoulder and sneaked towards the castle. He needed more food if he was going to feed all the survivors. And if he was doing that he might as well pick some blankets and other everyday life necessities to earn more favour.   The castle stood tall over the other buildings as if inviting to come and admire it.   Ace enjoyed the pluses of his dual class while climbing the wall towards an open window on the second floor. His [Shadow Veil] being not only simple sneaking but mixed with magic to make the shadows deeper around him allowed to hide other creatures as well if they were close enough to his body so the ferret could happily sleep curled around his neck replacing the scarf.   The room he entered was empty of any life and was perfect to start from. Ace looked around after opening the doors slightly. The coast was clear and he went in search of all kinds of items.  First he visited some wardrobes where he found a lot of blankets and warm clothes. Then he went for storage room where he found dried and smoked food he could carry around and lots of fresh water. It was clear that goblins haven't been invited to the castle. 'Is that why it's so empty here? I don't think I've seen a living soul since I entered' Shrugging Ace made his way back to the outside.  There he found a shadowy place and woke the ferret.   "Hey, Fluffy, can you help me find some people who live here? Simona said you're the best for it"   The ferret jumped down from his shoulder with a determined look in his eyes and started to run in all directions. Ace tried to follow it as much as he could but soon he became exhausted and sat down in someone's garden. The apples around were quite tasty so Ace decided to stay there for a bit longer and let the ferret go crazy alone.  While he was gazing at the sky, he remembered the books he had stolen from the magicians' guild. This was as good time as any to look through them. First he took out the skill books. There was a single problem with them. He didn't have an identifying skill... He could have waited and asked Aurora to do that but it'd take way too much time so Ace just put his hand on the book and said "Learn" | *Unable to learn Holy Cross. Need to be of a cleric's class* | | --- | 'Here we go. Now should I give it to Aurora or just trade away for herbs? Hm... Oh well I have time to decide later. Next one.' "Learn" | *Unable to learn Double Dash. Need to be of swordsman's class* | | --- | 'Pff… Did that spellsword even have any useful skills?' "Learn" | *Unable to learn Vertical Slash. Need to be of a swordsman's class* | | --- | 'Useless. Not even a single one! Maybe the old wizard had something better?' "Learn!" Tiiring! | New skill acquired: Flame Step [Active]  You walk leaving a trail of fire behind you for two seconds.  The duration and power will increase as the skill advances.  Mana Cost 2/s | | --- | 'Well, this should be fun but sadly I can't try it now without attracting too much attention. Let's see what else is there.' "Learn!" Tiiring! | New skill acquired: Excessive Heat [Toggle] Your body releases a large amount of heat.   Higher level will release greater energy.  Mana cost 5/s | | --- | Ace frowned reading the description. It looked like a pretty useless skill and ate mana like a hungry beast. 'Maybe it has great power?' "Excessive Heat!" Ace never used incantations even though they strengthened the spell's power. Being at the front of any fight he'd be dead in seconds if he ever tried to chant something for more than half a second.   Barely noticeable red aura surrounded him but nothing else seemed to happen. Oh wait! The grass around him lowered its head like on a very sunny day. 'Really? This is all?' It was even worse than Ace expected but he kept the skill none the less.  He kind of liked defeating opponents with useless at first glance spells. [Flare] was a prime example of that being the first spell anyone ever learnt and not even good for lightening one’s surroundings. That didn't stop Ace from levelling it up and now he not could only have a constant little light but a quick way to blind his opponents again and again. He was so used to that spell keeping it on for 24/7 that he used it more as extension of his body than anything else. 'There must be a way for this spell to shine too. I just need to use it enough times and maybe level up considerably. Okay one more book left' "Learn!" | *Unable to learn Creature of Deepest Fires. Need to be an elementalist and have 500 intelligence* | | --- | 'Well this will be a great spell to present to Par on his birthday. When is it anyway? It would be bad of me to miss it' Ace put the skill book away and took out the girl's journal. It was filled with all kinds of formulas and calculations concerning her double class. Ace was about to delve into it when a loud chattering noise came his way. A small white ferret stopped before him and stood on its hind legs looking very proud.  "So you've found something?" Ace asked with a smile plastered on his face and putting the journal away for later. The ferret nodded and ran off, not forgetting to stop at every corner to make sure he followed. Ace hid behind his skill and followed the little critter that was running straight into a group of goblins. But those didn't seem to mind the creature and let it pass easily. Ace got through them just as easy as goblins were one of the more stupid classes of monsters.   Fluffy made his way towards another garden but this one was overgrown with large trees and thorny bushes. They didn't look to have been placed there for their beauty or delicious fruits. 'What is going on here?' The small ferret dived in evading all the small needles but Ace didn't have such luck. 'I really hope there's something there' Ace thought casting [Gust] to create a cocoon of wind so no goblins would come rushing after hearing his so very silent walk through all the bushes and fallen dry branches.  Ace felt two people ahead way too late to dodge the vines that sprung from the ground and encircled his whole body. Not that he could have done much in such thick undergrowth. 'Damn. I knew something was wrong here, what with all that random greenery. That guys an earth mage and will doubtfully want to hear my explanations now.'  "Excessive Heat" Ace said deciding it might buy him a few moments time but it strengthened the vines! "Turn off! Turn off!" Ace said in a desperate voice cursing himself for trusting an ability he hadn't tested yet. 'Flare to the left and blind them!' he ordered his little flame struggling to get out of his chains. 'That mage is a freaking master. These vines feel like lead!'   A flash of light signalled him of a successful attack but it was only procrastination if he couldn't get out. And he didn't. [Flare] stayed in the mage's eyes obstructing his view but the mages were annoying in the way that they only needed a general direction to cast their mass destruction spells.  "Father wait! Fluffy is in the way!" a kid shouted jumping in front of Ace who was still struggling to get out. 'Why do I always end up like this? Don't I have any self-preservation?' he wondered. 'Wait maybe I should use another spell I learnt today?'  "Flame Step!"  It took few seconds but the fire started to gather under his feet burning down the vines. But they hurt him too! "What the hell are these spells?" He shut down the spell and created a wind shield around himself looking at his charred trousers. "Great. And I didn't even take another pair with me" Ace said in annoyance while Fluffy jumped on his shoulder and turned his beady eyes towards the kid who just burst into the few feet clearing Ace just made.   "Who are you?" the middle aged mage asked coming into a clearing too.  "Ace from the Oradin army" the boy said, deciding it was his best chance.  "What army? I don't remember there even existing one,"  'Our kingdom doesn't even have an army?' Ace thought, his mouth falling open but he quickly shook his head and resumed his act.  "Well, more exactly Lasran city's lord chose a champion and ordered him to form an army of five hundred and retake this castle. I'm part of a group that infiltrated themselves to look for any survivors. Sir Owen asked that of me too"  "Did he now? I remember him being very distrusting and you want to say he just went and told you everything?" the mage asked, not believing a word of Ace's and keeping a few spells ready for the moment the kid moved.  Ace wanted to roll his eyes. 'How can I explain to you that we're both assassins of an old style? Do you even know that about him?'  "It may be so but now that he's lost his daughter and was running out of food to feed his last surviving family members he became much more talkative."  "You managed to pressure him into giving in?" the mage asked with shock evident in his voice. 'Maybe they're good friends? Or rivals?'  "Death changes people, claws of a Grim Reaper over your head too, but that is of no importance right now. What I care is whenever you have enough supplies to last for a few more weeks at least or not. So?"  "Why should I trust you?"   "How did you tame Fluffy?" the mage's boy asked, tired of listening to all the things he didn't care about. "He never liked anyone but me and Simona. Did you meet her? Is she okay?"  "Food works wonders and yes I did. She is with an old man and two other females of middle age. I gave them some food so they should make it through"  "You met Logan?"  "Don't know their names. We just exchanged information and the girl asked me to find her pet and take care of him until everything's over" Ace said shrugging and checked his quest status. It showed 3/15. 'What? So all I need to do is find them? Helping is optional? But wait, every time I got clues about other locations for assisting. It's probably better to try and gain their trust anyway.'  "So you're really not lying?" the mage asked.  "Would I say no even if I wasn't?" Ace asked rising an eyebrow at which the mage smiled tiredly.  "You're right. And sorry for the rough welcome. We've been betrayed by humans, not overrun by monsters" the mage said, releasing Ace from the wines and leading him deeper into the fake garden where a small clearing with basic things was.  "No problem. I heard the story. It's unbelievable how far some people are able to fall"  The man nodded and sat down on the ground. "My name is Doran, a Master Earth Mage. I'd like to treat you with some food or better accommodations but as you see that's all I have and we're running short too."  "Spellword Ace. I've been to the castle and they were happy to share their supplies with me so I can give you dried meat and some barley bread. Do you need anything else like blankets, spell materials or the like?"   "It would be much appreciated. We've run without picking anything and survived by using magic for warmth" the man said, looking older. A month ago he would not only have never  taken a stolen item but would have caught the criminal and put him in jail. Now he was relieved to have met him. How quickly can one's idea of what is right and wrong change..? "You're living in hard times and there's not much choice. It’s either living like a criminal or dying and leaving your family members to face the same fate. I'd say there's nothing wrong with wanting to live but I doubt you'd believe me" Ace said noticing the internal struggle on the man's face he knew so well from Monthu.  'Why would anyone care so much about empty words? Living is right while giving up on it is wrong. It's as simple as that.' In Ace's logic everything made to ensure one's survival was permitted.   He put all kinds of items down on the ground to ensure two's well being and stood up to leave.   "Wait! Take this ring" the mage said, taking off a very beautiful green seal ring. "Next time you find anyone show them this and say I sent you. It should solve a lot of your problems."  "Thank you" Ace said smiling from ear to ear. He was right in the end, helping the survivors did make it easier to take care of the others. Ting! | New Title! Flare of Hope *Granted for bringing hope back to the given up people of Vascas  *Honourable title for one who has impressed a councilman with his wise words  *Will be lost if the hope was unfound | | --- | "I know the usual goes as the spark but flare suits you better. Especially since it circles your head all the time" the mage said, smiling slightly.   "You're too kind" Ace said with a genuine smile. He never expected to gain such a useful thing here.  Titles were usually given by high ranked officials who normal players rarely met as you needed a lot of favour to even be allowed in their houses. Those who got in, not only had to extract a quest from unwilling nobles, but had to impress them too. It took a long time and a lot of effort but the end result was well worth it as you were recognized in all cities and trusted. You could say it was equal to around 2-3 thousand fame points especially if it had something to do with being a great warrior.   Of course there were other ways to get titles but they weren't as useful. Ace's title wasn't of the best kind but would gain him a great deal of favour none the less, if only the castle was retaken.  Thinking such happy thoughts Ace left the clearing, vines closing in behind him. Outside Fluffy jumped off his shoulder and ran off. Ace stopped for a moment thinking of what would be the best course of action and decided to find a secluded corner where he could peacefully read. After some time Fluffy showed up leading him to another encampment.   This time with so many cards in his hand Ace gained the trust in moments and collected his information.   The next two days passed in a blur to him as ignoring the exhaustion he looked for survivors day and night. He slept for an hour at best while Fluffy was searching. That allowed him to finish a few hours before the rogue mission was to take place.   Ace decided to rest. He'll need every little drop of energy he can get once they try that particular nonsense. *** Ting! Ting! Tiiring! Ting! "Mmm..." Ace murmured not wanting to open his eyes. He felt like he had just fallen asleep. And what was that sound anyway? After some more grumbling and that annoying noise continuing Ace opened his eyes yawning widely. At the corner of his left eye another pop up message appeared. *You have received a new message!* x27 "Wow... What is going on?" With his mind still fuzzy Ace opened the last message. It was from Monthu but absolutely empty. "Huh?" He checked others and they were the same until his mind remembered what spam is. Then he scrolled up to the front and looked at the first message received.   /The gates are going to fall in a few days anyway so abort your mission and go behind the second wall. You can do it there. In the meantime create some disturbances or something to make goblins' morality drop/  'What? Is he mad?'  "Are you serious? I hope you plan to tell that to Fenek yourself?" Ace asked using voice chat.  "You'll have that pleasure yourself" Monthu said in a calm voice. Ace just knew he was smiling, 'That bastard'.  "Thanks a lot. How did you even manage to accomplish the feat? Last time you said it'll take almost a month."  "One of the resident blacksmiths just reached intermediate and managed to create a trebuchet so it's devastating the gates and walls even as we speak." Boooom! "What the hell was that? And what is a trebuchet?" Ace asked his ears ringing. 'Was I really sleeping through that?' "Imagine a large spoon that through various mechanisms can throw large rocks the size of you at an enemy fortress. Anyway how does it feel inside?" "I slept through it but right now I prefer getting somewhere away from this wall. It suddenly doesn't look as sturdy as it did the day before." "Great news. I'll contact you later to see if you're alive. Good luck" Monthu said with a laugh. Ace cut off the chat and took a long breath. 'Should I go and meet in face or better stay away from them as far as possible?' he contemplated while sneaking around the perimeter. The presence of twelve people in a nearby building decided it for him. He came to the door and shed his shadows before entering. Nearest goblins were more than fifty meters away so he could safely act a stupid boy.   "There was change of plans" Ace said walking in.   "What are you thinking, barging in like that?" Fenek asked angrily but in a whisper and jumped to close the door. He glared at the kid who looked not to give a care in the world about what he might bring. 'How did he even survive those days being so careless?' His group had been quietly sitting in their safe house, letting only one person out to scout the wall for their mission and never letting him back in for fear of him being followed. Life was a dangerous thing.  The kid dismissed his words and continued on. "General just contacted me saying they found a way to quickly burst down the gates and our mission is no longer needed. We're to relocate behind the second wall. There you shall separate into three groups by four"  "What should we do that for?" Belinda asked unhappily. She liked the rogues quick attacks and invisible movements but this wasn't it. Now there wasn't a group of fighters, mages and a cleric to help her in case she failed something. She was afraid for her life.  "Our new mission is to instil fear into goblins' hearts and drop their morality. The more you kill the better. Just remember to station one of the four as a scout because there will be no one to save you if you'll be ambushed" Ace said in a monotone voice.  "So you mean all our planning was for nothing and now we have to risk our lives killing goblins alone in their own base?" Fenek asked in a sneer.  "Exactly. If anyone wishes to leave, be my guest. Otherwise you'll go and do as told. I'll be around to make sure you don't hole up and kill only those that threaten your safeness. Trust me I'm not kidding" Ace said with his head held up, managing to look down at rogues even though he was smaller than them. That destroyed the last pity they felt for abandoning him and born anger.  "You know you're threatening a bunch of rogues?" Fenek asked, taking out his dagger and looking menacing.  "Really? I didn't know!’ Ace said pretending shock but soon it turned into a sneer. ‘Oh wait, I did. And. I. Don't. Care. Got it? Or do I have to repeat it for you?". There was no love lost between them.  Ace smiled a sickeningly sweet smile and left closing the door with a bam. "Spoiled brat" could be heard sent after him but that only made him smile more. If you're making enemies, make them right. There's no need for a bunch of half-hearted idiots running after you. What could you possibly learn from them?  Outside he used [Shadow Veil] and thought for a moment what to do next. He could either scout the second wall's defences or start creating fear among the goblins. Or he could receive the rewards from the quests he'd finished and take a good nap. That sounded much more like it.  Ace went to the house where he had found the first secret passage and entered once again. This time the whole group was awake and met him with hopeful eyes.  "Have you managed to find everyone? I see you also have found Fluffy" Sir Owen or Silver Fox asked welcoming the guest in.  "Yes, I did. They're tired and scared but alive for now" Ace said, sitting down and stroking the soft fur of Fluffy who curled up in his lap.  "That's amazing news!" Elena said happily. 'Is she an assassin too? By the old man's story it would seem so but she doesn't look like one at all.'  The woman's face was very delicate with high cheekbones, large eyes and rosy cheeks. She wore a light blue dress the colour of her eyes and looked much younger than her husband.  "But I'm afraid we have nothing to reward you with" the man said in regret.  "It is of no importance" Ace said shaking his head. "As long as we're in this battle, money and riches are of no use to me anyway."   The pair looked at each other for a second and both nodded at the same time. "Come with us, if you prefer something more useful than a pile of gold."  Ace smiled inwardly and stood up to follow the couple. Together they left the passage and went through a couple of rooms. In a guest room they went to an armchair and after a bit of fumbling raised the sitting part. Inside lay two middle sized cotton pouches.   "No one would expect anything hidden under themselves" Helbert answered to Ace's raised eyebrow.   Elena took one of the pouches and retrieved a pair of strange looking weapons. They resembled a three-tine pitchforks with side prongs being much smaller than the middle one.   "Uhm... Are these supposed to be weapons?" Ace asked doubtfully. He liked his daggers well enough not to take up a farmer's weapon.  "Yes" Elena said gripping them tightly and smiled at him. "Come at me"   Ace shrugged and in an instant was before the woman with his daggers in a stabbing motion. She blocked it easily and caught his weapon making it a better choice to grab the next one from his belt. Ace did just that and this time tried a few slashes but his daggers were stopped just as easily. The side prongs made it extremely easy to catch the opponent's weapon, making it immobile. Ace was having a hard time trying to prevent that from happening and still stay on the offensive.   "Enough" Helbert said. "I believe you saw that they aren't your everyday pitchforks"  Ace nodded eyeing those weapons with a new interest.  "They are mostly used for a variety of blocks, parries and captures against opponents from different directions and heights. We believe it would be the best weapon for someone like you who has a small stature and in a one on one will be mostly defending until a good opportunity to escape shows itself" Elena said, extending the evolved pitchforks towards Ace.  He looked at them calculating if it would be in his best interests to start using a new weapon at around a hundredth level. 'They seem useful but I haven't seen anyone using them. It could add to the surprise factor but I wasted half a year to train my base dagger fighting knowledge... Should I really just abandon it because something more interesting showed up? Wait if I have two identities wouldn't it be more beneficial to make them as different as I can? It would also add to the child's act since I won't know a thing about using these things...'  "I'll take them" Ace said finally and took the weapons. They had been given to him as a reward so he could see an item's description for once. | Training Sai Durability 47/50  Damage 10-15 Made for a single purpose of teaching the basic forms of Sai. Unlike other training weapons these aren't wooden showing the blacksmith's trust in the student who would use it. Because of it these Sai can be used in a real fight too. +15 AGI Requirements: 30 STR, 50 AGI | | --- | It was a great weapon for a beginner up to level 20, 30 at best. Nothing he'd glance at now. "If you free this place, I'll be able to teach you the basics. Right now there isn't a safe place where we could do that" Elena said. "Thank you" Ace said and turned around to leave. He still had a lot of work to do. He went to visit the little girl with her grandpa second and returned her the ferret. Both of them were overjoyed while Ace gained some experience and fame. It wasn't that bad of a deal. After that he decided to rest for a while. He hadn't slept for the last few days and tiredness reared its head. Day game time later Ace was back in full energy. First he went to check on his subordinates. They were still doing nothing. 'I'm having none of that' Ace though with an evil smile and sneaked off to find some goblins. He put his favourite Kris away as he'd only dirty it with goblin blood and took out a pair of simple daggers. One of them was coated in poison while the other in paralysis. The first group he encountered contained only three members. It was too small so Ace dispatched of them in moments and went to look for a larger one. Walking around he found something he'd already used before - a signalling gong! Not wasting a second Ace took a large mallet lying nearby and hit with all his might. A loud reverberating noise was made. 'Is that supposed to be asking for reinforcements?' he wondered killing off the first group who showed up. He needed others to see him killing and chase after him. Once five groups were in sight containing over twenty goblins Ace decided to get out of there. But he didn't use any skills to blend in the shadows. He had a very specific place he wanted to go. He was running out of stamina when the house came in sight. Not stopping he jumped to the door and opened it widely. It was empty, well, not for long as Ace took out glitter dust and threw it around. A dozen rogues showed signs of shock while Ace dashed threw and jumped through the window on the other side. There he used [Shadow Veil] and took out pieces of glass from his hand. The fall and glass ate a fifth of his health 'Assassin survivability is truly pathetic' Finding a larger stone close by he dragged it closer and stood up on it to see what was going inside. The glass-free window provided an excellent view at the rogues’ lack of fighting spirit. They were making a tight circle with their backs inside but it was a tactic for swordsman not rogues who had no defence. They wouldn’t last even five attacks of goblins that were from 60-80 level. "Bunch of idiots" Ace murmured under his breath but didn't go to help. He warned them and if they didn't listen, well, that was their own fault. Fenek who was much higher level than the rest was silently cursing the boy. 'How did he dare to lure all the mobs here? And if we don't escape soon more will come too!' /Fight them/ came a message to the chat from the little bastard. /Or I'll lead them to you again and again. You won't escape me!/ All the rogues could just hear the maniacal laughter from the boy. "That rich spoiled..." Fenek's curse was cut short as he had to block a goblin's axe. It wasn't like they could escape without fighting anyway. Glitter Dust made sure of that. 'One day I'll make him pay...' Fenek promised and jumped at the goblins. He might not have had much defence but his quick and critical attacks made short work of goblins. It was a new experience for Fenek as he preferred keeping his neck safe while now a single wrong move could mean his demise. Other rogues joined him protecting his back and after some time they finished off all the goblins present. /Good work. And start doing what you've been told to or next time there will be twice as many/ /What's wrong with you?!/ Belinda. asked in outrage. /With me? Nothing. I just don't like lazy people. My father always said 'The early bird gets the worm'/ Ace wrote back with a smile and turned off the chat. For now he'll leave them alone and have his own fun. He ran to the upper side of the wall and took out two longer daggers that could almost be called swords and coated them in his new poison. He never liked trying such things on himself so it was a test run. 'Tough luck' he thought looking at goblins going watch and sprinted off. Ace's out of nowhere appearance surprised the goblins and allowed him to run a long way slashing in all directions and making sure that everyone suffered at least a single hit before having to be more careful. He watched their reaction from the corner of his eyes and was disappointed to see nothing of interest. None seemed to even have felt it. 'Did it suddenly loose its effectiveness?' he wondered continuing to run. It wouldn't be the first time when two poisons combined made a remedy but still. Ace expected better results from viper's poison mixed with wolf’s bane. Were they really better separately? When he was finishing out his circle with a large bunch of goblins on his tail, he noticed dead bodies lying before him. They had no twisted faces or white eyes to signal any kind of poisoning. You could say they died peacefully. 'So its deadly anyway? This could be useful while killing nobles to arise no suspicion if I ever feel like taking requests.' Test finished Ace jumped from the wall rolling a few times and ran off. On the first shadowy place he left their sight and used his abilities to disappear completely. Then he entered a random house and making sure it was empty sat down to catch a breath. His health was below half too from getting hit by a few random flying axes and jumping off the wall. He sighted and drank a health potion with barley bread.  Ace had no time to waste waiting for the health to regenerate back, he was already sneaking out to make the city know him. Their fear will know no bounds when he'll be finished with them, that was for sure. [Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1056)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Exiting the capsule he couldn’t help but wonder why he had gone so far. &nbsp; The whole thing had been a huge risk. &nbsp;He hadn’t know how things would turn out, and he still didn’t. &nbsp;The potions were a big unknown. &nbsp;How strong an explosion did they make? &nbsp;Was it strong enough kill a player who was level one hundred or over? &nbsp;Maybe the explosion is only able to hurt the person who drank the potion. &nbsp;Maybe the explosion is so large it would destroy the surrounding buildings. &nbsp;No way to know what happened until he logged back into the game. &nbsp;He had been planning to test the potions out before he used them, but he ended up using one out of desperation. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Still, the question remained why did he go so far? &nbsp;In real life he generally avoided risks so he couldn’t help but wonder. &nbsp; Well, it didn’t really matter since it was just a game. &nbsp; <br> <br>Actually that probably was the reason. &nbsp;It was a game and while he was playing it he wasn’t Brian, instead he was the character Skylar. &nbsp; Skylar the bold adventure seeking to explore new frontiers, have adventures and leave his mark on the world. &nbsp; Wasn’t that why he worked so hard to get the capsule in the first place? <br>&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Feeling better after his confusion had been cleared up he went to his sister’s room and knocked on her door. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“The capsule is yours for the next day.” he said after she answered. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Oh, what happened?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“I died in a valiant struggle against evil.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;She arched an eyebrow at him. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Ok, I died acting like a fool trying to complete a quest that was to hard for me.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;She patted his arm giving him a sympathetic look. <br> <br>“Don’t worry brother. &nbsp;You’re not a fool. &nbsp;You’re just significantly less than wise sometimes.” &nbsp; &nbsp; <br> <br>He could help but laugh. <br> <br>“Significantly less than wise. &nbsp;I like that. &nbsp;Have I ever mentioned that you’re the best sister ever.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“All the time.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Well add one more.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Duly noted. &nbsp;So what you going to do now?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Going to the library. &nbsp;I need to research non exploding ways of fighting.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Ok, have fun. &nbsp;Tell me how it went sometime.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“How what went?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Your valiant struggle against evil.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Ok, will do.” He said smiling. <br> <br>********************************************************************************************** <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>Sitting at a library desk Brian was sorting through a variety of books about weapons trying to figure out what his primary weapons would be. &nbsp;He wanted to be a warrior so something heavy would be a good choice. &nbsp;Swords were nice, and they were popular so he would have plenty of choices. &nbsp;Axes might also be good. &nbsp;They had good damage, but they generally had a slow rate of attack. &nbsp;Spear were interesting because of the range advantage, but he wanted to use a shield and most spears were two handed weapons. &nbsp;Maybe a mace or a war hammer? <br> <br>“So you’ve finally snapped. &nbsp; *Sigh* &nbsp;I knew this day would come eventually.” <br> <br>“Mackenzie?” <br> <br>She was a &nbsp;girl from his class. &nbsp;He didn’t know her very well. &nbsp;They’d talked a few times before for the sake of groups projects. &nbsp;The thing that stood out the most about her in his mind were her eyes. &nbsp;An interesting combination of green and brown. <br> <br>“So you finally remember my name.” <br> <br>“I only forgot it once or twice.” <br> <br>His memory was often times weirdly selective. &nbsp;Sometimes he would hear seemingly unimportant fact and remember them for years while other times he would forget importants details few seconds after he hear them. &nbsp;Names tended to be a problem for him. &nbsp;When he met someone new he was more likely to remember things like their favorite color then their name. &nbsp;This caused him trouble on a number of occasions. &nbsp; <br> <br>“Only once or twice? &nbsp;Forgetting a cute girl’s name even one time is an unforgivable sin. &nbsp;Besides it wasn’t once or twice. &nbsp;It was three times." <br> <br>“Sorry about that. &nbsp;So what are you doing here?” <br> <br>“What do you think I’m doing here? &nbsp;It’s a library so obviously I’m studying.” <br> <br>“I see.” <br> <br>It never even occurred to him to ask her what she was studying. <br> <br>“So what’s with all the books about weapons.” <br> <br>“I’m doing research for a game.” <br> <br>“Really, what game?” <br> <br>“Unbound.” <br> <br>“You play Unbound. &nbsp;How come you never join any of the discussions about it in class.” <br> <br>“There’s discussions about it in class?” <br> <br>“*sigh* Don’t you pay attention to anything that happens at school?” <br> <br>“I pay attention to the lectures.” <br> <br>Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to get passing grades with the amount of studying he did. &nbsp;The rest of the time he just tuned out reading his favorite novels. <br> <br>“You really are hopeless. &nbsp;So what are you trying to learn from all these books?” <br> <br>“I want to be a warrior so I’m trying to pick out what weapon I should use.” <br> <br>“You know most warriors use more than one type of weapon. &nbsp;Unbound is a very realistic game. &nbsp;What works best varies a lot based on the situation, and a character's fighting style. &nbsp;You should try out a variety of weapons in the game and see what works best for you." <br> <br>“That sound kind of expensive.” <br> <br>“Have you tried the training hall.” <br> <br>“I thought that they only had swords.” <br> <br>“No, if you ask for them they have a variety of common melee weapons.” <br> <br>“That’s a good idea. &nbsp;Thanks!” <br> <br>“Eerg… Why am I helping the likes of you!” &nbsp;She said and stormed of. <br> <br>That was really confusing. &nbsp;Is she hostile or friendly towards me? &nbsp;The conversation contained elements of both. &nbsp;People are so hard to understand. &nbsp; &nbsp;If people just said exactly what they meant in detail life would be so much easier. &nbsp;Instead people people make ambiguous statements, they make mistakes, they leave things out, they lie and sometimes don’t really seem to know themselves what they are trying to say. &nbsp; Then when you add in nonverbal communication and it becomes even more confusing. &nbsp; &nbsp;Things like facial expressions, how you hold yourself, what you do with your hands and even things like the cloth you wear all add complexity to communication. &nbsp; <br> <br>There is so much ambiguity so much room for misunderstandings, and misunderstandings can have such huge effects. &nbsp; They can cause relationships end or never begin at all. &nbsp;They can affect how people view you, and what opportunities you get in life. &nbsp;Yet most people don’t seem worried. &nbsp;They walk around with their friends laughing and having fun confident in their relationships and confident in themselves. &nbsp; <br> <br>It’s like they’re all fish swimming around taking to their environment naturally while I’m a stone slowly sinking to the bottom of the lake. <br> <br>That’s probably why I like stories so much. &nbsp;In stories there is little ambiguity, and no real risks. &nbsp;I can experience life through the characters, and if things don’t turn out to my liking I can always just open up another book. &nbsp; <br> <br>***************************************************************************************************** <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;The first thing he did upon respawning in the city was find an out-of-the-way corner where he could check his stats and skills. <br>&nbsp;“Statue Window” <br><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">*Ting*</span> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;"></span></div><span style="font-size: 0.9em;"></span><br><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;"></span></div><table><tbody> <tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status Window</span></td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Skylar</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Human</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">120</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">110</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Health Regen/sec</td><td width="25%">0.04</td><td width="25%">Mana Regen/sec</td><td width="25%">0.13</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr> <tr><td width="25%"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">Wisdom</span><span style="font-size: 0.9em;"></span></td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Justice</td><td width="25%">1</td></tr> </tbody></table></div></div> <br><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">“Skill Window”</span></div> <br><div style="text-align: center;"> <br><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">*Ting*</span></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Active Skills</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Death's Embrace: Level 1 — 0% <br><div style="text-align: center;">Mana Cost: 1</div></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Passive skills</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Cooking: Level 2 — 22%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Axe Mastery: &nbsp;Level 2 — 56%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Cleaning Skill: Level 3 — 9%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Illustration Skill: Level 3 — 9%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Painting skill: Level 1 — 0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Carving Skill: Level 1 — 0%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Two things were immediately apparent. &nbsp;One, At least one person other than him died in explosions. &nbsp;Two, he’d developed some weird stuff. &nbsp;He’d never heard about a stat called justice before or a skill called Death's Embrace. &nbsp; <br> <br>He checked on the Justice stat. <br> <br>*Ting* <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Justice</span> <br> <br>An apparition for fairness, equality and the rule of law. Those with a sense of justice work to insure that people get what they deserve by protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>That seems completely useless. &nbsp;A character can have a maximum of fifteen stats so it was a shame to waste one, but it wasn’t like he was in danger of running out any time soon. <br> <br>Next he checked on the skill Death's Embrace. <br> <br>*Ting* <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-weight: bold;">Death's Embrace:</span> Level 1 — 0% <br> <br>When player hugs someone and says “I love you” they explode dealing damage equal to 200% of their current HP to all creatures within a 5 meter radius.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Is this some kind of joke? &nbsp;What kind of messed up skill is that. &nbsp; <br> <br>“Delete the skill Death's Embrace!” <br> <br>*Ting* <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill cannot be deleted.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>Well, I guess the gods of this world have spoken. &nbsp;Whoever said A.I.s don’t have a sense of humor. &nbsp;Really it was probably for the best that he couldn’t delete it. &nbsp;It would be a shame to waste something potentially useful just because he found it embarrassing. &nbsp; <br> <br>Taking out his knife he used it’s reflective surface to check one final thing. &nbsp;As he expected on his forehead he saw a red diamond and his name written out. &nbsp; <br> <br>Darn it! Player killer status. &nbsp;In the middle of town like this there was a good chance someone would kill him in order to increase their reputation. &nbsp; He was lucky he hadn’t been caught already. &nbsp; <br> <br>Using his knife he tore astrip of cloth of his clothing making a crude bandana. <br> <br>*Ting* <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Maximum durability of clothing decreased by 10</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>It didn’t matter much. &nbsp;His clothes were ruined anyway. &nbsp;They were tattered from the explosion and covered in red paint. &nbsp;Luckily he didn’t have to worry about modesty because all the character in the game had indestructible undergarments. <br> <br>Tying the bandana around his head he realized that he looked very suspicious so he avoided all major streets and other populated areas. &nbsp; Slowly and cautiously he made his way towards Maria’s house to find out the outcome of his quest. &nbsp;When he finally saw it he was relieved to find in intact although it wasn’t completely unmarked. &nbsp;There was a human shaped silhouette burnt into the side of the &nbsp;building, and a small crater in the ground. &nbsp;What a powerful potion. &nbsp;He’d really have to compliment Ostanes the next time he saw him. &nbsp; <br> <br>Hearing someone in armor approaching loudly he quickly moved into an alley between two building just in time to avoid encountering Grage. &nbsp;When Grage reached Maria’s house he started to looking around furiously. <br> <br>Lucky Skylar hadn’t been seen yet. &nbsp;The way he was dressed right now at the scene of the crime, being seen would be the same as being caught red handed. &nbsp; &nbsp;He should have considered this possibility. &nbsp;If they both died at the same time then the time they could log back in would be the same as well. &nbsp;Coming here right away dressed like this was significantly less than wise. &nbsp;If he was caught Grage could kill him without penalty, and he could keep killing him all the way back to level one. &nbsp;If he was really determined Skylar might even have to delete his character and start all over from scratch. &nbsp; <br> <br>He backed into the alley until he was stopped where the two building met at an angle. &nbsp;He was trapped, and he could hear Grage getting closer. </div>

Exiting the capsule he couldn’t help but wonder why he had gone so far.   The whole thing had been a huge risk.  He hadn’t know how things would turn out, and he still didn’t.  The potions were a big unknown.  How strong an explosion did they make?  Was it strong enough kill a player who was level one hundred or over?  Maybe the explosion is only able to hurt the person who drank the potion.  Maybe the explosion is so large it would destroy the surrounding buildings.  No way to know what happened until he logged back into the game.  He had been planning to test the potions out before he used them, but he ended up using one out of desperation.    Still, the question remained why did he go so far?  In real life he generally avoided risks so he couldn’t help but wonder.   Well, it didn’t really matter since it was just a game.   Actually that probably was the reason.  It was a game and while he was playing it he wasn’t Brian, instead he was the character Skylar.   Skylar the bold adventure seeking to explore new frontiers, have adventures and leave his mark on the world.   Wasn’t that why he worked so hard to get the capsule in the first place?      Feeling better after his confusion had been cleared up he went to his sister’s room and knocked on her door.    “The capsule is yours for the next day.” he said after she answered.    “Oh, what happened?”    “I died in a valiant struggle against evil.”    She arched an eyebrow at him.    “Ok, I died acting like a fool trying to complete a quest that was to hard for me.”    She patted his arm giving him a sympathetic look. “Don’t worry brother.  You’re not a fool.  You’re just significantly less than wise sometimes.”     He could help but laugh. “Significantly less than wise.  I like that.  Have I ever mentioned that you’re the best sister ever.”    “All the time.”    “Well add one more.”    “Duly noted.  So what you going to do now?”    “Going to the library.  I need to research non exploding ways of fighting.”    “Ok, have fun.  Tell me how it went sometime.”    “How what went?”    “Your valiant struggle against evil.”    “Ok, will do.” He said smiling. **********************************************************************************************     Sitting at a library desk Brian was sorting through a variety of books about weapons trying to figure out what his primary weapons would be.  He wanted to be a warrior so something heavy would be a good choice.  Swords were nice, and they were popular so he would have plenty of choices.  Axes might also be good.  They had good damage, but they generally had a slow rate of attack.  Spear were interesting because of the range advantage, but he wanted to use a shield and most spears were two handed weapons.  Maybe a mace or a war hammer? “So you’ve finally snapped.   *Sigh*  I knew this day would come eventually.” “Mackenzie?” She was a  girl from his class.  He didn’t know her very well.  They’d talked a few times before for the sake of groups projects.  The thing that stood out the most about her in his mind were her eyes.  An interesting combination of green and brown. “So you finally remember my name.” “I only forgot it once or twice.” His memory was often times weirdly selective.  Sometimes he would hear seemingly unimportant fact and remember them for years while other times he would forget importants details few seconds after he hear them.  Names tended to be a problem for him.  When he met someone new he was more likely to remember things like their favorite color then their name.  This caused him trouble on a number of occasions.   “Only once or twice?  Forgetting a cute girl’s name even one time is an unforgivable sin.  Besides it wasn’t once or twice.  It was three times." “Sorry about that.  So what are you doing here?” “What do you think I’m doing here?  It’s a library so obviously I’m studying.” “I see.” It never even occurred to him to ask her what she was studying. “So what’s with all the books about weapons.” “I’m doing research for a game.” “Really, what game?” “Unbound.” “You play Unbound.  How come you never join any of the discussions about it in class.” “There’s discussions about it in class?” “*sigh* Don’t you pay attention to anything that happens at school?” “I pay attention to the lectures.” Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to get passing grades with the amount of studying he did.  The rest of the time he just tuned out reading his favorite novels. “You really are hopeless.  So what are you trying to learn from all these books?” “I want to be a warrior so I’m trying to pick out what weapon I should use.” “You know most warriors use more than one type of weapon.  Unbound is a very realistic game.  What works best varies a lot based on the situation, and a character's fighting style.  You should try out a variety of weapons in the game and see what works best for you." “That sound kind of expensive.” “Have you tried the training hall.” “I thought that they only had swords.” “No, if you ask for them they have a variety of common melee weapons.” “That’s a good idea.  Thanks!” “Eerg… Why am I helping the likes of you!”  She said and stormed of. That was really confusing.  Is she hostile or friendly towards me?  The conversation contained elements of both.  People are so hard to understand.    If people just said exactly what they meant in detail life would be so much easier.  Instead people people make ambiguous statements, they make mistakes, they leave things out, they lie and sometimes don’t really seem to know themselves what they are trying to say.   Then when you add in nonverbal communication and it becomes even more confusing.    Things like facial expressions, how you hold yourself, what you do with your hands and even things like the cloth you wear all add complexity to communication.   There is so much ambiguity so much room for misunderstandings, and misunderstandings can have such huge effects.   They can cause relationships end or never begin at all.  They can affect how people view you, and what opportunities you get in life.  Yet most people don’t seem worried.  They walk around with their friends laughing and having fun confident in their relationships and confident in themselves.   It’s like they’re all fish swimming around taking to their environment naturally while I’m a stone slowly sinking to the bottom of the lake. That’s probably why I like stories so much.  In stories there is little ambiguity, and no real risks.  I can experience life through the characters, and if things don’t turn out to my liking I can always just open up another book.   *****************************************************************************************************    The first thing he did upon respawning in the city was find an out-of-the-way corner where he could check his stats and skills.  “Statue Window” *Ting* | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Skylar | Type | Human | | Level | 11 | Fame | 0 | | Title | None | | | | Class | None | | | | Health | 120 | Mana | 110 | | Health Regen/sec | 0.04 | Mana Regen/sec | 0.13 | | Strength | 10 | Agility | 10 | | Vitality | 10 | Intelligence | 10 | | Wisdom | 10 | Justice | 1 | “Skill Window” *Ting* | Active Skills | | --- | | Death's Embrace: Level 1 — 0% Mana Cost: 1 | | Passive skills | | Cooking: Level 2 — 22% | | Axe Mastery:  Level 2 — 56% | | Cleaning Skill: Level 3 — 9% | | Illustration Skill: Level 3 — 9% | | Painting skill: Level 1 — 0% | | Carving Skill: Level 1 — 0% | Two things were immediately apparent.  One, At least one person other than him died in explosions.  Two, he’d developed some weird stuff.  He’d never heard about a stat called justice before or a skill called Death's Embrace.   He checked on the Justice stat. *Ting* | Justice An apparition for fairness, equality and the rule of law. Those with a sense of justice work to insure that people get what they deserve by protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked. | | --- | That seems completely useless.  A character can have a maximum of fifteen stats so it was a shame to waste one, but it wasn’t like he was in danger of running out any time soon. Next he checked on the skill Death's Embrace. *Ting* | Death's Embrace: Level 1 — 0% When player hugs someone and says “I love you” they explode dealing damage equal to 200% of their current HP to all creatures within a 5 meter radius. | | --- | Is this some kind of joke?  What kind of messed up skill is that.   “Delete the skill Death's Embrace!” *Ting* | Skill cannot be deleted. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Well, I guess the gods of this world have spoken.  Whoever said A.I.s don’t have a sense of humor.  Really it was probably for the best that he couldn’t delete it.  It would be a shame to waste something potentially useful just because he found it embarrassing.   Taking out his knife he used it’s reflective surface to check one final thing.  As he expected on his forehead he saw a red diamond and his name written out.   Darn it! Player killer status.  In the middle of town like this there was a good chance someone would kill him in order to increase their reputation.   He was lucky he hadn’t been caught already.   Using his knife he tore astrip of cloth of his clothing making a crude bandana. *Ting* | Maximum durability of clothing decreased by 10 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | It didn’t matter much.  His clothes were ruined anyway.  They were tattered from the explosion and covered in red paint.  Luckily he didn’t have to worry about modesty because all the character in the game had indestructible undergarments. Tying the bandana around his head he realized that he looked very suspicious so he avoided all major streets and other populated areas.   Slowly and cautiously he made his way towards Maria’s house to find out the outcome of his quest.  When he finally saw it he was relieved to find in intact although it wasn’t completely unmarked.  There was a human shaped silhouette burnt into the side of the  building, and a small crater in the ground.  What a powerful potion.  He’d really have to compliment Ostanes the next time he saw him.   Hearing someone in armor approaching loudly he quickly moved into an alley between two building just in time to avoid encountering Grage.  When Grage reached Maria’s house he started to looking around furiously. Lucky Skylar hadn’t been seen yet.  The way he was dressed right now at the scene of the crime, being seen would be the same as being caught red handed.    He should have considered this possibility.  If they both died at the same time then the time they could log back in would be the same as well.  Coming here right away dressed like this was significantly less than wise.  If he was caught Grage could kill him without penalty, and he could keep killing him all the way back to level one.  If he was really determined Skylar might even have to delete his character and start all over from scratch.   He backed into the alley until he was stopped where the two building met at an angle.  He was trapped, and he could hear Grage getting closer.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 10 - On Hell’s edge<br><br>I woke up with a dizzy head. Playing straight for days is certainly not healthy. I hadn’t finished the quest and logged out after the system message popped up. My muscles were all rusty. At least my back didn’t hurt from all the lying. <br>The capsule lock opened with a loud thump and after having some trouble with my movement I finally managed to get out. Holidays were to my advantage not over and the atmosphere of the room has not changed over all this days. I made myself something to eat and went to the toilet after I ate a gorgeous bacon sandwich. The shower was refreshing and the water helped to sort out the stiffness. <br>All healthy and refreshed I grabbed my bag and took out the notice from the blonde girl. <br>The shop was near my old home so I had to spend some time to get there. To my surprise the hundreds of meters merged into mere minutes. <br>The sun was already up and it was very hot for a winter. It was so hot that my skin began to be red as I got to my old home. The shop was not far from here, just around some corners.<br><br>I realized that I should have called but I was already here, so why not go there without calling and surprise her. After another short jog the shop came into my sight. To my disappointment were the windows closed and the door locked. I couldn’t see anyone inside and there was no sign of anything living in there. The opening hours clearly stated that it should be open by now. It was noon. <br><br>After waiting for some time I realised that waiting wouldn’t help me with this matter.<br>I got an idea. If I learned something in RoyalRoad then it is how to interrogate with other people.<br>Another disappointment was that there were none around here.<br>I went next door and used the doorbell. Sometime later I sat inside with an old lady watching my every step. “Do you want a cookie or something? If I had known that such a young and cute looking boy would be coming today, then I would have prepared something. I normally don’t get any visits...” <br>The old lady really seemed lonely. “Ahh, I have to say that I only wanted to ask you something. Sorry for the disappointment.” <br>“Kids nowadays,” she sighed but continued,”anyways, what is it that you wanted to ask of me?”<br>‘Oldies nowadays. First inviting me in without asking what I want and then wondering why I wouldn’t stay for long.’<br>“Well you see, the shop right next door, do you by any circumstances know why it is closed at the moment?” ‘It really was weird’<br>She turned her head around as she looked up from the oven. <br>“You mean the young ladies shop?”<br>“Yeah exactly that one. I wanted to visit her.” <br>She seemed to think about something.<br>“I sold her some of my belongings and wanted to check in if she still has them.”<br>Her face got happier all at once.<br>“Well if it’s that, then I could help you as well. The girl is my granddaughter, and the shop once belonged to me.” ‘What a surprise!’<br>“It’s really not that important-”<br>“It has to be important if you ask random people around the corner for it. So come on child, I do you no harm.” ‘What a weird lady’<br>As she went downstairs, I followed because I definitely had no other choice. <br>“So, when did you sell your stuff to my granddaughter? She’s a beautiful lady isn’t she?”<br>“You still haven’t answered my first question?” I lend the old lady a hand on the way down, but she just snipped it away.<br>“What do you think of me! Definitely I am not too old to walk alone. And the answer for your question is: that I don’t know where she is. She just... she just vanished over one night last week.”<br>“She just vanished? What do you mean with that”. I was speechless.<br>“Well, like I said, she just vanished. Don’t you read newspapers? It stood all over them. Maybe not on the front but still.”<br>‘Well, reading newspapers in real life is hard if you are playing straight RoyalRoad.’<br>“Nah, somehow I haven’t found any time for that lately.”<br>“How’s that?” She stood there questioningly.<br>“Well, how can i put it... I played a certain virtual reality game. You haven’t heard of RoyalRoad or?”<br>I could have slapped me for that question.<br>‘Everyone has heard of RoyalRoad!’<br>“What do you think of me... Like every other person I have heard of RoyalRoad but to some extent I am wary of these things. Which is why I haven’t played RoyalRoad yet. But as you can imagine my granddaughter played RoyalRoad. Hmm, what was her name again inside the game...?”<br>“Because of that I am here. She said at the door that she plays RoyalRoad as well, the funny thing is that we started in the same area or were at the same area last week.”<br>“Really? Ah my memories aren’t the best the last days. Unfortunately I can’t remember her name.”<br>There was a small break - we stood inside the doorway that lead out.<br>“You just said that you came here because of that? So, you don’t want your things back or?”<br>She chuckled as she saw my face get red.<br>“Ehmm, … well...”<br>She laughed out loud. “You don’t have to feel ashamed. My granddaughter really is beautiful and there were many guys here that I didn’t like as much as you.”<br>“Okay then -”<br>“Ah, wait. Could you help me with the trash upstairs?”<br>‘I definitely don’t have time for that’<br>“Yes, sure. I can at least offer you some help in exchange for the information. Could you call me if informations about your granddaughter comes up?”<br>I handed her my phone number and we went upstairs again. We entered the flat and I heard rustling sounds as she went into the kitchen. ‘That must be a lot of trash!’<br>“Come here and help me!”<br>“On my way.”<br>The kitchen was formally overboosting with cans, full plastic bags and other trash. At least everything was held in place in a huge box. Some things were lying beside it but the rest was entirely inside the box. <br>“Ehmm, what’s with this? You said taking out your trash but not taking out trash from an entire army!”<br>“Well, you see since we buy all the stuff from all the people around here, and I can’t deny anything, trash slowly started to pile up here and since my granddaughter left me here alone, I couldn’t do it. And then such a young and healthy man with such defined muscles as you showed up and I thought that just maybe he would be the one who helps this old lady in such a dire situation.” She looked with gleaming eyes at me as if that could change something about her flattery. She could truly convince someone to do something.<br>‘What a PERSUADING old lady she is. Really persuading.’<br>“Well if it’s just this then I could do it.”<br>“Just this? Ah, yeah I didn’t show you the garage downstairs.” She covered her face with her hands.<br>“Hmph.”<br><br>The work I had to do wasn’t easy. But somehow the pilled up trash wasn’t as heavy as I thought it would be. Surprisingly it was quite easy even though I hadn’t done any workouts. It still took some time to throw out the accumulated trash. <br>The grandma thanked me one last time, and gave me some cookies. Very grateful. <br><br>As I still had no real clue as where to look, I went back to my current home. Well, as far as you could call your school home. <br><br>I logged back in.<br><br>And got confronted with the vampire popup. I had totally forgotten about it. Let’s see ... I get an agility boost and a night vision skill? Or is it permanent? On top of that I can replenish my health. <br> <div style="text-align: center;">-----<br> You got infected with Vampirism.<br> The first stage will give you bonuses on night vision and agility.<br> +25% Nightvision Agility +5<br> You may suck blood to replenish health.<br> The longer you stay a vampire, the more do the effects do.<br> Beware!<br> -----</div><br>What an awesome skill. Wait. It said beware. Beware what? If it only gets better than it shouldn’t be that bad. But normally vampires can’t walk through sunlight or get weakened by it. But on the contrary they get stronger during the night but at night monsters are strengthened as well. So complicated. Either way I couldn’t change anything about it so I wouldn’t think about it. A philosophy that really helps in life.<br><br>Now that my condition was stable again and my health replenished I moved forward. The former darkness around me became through my new night vision new dimensions and I could clearly see. The walls were covered with moss at the other side of the hall which meant that somewhere around here is water. My canteen was empty. I had to refill it otherwise I would die not through sharp claws or grotesque traps but due to a dehydration. What a shame would that be!<br><br>Time went by as I wandered down the seemingly endless floors and corridors. Some skeletons came upon my way and were bitterly defeated. Did I say bitterly? I meant the way you defeat someone when you don’t want to talk about it afterwards because it would shame the enemy further even in death. Slowly I got the hang with the weapon. Clearly not a master but the beginner time is coming to an end and history. The shining blade coupled with the hilt are an extension of my arm. <br><br>A mysterious blue light engulfed the walls at the end of the corridor. It was inviting. It seemed to whisper something nice in your ear, something you wanted to hear for a very long time. I couldn’t identify what it was but... <br><br>As I thought about it my body began to move on it’s own. Step after step without my notice. The weird thing was that I laggardly came to the conclusion that the blue light became bigger over the time but didn’t know why. My mind was in a state of - of what? I couldn’t remember. It seemed like the light was hypnotizing me. My mind wandered everywhere but here and as I stood inside the light I couldn’t react in time. A video appeared before my eyes. Not exactly a video but a sequenz inside the game where I could see myself like I am actually inside the movie but couldn’t do anything. Like the grumpy old man who was visited by the three ghosts.<br><br>The light begun to cover my entire body. It swept through all my pores and used me as a resonance body. My skin shone bright in a blue tone. My eyes had an even brighter color and were shining too brightly to watch. As if that was not enough did my body began to let out weird steam.<br><br><br> <div style="text-align: center;">-----------------------</div><br><br>As I came to my mind, I felt light. Too light exactly and I couldn’t see a thing. Everything was black and white. Tones of gray flickered through my sight but I couldn’t do a thing. Slowly an idea formed inside my head or better said my mind. That’s was my conclusion to this situation. I couldn’t move my head nor could I see my body. <br><br> <div style="text-align: center;">----------------------<br> New Profession: Holy Swordsman<br> Description: From this holy place of ancient times many strong warriors emerged. <br> They were holy warriors and fought for the old god Hebereus. But over the flow of time <br> Hebereus was forgotten. The glory of the past vanished and now only this ruin remains<br> Do you want to take up the challenge to spread the word of Hebereus?<br> -------------</div><br><br>‘Splendid. I am a vampire and on top of that a holy swordsman if I accept. That would be hilarious!’<br>“Accept! I want to take up the challenge .”<br>‘You can’t accept this offer due your status of undead’<br>“I said accept! Come on!”<br>‘You can’t accept this offer due to your status of undead”<br>‘Goddamnit!<br><div style="text-align: center;">‘Normally this is a place of holiness. But you have disturbed the peace of <br> this catacombs. As an undead you won’t get the chance to up the profession of a <br> holy swordsman. Instead the old god Hebereus curses you!’<br><br> -----------------<br><br> Undeniable profession: Unholy Swordsman<br> Description: As an undead you couldn’t become a holy swordsman and got cursed.<br> As an undead knight you can cast curses on other beings and use your dark might<br> to fight the holiness. <br><br> ---------------</div><br><br>‘What the -’<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;">------------<br> Acquired profession: Unholy Swordsman<br> Functions: All stats + 5, strength + 10, Fame is resetted,<br> Infamy + 50, your unholy aura disturbs the peace of living beings.<br> <br> New stat: Fearsome<br> As an undead being with an unholy aura, you inflict fear on living beings.<br> The higher the stat, the higher the effect of Fearsome.<br> Cannot put extra stat points on this stat.<br><br> New skill: Curse (Beginner 1)<br> Enemies being cursed have lowered morale(-10%, -1% per level) and luck(-10%).<br> The reduction of luck won’t raise as you level up. The curse may be lifted by a priest.<br> Incorrect treatment may harm the victim. If left untouched, will dafe after one hour ( +5 Minutes per level)<br> --------------</div> </div>

Chapter 10 - On Hell’s edge I woke up with a dizzy head. Playing straight for days is certainly not healthy. I hadn’t finished the quest and logged out after the system message popped up. My muscles were all rusty. At least my back didn’t hurt from all the lying. The capsule lock opened with a loud thump and after having some trouble with my movement I finally managed to get out. Holidays were to my advantage not over and the atmosphere of the room has not changed over all this days. I made myself something to eat and went to the toilet after I ate a gorgeous bacon sandwich. The shower was refreshing and the water helped to sort out the stiffness. All healthy and refreshed I grabbed my bag and took out the notice from the blonde girl. The shop was near my old home so I had to spend some time to get there. To my surprise the hundreds of meters merged into mere minutes. The sun was already up and it was very hot for a winter. It was so hot that my skin began to be red as I got to my old home. The shop was not far from here, just around some corners. I realized that I should have called but I was already here, so why not go there without calling and surprise her. After another short jog the shop came into my sight. To my disappointment were the windows closed and the door locked. I couldn’t see anyone inside and there was no sign of anything living in there. The opening hours clearly stated that it should be open by now. It was noon. After waiting for some time I realised that waiting wouldn’t help me with this matter. I got an idea. If I learned something in RoyalRoad then it is how to interrogate with other people. Another disappointment was that there were none around here. I went next door and used the doorbell. Sometime later I sat inside with an old lady watching my every step. “Do you want a cookie or something? If I had known that such a young and cute looking boy would be coming today, then I would have prepared something. I normally don’t get any visits...” The old lady really seemed lonely. “Ahh, I have to say that I only wanted to ask you something. Sorry for the disappointment.” “Kids nowadays,” she sighed but continued,”anyways, what is it that you wanted to ask of me?” ‘Oldies nowadays. First inviting me in without asking what I want and then wondering why I wouldn’t stay for long.’ “Well you see, the shop right next door, do you by any circumstances know why it is closed at the moment?” ‘It really was weird’ She turned her head around as she looked up from the oven. “You mean the young ladies shop?” “Yeah exactly that one. I wanted to visit her.” She seemed to think about something. “I sold her some of my belongings and wanted to check in if she still has them.” Her face got happier all at once. “Well if it’s that, then I could help you as well. The girl is my granddaughter, and the shop once belonged to me.” ‘What a surprise!’ “It’s really not that important-” “It has to be important if you ask random people around the corner for it. So come on child, I do you no harm.” ‘What a weird lady’ As she went downstairs, I followed because I definitely had no other choice. “So, when did you sell your stuff to my granddaughter? She’s a beautiful lady isn’t she?” “You still haven’t answered my first question?” I lend the old lady a hand on the way down, but she just snipped it away. “What do you think of me! Definitely I am not too old to walk alone. And the answer for your question is: that I don’t know where she is. She just... she just vanished over one night last week.” “She just vanished? What do you mean with that”. I was speechless. “Well, like I said, she just vanished. Don’t you read newspapers? It stood all over them. Maybe not on the front but still.” ‘Well, reading newspapers in real life is hard if you are playing straight RoyalRoad.’ “Nah, somehow I haven’t found any time for that lately.” “How’s that?” She stood there questioningly. “Well, how can i put it... I played a certain virtual reality game. You haven’t heard of RoyalRoad or?” I could have slapped me for that question. ‘Everyone has heard of RoyalRoad!’ “What do you think of me... Like every other person I have heard of RoyalRoad but to some extent I am wary of these things. Which is why I haven’t played RoyalRoad yet. But as you can imagine my granddaughter played RoyalRoad. Hmm, what was her name again inside the game...?” “Because of that I am here. She said at the door that she plays RoyalRoad as well, the funny thing is that we started in the same area or were at the same area last week.” “Really? Ah my memories aren’t the best the last days. Unfortunately I can’t remember her name.” There was a small break - we stood inside the doorway that lead out. “You just said that you came here because of that? So, you don’t want your things back or?” She chuckled as she saw my face get red. “Ehmm, … well...” She laughed out loud. “You don’t have to feel ashamed. My granddaughter really is beautiful and there were many guys here that I didn’t like as much as you.” “Okay then -” “Ah, wait. Could you help me with the trash upstairs?” ‘I definitely don’t have time for that’ “Yes, sure. I can at least offer you some help in exchange for the information. Could you call me if informations about your granddaughter comes up?” I handed her my phone number and we went upstairs again. We entered the flat and I heard rustling sounds as she went into the kitchen. ‘That must be a lot of trash!’ “Come here and help me!” “On my way.” The kitchen was formally overboosting with cans, full plastic bags and other trash. At least everything was held in place in a huge box. Some things were lying beside it but the rest was entirely inside the box. “Ehmm, what’s with this? You said taking out your trash but not taking out trash from an entire army!” “Well, you see since we buy all the stuff from all the people around here, and I can’t deny anything, trash slowly started to pile up here and since my granddaughter left me here alone, I couldn’t do it. And then such a young and healthy man with such defined muscles as you showed up and I thought that just maybe he would be the one who helps this old lady in such a dire situation.” She looked with gleaming eyes at me as if that could change something about her flattery. She could truly convince someone to do something. ‘What a PERSUADING old lady she is. Really persuading.’ “Well if it’s just this then I could do it.” “Just this? Ah, yeah I didn’t show you the garage downstairs.” She covered her face with her hands. “Hmph.” The work I had to do wasn’t easy. But somehow the pilled up trash wasn’t as heavy as I thought it would be. Surprisingly it was quite easy even though I hadn’t done any workouts. It still took some time to throw out the accumulated trash. The grandma thanked me one last time, and gave me some cookies. Very grateful. As I still had no real clue as where to look, I went back to my current home. Well, as far as you could call your school home. I logged back in. And got confronted with the vampire popup. I had totally forgotten about it. Let’s see ... I get an agility boost and a night vision skill? Or is it permanent? On top of that I can replenish my health. ----- You got infected with Vampirism. The first stage will give you bonuses on night vision and agility. +25% Nightvision Agility +5 You may suck blood to replenish health. The longer you stay a vampire, the more do the effects do. Beware! ----- What an awesome skill. Wait. It said beware. Beware what? If it only gets better than it shouldn’t be that bad. But normally vampires can’t walk through sunlight or get weakened by it. But on the contrary they get stronger during the night but at night monsters are strengthened as well. So complicated. Either way I couldn’t change anything about it so I wouldn’t think about it. A philosophy that really helps in life. Now that my condition was stable again and my health replenished I moved forward. The former darkness around me became through my new night vision new dimensions and I could clearly see. The walls were covered with moss at the other side of the hall which meant that somewhere around here is water. My canteen was empty. I had to refill it otherwise I would die not through sharp claws or grotesque traps but due to a dehydration. What a shame would that be! Time went by as I wandered down the seemingly endless floors and corridors. Some skeletons came upon my way and were bitterly defeated. Did I say bitterly? I meant the way you defeat someone when you don’t want to talk about it afterwards because it would shame the enemy further even in death. Slowly I got the hang with the weapon. Clearly not a master but the beginner time is coming to an end and history. The shining blade coupled with the hilt are an extension of my arm. A mysterious blue light engulfed the walls at the end of the corridor. It was inviting. It seemed to whisper something nice in your ear, something you wanted to hear for a very long time. I couldn’t identify what it was but... As I thought about it my body began to move on it’s own. Step after step without my notice. The weird thing was that I laggardly came to the conclusion that the blue light became bigger over the time but didn’t know why. My mind was in a state of - of what? I couldn’t remember. It seemed like the light was hypnotizing me. My mind wandered everywhere but here and as I stood inside the light I couldn’t react in time. A video appeared before my eyes. Not exactly a video but a sequenz inside the game where I could see myself like I am actually inside the movie but couldn’t do anything. Like the grumpy old man who was visited by the three ghosts. The light begun to cover my entire body. It swept through all my pores and used me as a resonance body. My skin shone bright in a blue tone. My eyes had an even brighter color and were shining too brightly to watch. As if that was not enough did my body began to let out weird steam. ----------------------- As I came to my mind, I felt light. Too light exactly and I couldn’t see a thing. Everything was black and white. Tones of gray flickered through my sight but I couldn’t do a thing. Slowly an idea formed inside my head or better said my mind. That’s was my conclusion to this situation. I couldn’t move my head nor could I see my body. ---------------------- New Profession: Holy Swordsman Description: From this holy place of ancient times many strong warriors emerged. They were holy warriors and fought for the old god Hebereus. But over the flow of time Hebereus was forgotten. The glory of the past vanished and now only this ruin remains Do you want to take up the challenge to spread the word of Hebereus? ------------- ‘Splendid. I am a vampire and on top of that a holy swordsman if I accept. That would be hilarious!’ “Accept! I want to take up the challenge .” ‘You can’t accept this offer due your status of undead’ “I said accept! Come on!” ‘You can’t accept this offer due to your status of undead” ‘Goddamnit! ‘Normally this is a place of holiness. But you have disturbed the peace of this catacombs. As an undead you won’t get the chance to up the profession of a holy swordsman. Instead the old god Hebereus curses you!’ ----------------- Undeniable profession: Unholy Swordsman Description: As an undead you couldn’t become a holy swordsman and got cursed. As an undead knight you can cast curses on other beings and use your dark might to fight the holiness. --------------- ‘What the -’ ------------ Acquired profession: Unholy Swordsman Functions: All stats + 5, strength + 10, Fame is resetted, Infamy + 50, your unholy aura disturbs the peace of living beings. New stat: Fearsome As an undead being with an unholy aura, you inflict fear on living beings. The higher the stat, the higher the effect of Fearsome. Cannot put extra stat points on this stat. New skill: Curse (Beginner 1) Enemies being cursed have lowered morale(-10%, -1% per level) and luck(-10%). The reduction of luck won’t raise as you level up. The curse may be lifted by a priest. Incorrect treatment may harm the victim. If left untouched, will dafe after one hour ( +5 Minutes per level) --------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1169&amp;p=6505#p6505" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a> <br> <br>Author's Note: <br> <br>So here's my first chapter of this volume. I planned to post it earlier but it took me almost half a week to think of what is going to happen in this arc and I still had to write it so yeah... Hopefully you like what came out of it :) <br> <br>**** <br> <br>The veil of night was their only friend. No one else. Truthfully. Those people running around with torches in their hands weren't nice no matter what they were shouting. Lies, all lies about trying to save them. Who needed saving anyway? Not them for sure! <br> <br>"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Par asked a billionth time, watching Ace sneakily looking around a corner. <br> <br>"Do you doubt my abilities? I told you I can get us out of the city!" he said, annoyed. It should have been a piece of cake but a few minutes after their agreement to run away a nationwide search was conducted. In seconds posters promising a thousand for Par's and ten thousand gold for his head were put all around, getting everyone’s attention. Well, all of him in truth. If anyone killed him, he wouldn't see sunrise ever again.&nbsp; <br> <br>So now they were hiding in a dark narrow street while people walked around, shouting their names. What a fun way to spend one’s evening. <br> <br>"What should we do then? We're going to be found soon!" <br> <br>"I'm thinking, thinking!" Ace said in a quiet growl, wrecking his brains for a way out. The gates were blocked and it would be extremely dangerous even to think about going through there. The closer to an exit the more packed it was. Somehow all had decided that they were making an escape. 'Am I so predictable..? Oh well, maybe I hadn't been doing much of anything besides that... Damn.' <br> <br>/I have a mission for you. Can you talk now?/ <br> <br>Ace checked to see the message was from L. /It's not the best time. I'm kind of being chased by the whole city at the moment/ <br> <br>"Duck!" he said jumping on Par and making both of them fall to the ground. <br> <br>"What for?" Par asked, annoyed. The ground was pretty cold. <br> <br>"Shadow Veil" Ace said quietly, hiding them as a scouting arrow passed by. It was put on fire to light the dark paths before walking in them. <br> <br>They didn't dare to move until the fire exhausted itself and they were back in the welcoming darkness. It was the first time in his life that Par preferred blackness over light. And felt safer in it. <br> <br>"How did you know it was coming?" he asked standing up. <br> <br>"I saw someone moving. Better safe than sorry" <br> <br>"You're amazing!" Par said with admiration in his voice. <br> <br>"Thanks" Ace murmured back, looking at the new message he'd received. <br> <br>/You seem to be quite popular. Need any help? For a price of course./ <br> <br>/Of course... So what can you do? Wait, just do it. I need to be out before sunrise/ <br> <br>/Done/ <br> <br>"Help is coming" Ace said in a whisper. <br> <br>"But you said you were leaving Vera behind!" Par said accusingly. <br> <br>"Because I am" Ace answered rolling his eyes. "It's a neutral party. I'm kind of working for him. Since today..." <br> <br>/We're in a street three turns right from jewel shop in main street if you're interested./ <br> <br>/Well, that quickens the search for sure/ <br> <br>/I think you meant it makes it possible. I believe my hiding skills are pretty good when you look at the scale of the search and the fact that no one has even noticed me yet/ he wrote back sitting down. No matter what L had planned, it'll take some time. <br> <br>"What is going to happen?" Par asked, sitting down beside him. <br> <br>"Don't know. We'll see what he has planned for us. We're going on his quest anyway." <br> <br>"What do you mean on his quest? I thought we were running away!" <br> <br>"We are!" Ace said firmly. "It's just that we'll need to do something so I agreed to help him out. Although I'm not even sure what he needs yet..." That was a blatant lie. He clearly knew what the mission would be, death for some unlucky fellow. <br> <br>After some time a shadow entered their street and motioned for them to follow. They stood up, glanced at each other for a moment and went after. Ace followed surprised how the man managed to evade all the search parties. Maybe he had [Instincts of a Predator] too? <br> <br>Blocking one street stood a carriage. There were no lights around but in the shadows he could see an emblem of a bird on the door which opened the moment they approached. <br> <br>"Hurry up in!" Sir Elimas said from the inside and the kids jumped in. The doors closed behind them and the horses started to move. "Now get under that seat! I'll take you out of town and to your first mission's destination." <br> <br>Ace raised the side of a heavy cloth and saw a wide empty space. Strangely it was very clean. "Do you do this often?" he asked. Sir Elimas ignored his question and pushed them to go down there quicker. <br> <br>The space wasn't as wide as it showed up at first. Although they were only two children, it was extremely uncomfortable and they were half sitting - half lying on each other. The worst position ever. <br> <br>"I don't like it" Par said, stating it like a fact. <br> <br>"Neither do I but let's imagine we're two princes and our evil uncle is trying to catch us!" <br> <br>"Why should we do it?" <br> <br>"Do you think dying here of boredom is better? In my opinion, playing games is the best solution to everything!" Ace said smiling brightly but it lost its effect in the total darkness. <br> <br>"So what if we pretend? It's not like we can move..." <br> <br>"But we can talk quietly! That's all we need! Let's create our own story and continue it as we travel around! Okay?" <br> <br>"Okay..." Par said, not really understanding the point of it. He had never played imaginative games with his brother. <br> <br>"Great! So I go first! I'm a son of a noble hero! He married a princess and I was born. We happily lived in our own mansion when the king suddenly died! I was brought here to be crowned but my evil aunt with only a drop of royal blood usurped the throne and has ordered my death! So here I am hiding in this dusty compartment hoping against hope that I'll make it through! That is my story. Who are you my runaway friend?" he said, pretending the well-mannered tone of nobility. <br> <br>"Can I be your brother?" Par asked, helplessly. He wasn't even sure what he was supposed to with this story. Why were they even creating it anyway? <br> <br>"That's not fun!" Ace said, annoyed. "Then we'd have to fight between ourselves for the throne! Do you really want that?" <br> <br>"What? Why? No!" <br> <br>"Great! So create your character now!" Ace said, trying to nod and hitting his head on the board. "Owowow! Why is this god damn place so small?" he hissed directing the question at the lord's dog but the guy kept quiet. <br> <br>"I don't know how... I've never done it before..." <br> <br>"Just do it! What's so hard about it? Just mash all your favourite characters into one if you have no other ideas!" <br> <br>"But..." <br> <br>"Do it!" Ace whisper-shouted angrily, hitting Par’s head lightly, the small space prevented a better hit from coming. <br> <br>"Why... Fine! I'm a wandering magician! My father is... missing! Mother too!" <br> <br>"What are you doing here? In this small and, currently, overcrowded place?" <br> <br>"Ah... I got found out?" <br> <br>"Doing what?" <br> <br>"Quiet!" Sir Elimas said in a whisper, hitting the cloth that hid them with his boot. "We're at the gates." <br> <br>The kids pushed themselves closer to the wooden boards in a vain attempt to hide better. It was the moment they would escape or be caught and returned to their masters. Now everything rested on the shoulders of Lady Luck. <br> <br>"Stop!" guard's shout was heard and the carriage ceased moving. "Nobody is allowed to leave at the moment. We'll search your carriage now and you'll be free to leave in the morning. This is the lord's word!" &nbsp;the guard continued saying. Ace couldn't see anything at all and had to trust Sir Elimas to get them out. <br> <br>"Show me the order" Sir Elimas said in a calm voice. <br> <br>"It... it... It is..." The guard seemed at a loss for words. He'd never expected to be asked for a proof. <br> <br>"I'm here on lord's orders so get out my way" Elimas said in a threatening tone. "I'll be sure to report this to the higher ups. You can say goodbye to your career for even thinking about stopping me." <br> <br>There was the sound of doors being closed with a bang and the driver shouting at his horses to move. Sometime later the cloth preventing any light from reaching the kids was lifted and they could take a good mouthful of fresher air. <br> <br>"You're free now. We've left the borders of Lasran city ten minutes ago and no one is chasing us" Sir Elimas said, motioning for them to leave the hiding place. <br> <br>Ace stood up on shaky legs. For sitting so long in an uncomfortable position they had gone numb, or he imagined it. The game removed such unnecessary and annoying things. He sat down on the seat with both his legs up while Par was sitting like a normal person. 'Why did I pick him up again?' <br> <br>"So where are we going now?" he asked the guy sitting in front of him. <br> <br>"A small village. You'll repay your debt there." <br> <br>"Really? What is it?" <br> <br>"You'll have to make the town's mayor start to pay his taxes" <br> <br>"What? I'm not a tax collector! Why would he listen to a kid, anyway?" Ace asked, shaking his head in disbelief. <br> <br>"I do not know but the lord has faith in you. Once you're finished with this, you'll receive your first true mission" <br> <br>"Seriously..." Ace said, rolling his eyes. Who knew the lord wouldn't trust his abilities so much even though being the one who suggested the union in the first place. "Why isn't the guy paying? Is there anything I should need to know before meeting him?" <br> <br>"No" Sir Elimas said coldly and his expression assured that no more questions would be answered. <br> <br>"Will we be staying in that village then?" Par asked, turning to look at Ace who was thoughtful. <br> <br>"Maybe, depends whether anyone lets us in. We're two kids after all" Ace said and stayed quiet after that. <br> <br>There were many unknown factors to consider. They had to find a place to live, something good to eat because Monthu would get his head twice as many times as he planned now if Par had to live on bread and water as Ace himself had many times and find a way to make some mayor pay taxes.&nbsp; <br> <br>No matter who the guy was, there was not a single person player or Npc who would willingly empty his pockets for the sake of some lord. It was going to be a challenge without even knowing any details, like what taxes he didn't pay for example. <br> <br>They travelled till midnight. Only then a dark shadowy town was seen. It was hard to say whether it had been really that far away from Lasran or the driver had gotten lost a few times. That could have been the case because there was not a single light in the houses around and no roads were leading to it. <br> <br>The driver led the kids out and closed the door of the carriage. Sir Elimas didn't say a word or move a muscle in that exchange and they were off, leaving two little kids all alone in a dark village. <br> <br>"That's so very nice of him" Ace said, directing his eyes to the heavens. The sky was dark, new moon. <br> <br>"What should we do now?" Par asked, his voice uncertain. <br> <br>"Make a camp, what else?" Ace said. He allowed [Flare] to leave from under his scarf and light the place slightly. <br> <br>They were at the edge of some forest with houses only a few meters away. Ace chose to go deeper into the forest to look for some wood and an empty space. Par didn't look happy but he was used to following others. An idea to disagree didn't even come to him for which Ace was thankful. He was too lazy to think of a lie at the moment. <br> <br>'It's truth, that we could have woken up the villagers and asked for a place to stay' Ace mused while collecting small branches. 'But it is also truth that I don't want that. It's boring to always use the same approach and I've used the defenceless kid act way too much recently. Not that I'd think twice if the situation required' A short laugh escaped his mouth startling Par who looked very uncomfortable. <br> <br>"What is it?" Ace asked, carrying the branches further in where a small clearing resided. It was only a hundred meters or so away from the village. He threw the firewood down and ordered [Flare] to light it up. It took a few tries until the fire caught. <br> <br>"Why are we staying here?" Par asked, putting his own branches close by. <br> <br>"We're fugitives! We can't just go in like that especially in the middle of the night!" <br> <br>"Fugitives?" <br> <br>"I'm a prince on the run! Do you really expect me to be so careless? The kingdoms happiness rests on my shoulders!" Ace said in a raised voice. <br> <br>“Oh! The story! So I’m a magician, right?” <br> <br>"Yes! Why were you hiding with me anyway? What did you do to become wanted?" Ace asked, taking out a few blankets from his backpack and putting them near the fire. He sat down with his legs crossed, resting his head on the right hand and looking straight at Par. <br> <br>Par could see the lord in him. The guy's back was straight, face unreadable and yellow eyes reflecting the light of the fire. There was an air of formality surrounding him too. <br> <br>"How do you do that?" he asked, amazed. <br> <br>"Do what?" Ace asked, surprised, destroying the whole illusion. <br> <br>"What you did before! If I hadn't known it was you, I would have sworn you're a true lord! There was just something about you that prevented me from even doubting that! How can you make it so? I want to learn it to!" <br> <br>Ace tilted his head sideways, deliberating his answer. He could try to explain it truthfully or just pass it by. What would be better now... Truth or another bout of lies? He was good at making them believable. <br> <br>Maybe the kid deserved not to be lied to. He had left all he knew and it would be really troublesome if he found out Ace didn't really mind it, being only concerned about himself. 'If you make a big lie, tell them only truth afterwards so they accidentally don’t start to doubt you.' <br> <br>"It's simple acting. I remember an anime about a lord kid and imitate his actions to perfection. But most importantly I believe in myself. Faulty acting can seem like your character’s traits if you manage to convince yourself and everyone that you're truly what you pretend to be. There can't be any doubt in your disposition" Ace explained, his face and movements changing from a child's to an old man's, from a lively person's to a tired one's and finally from a joking one to a serious one. Each of them was done masterfully, leaving Par in awe. <br> <br>"It's amazing! But how can you imagine it so well? &nbsp;You’re a child like me, so how can you make yourself resemble an old person so well? I don't even have an idea how I'll look when I get old!" <br> <br>"Neither do I" Ace said, laughing. "I just pick someone from my memory. Wait, you said you wanted to learn it, right?" <br> <br>"Yes!" Par said, eagerly nodding his head. <br> <br>"I have something that might help you" Ace said with a smile and started to chant. "Beloved dreams, feared nightmares, different worlds, same horrors combine into one and come crashing onto the mortal souls, Phantasm!" <br> <br>White mist surrounded Par and at Ace's commands started to reshape and change colours. In a minute an elderly man with his back hunched and face wrinkled by years stood before him. <br> <br>"That's..!" Par said with his mouth wide open, watching at his own wrinkled hands. <br> <br>"That is clearly not how an old man behaves. I can say that for sure so try again." <br> <br>There was a look of surprise on Par’s face until he understood what Ace meant. "Oh right!" <br> <br>He tried to walk how he remembered old man moving but his friend wasn't satisfied. "Your legs are supposed to hurt! And keep your head lowered! Use the staff!" <br> <br>Par tried to do it differently but nothing changed. "Your legs aren't on fire! You're just old! And bow down more; you have your whole life weighting you down!" <br> <br>He bent half-way and slowly dragged his legs forward. "Not so low! It's only your life, not the whole world! And stop running! It's not a race!" <br> <br>"I'm trying! Stop shouting!" Par said, angrily clutching his staff. "I can't know what to do at my first try!" <br> <br>"Yes, you can!" Ace said, contradicting. He waved his hand in dismissal of even a thought that you had to practice things. <br> <br>"You can't mean that! You have to do things repeatedly to gain mastery of them!" <br> <br>"False" Ace said with a twisted smile. "Do you want me to prove it to you?" <br> <br>"You can?" Par asked, surprised, all of his anger forgotten in an instant. <br> <br>"Of course, all people are born knowing how to pretend and act out a specific role. The only reason that actor profession is still possible is that humans tend to lie to themselves and don’t use their talents. Tell me, what do you think you could never be?” <br> <br>"Uhm... I wouldn't like to be a hero! It requires you to always be there on time to save the day and never have a moment’s rest. I would never choose to a character like yours!" Par said, shaking his head. Some time ago watching Batman with his brother, they talked about it. He was very eager to become a hero at that time but his brother had explained what such people had to lose in exchange for saving others and since then he had no wish to become one.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Then let me show you how heroes are born" Ace said, a strange smile on his face. "Follow me now." <br> <br>They left the fire going and went back the way they had come, [Flare] showing them the way. Next to the village Ace stopped and turned to Par. <br> <br>"Now we'll give those people a show they've never seen before so do your best" he said directing [Flare] deeper into the village. It shun brightly in the absolute darkness. "Burst!" he said in a soft whisper when the little fire was next to a straw roof. <br> <br>"What are you doing?" Par shouted in horror, hands covering his mouth. <br> <br>"Creating a stage. Now all we need is for spectators to wake up, the main actors will be free to enter then" Ace said, bringing his little flame back and watching the roof catch on fire quickly. <br> <br>"What are you talking about? They're going to burn alive!" <br> <br>"So go and save them" Ace said with a smile. "What are you waiting for? Just remember nothing is as easy as it looks!" <br> <br>Par looked at him in surprise but dismissed it and ran to the centre of the small village, where the fire was already licking neighbouring roofs. <br> <br>"Rivers flowing deep within the earth, Water Pulse!" <br> <br>A shot of water came from the ground sprouting drops all over the roof. It seemed like an easy feat to quench them out when a black shadow fell on the roof, a creature made of blackness with fox ears, featureless face and a slim body. <br> <br>He screamed in a voice that penetrated the soul and woke every living being ten miles around. Then he slid down the roof slightly and hissed "Wilsss winess" It would have been impossible to understand what he had said if not the green vines growing rapidly and blocking the water’s entrance all over the ground. <br> <br>People started to leave the houses with crossbows in their hands and wearing nightshirts. The women started screaming as they saw the fires. "Someone do something!" <br> <br>"Firesss! Burrrn!" the creature hissed bringing everyone's attention to itself and jumping onto another roof. "Flamess sstep!" he said, running off with a wild laugh. <br> <br>Straws easily caught on fire and soon enough the whole village was burning. Screams of absolute horror broke the night's silence and fire's lighted the place. "Nissse and warrrrm" the creature hissed laughing. He kept on jumping from one house to another, sometimes standing on two legs, and sometimes all four. "Ssstop me if yooou cann" <br> <br>Par looked around for a hero to save everyone, he desperately searched the crowd for him, prayed that he would hurry up but he just wasn't coming. And the people! All of them looked fear stricken and unable to understand what was going on, how it could happen to them. What were they doing? Weren't they grownups? Shouldn't they know what to do at such situations? He asked himself but they all looked so lost, watching as their places were burning. They clutched their family members closer and just gazed upon the disaster. The mayor had promised them that nothing would happen and yet it was happening. <br> <br>Deep black shadow fell right before Par and people scattered around emptying the place for the creature that now stood only a few breaths away from the kid. "What iss it? Are you ssscared, kid? Let'sss play hide a sseek thennn" the creature cackled throwing its head back. <br> <br>Par's eyes flashed angrily. "What do you want from me?" <br> <br>"Sscared? Gusst" Strong wind rose, pushing Par almost three steps back. "Isssn't there anyonnne?" the creature asked, looking around with sudden sadness in its eyes. It was hard to judge the whole expression as its face was only a black mess. <br>The shadow turned around, leaving a trail of fire and climbed back onto the building. He started to play with the burning straws, picking them up and then throwing all around. The burning sparks fell everywhere. <br> <br>"Why is nobody doing anything?" Par shouted out as the first house caved in. There was no answer to it even though many men lowered their heads. The village was built nowhere near the river or a lake and their only supply was rain and snow. There was simply no way for protecting against such large flames. <br> <br>"Hahahahaha!" the creature cackled and punched a hole through one of the roofs, almost falling in itself. It laughed again and jumped to another roof, flames still coming from under its legs. <br> <br>"Fires that burn within everyone, flames that punish the unworthy, light that shows the way strengthen the bond and create a soul to fight for your servant to show the world the truth, Summon Fire Elemental!" Par screamed and ordered it to attack the creature. "Flames from ages gone combined, Fireball! Fireball! Fireball!" <br> <br>The first ball hit its target but then the creature noticed the elemental coming his way and jumped over its head, landing right before Par. "Let'ss play thenn!" it hissed and head-butted. <br> <br>The attack took a fifth of Par’s health. He'd never been so close to battle and the surprise on his face showed how unprepared he was. Luckily, the fire elemental intercepted, stopping the creature in its tracks and throwing a shower of fiery sparks. The shadow winced but didn't retreat and jumped on the elemental. He slashed at it with his large claws but took a jump back the next second, its leathery hide on fire. <br> <br>By that time Par had taken control of his fear and was casting another spell. "Earth binds the evil, Ground Shackles!" <br> <br>Hands made of sand rose from the ground and grabbed the shadow's legs. Horror flashed through the creature's eyes but it was soon replaced by laughter. Par couldn't understand what could be so fun but he didn't really care. The elemental closed in on the shadowy monster and started to beat him with his bare fire enhanced hands. Par helped him with fireballs. <br> <br>A trickle of blood ran down the thing's mouth and it cackled. The sound was so ear piercing that Par stopped for a moment and saw the monster bowing down to break the binds with its own bare hands. Blood showed up on them as the sand shackles were as sharp as glass but quite strong none the less, in spite of that, the creature only smiled and continued his work. In a moment, they were off and the thing was free, dripping blood but free. <br> <br>"Windsss that don't find ressst, Gussst!" the creature hissed, spitting blood and cleaning it with the back of his hand that was already covered in red liquid. <br> <br>Air started to shiver with energy as winds started to gather around and with a huge gust blew straight at the elemental. It destroyed him in an instant and threw Par into a wall.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Nekss time!" the shadowy monster hissed for the last time and in a blur of smoke disappeared. Quietness descended, broken only by cracking of fires. <br> <br>"Wait, the houses!" Par shouted out, standing up holding onto his head. It was his first time ever getting injured in game and he didn’t exactly like the experience. He lost half of his hp only from those two hits and the elemental had taken the brunt of the second one too. <br> <br>He used the water spell again and this time nobody interrupted him. It took till the morning to extinguish the last of the fires. He had to rest a few times to regain his mana but no more houses were lost besides the first one. <br> <br>The sun rose lightening the village and Par felt like he could drop dead then and there. He could restore mana quickly but that didn't work for stamina and his was at the very bottom. The villagers chose that time to approach him. <br> <br>"We thank you, young one, for saving us. If there's anything, we could do to repay you" one of them said, standing at the front of the crowd. <br> <br>Par's eyes were desperately trying to close themselves while he tried to stop them and act normally. "I've been sent here by lord of Lasran to persuade you to start paying taxes" Par said, trying to finish Ace's quest even if he wasn't here himself. <br> <br>"Ah... We..." the leader said, unsure of how to escape this predicament so his wife came to the rescue. <br> <br>"You must be terribly tired, our little saviour. Come to my house, I'll warm some milk for you and prepare a nice bed. We can all talk tomorrow" she said, taking Par's hand and trying to drag him to her house. <br> <br>"No" Par said, breaking her hold. From his parents he knew well what it meant putting things off for later; it was simply giving them time to think of an excuse why they can't do it. "Why can’t you do it?" <br> <br>"It's not something a kid like you would understand. We have our reasons." <br> <br>"The same ones that prevented you from saving your own village?" Par asked tiredly. <br> <br>Together with the villagers’ Par’s eyes grew wide. What was he thinking saying such things? Tiredness must be really taking its toll on him. But the people didn't see his horror and turned their accusing gazes to the town leader who stood with an angry expression on his face. <br> <br>"Who are you to order us what to do? You're a just a brat!" the mayor shouted out in a mocking tone. "What are you going to do if I don't care about your mission? Go and tell your stupid lord that we're not going to pay even if he sends a gazillion of monsters after us!" <br> <br>The crowd didn't seem to agree with his opinion, judging from their furious expressions. Some middle aged man came out and punched the mayor in the face. <br> <br>"We're not going to die because of your pride!" he said, preparing for another hit but the mayor was prepared this time and caught the hand, punching the guy back. Soon it became an all-out fight with other villagers joining either of the sides. <br> <br>Par watched them with wide eyes. 'Did I start that?' Guilt ate at him and he was about to try to stop them when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. <br> <br>"Leave it" a female voice said. "Better come with me and have some rest. You can talk with them tomorrow" <br> <br>"But..." Par said, trying to argue but the female wasn't giving him a chance. <br> <br>"Drop it. It's their way of talking between themselves and you'll only get hurt if you try to interfere. Listen to me, I know them best." <br> <br>"Okay..." <br> <br>They walked to one of the better looking houses followed by almost all the woman. Inside he was sat at the head of the table and given a bit of milk. <br> <br>"That's all I have" the female said, watching him drink it. <br> <br>It felt refreshing after being surrounded by fires all night long. <br> <br>"I know, you must be tired but we want to thank you for saving our village right now so you can go to sleep with an easy mind. We really appreciate your help today" <br> <br>"Thank you" all the woman said in unison, bowing before him. "These houses contain all we have. If not you, we would all be dying out this winter. If you ever need anything, we'll do everything in our power to help you and that’s the truth unlike what the mayor said." <br> <br>Par watched them with two feelings fighting for supremacy in him. His first reaction was to say it was no accident and that he didn't deserve a reward for saving the day. But then another thought entered his mind, that would mean saying his friend purposefully started the fire and left. Besides if he didn’t do that, they would agree to pay the taxes and everyone would be happy. <br> <br>But he had to tell the truth! Brother said that liars always paid twice in the end. And it would be so horrible when someone found out and he had kept it a secret! <br> <br>"I..." <br> <br>"Shh. You don't have to say anything. We'll keep your appearance here a secret if that is what you need. Now go and rest. We'll stay here and wake you up if men decide to start talking." Then the female shooed him into another room where a small bed stood and closed the doors behind him. "Sweet dreams." The lock clicked, trapping him inside. <br> <br>Tired he fell onto a bed and was about to fall asleep when he remembered that he hadn't seen Ace since he lighted the house. <br> <br>/Where have you went to?/ <br> <br>Not a moment later came an answer. /Not too far away. How do you like your new accommodations?/ <br> <br>/They locked me up. Do you thin.../ the message wasn't sent as he fell asleep. <br> <br>Ace watched him through the window and smiled, his plan had worked perfectly. He hadn't expected the last fight but it worked well to distract everyone and allow him to sneak inside. <br> <br>Now he could get closer to the room where all the women were sitting together and whispering among themselves. <br> <br>"... can't let it happen." <br> <br>"He truly saved us. But how are we supposed to protect him?" <br> <br>"We'll stand guard. That's all we can do. And pray she won't come." <br> <br>The others nodded and took things out to spend the time watching over the locked door. It was sewing materials in most cases but a few books too. 'What are they afraid of?' he wondered, positioning himself to wait too. If there was a monster here, he was going to rat it out. He was the one they should be afraid of. <br>Time passed extremely slowly with having nothing to do so he decided to look around himself. It was daytime so everything would be in in plain sight and if the villagers feared it that much, there was no reason for it to be hidden well. Following that logic, he sneaked out and left the village. The forest was very spacious and light, where to hide something would be a challenge. <br> <br>Laughter reached his ears when he was almost a mile away. It sounded extremely fake. Putting on [Shadow Veil] he sneaked closer and saw a strange sight. A middle aged woman was pushing the swings on which a little girl sat. It would have been an idyllic picture with early sun shining behind the woman's back and beautifully green grass if not a bloody steel whip lying nearby. The dress on one of the girl's shoulders was torn and red. <br> <br>'Is that the culprit?' Ace wondered, circling them. He left the duo for the moment and went to look for their living place. The fact that the girl was beaten didn't explain the villagers’ fear. Parents had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with their children, there had to be something beside it. <br> <br>He walked further on until a small house rose before his eyes. 'Bingo' <br> <br>"What do you think you're doing here?" an angry voice stopped him in his tracks. <br> <br>Ace turned around with a brightest smile anyone could ever make. "Can you help me?" he asked, running straight at the woman. She was so surprised, the whip fell out of her hands as Ace rammed into her. <br> <br>"What?" she asked. Ace started to cry, using her shirt as a handkerchief to dry his eyes. "What happened sweetie?" Her voice was very gentle and soothing like a mother's would. <br> <br>"They've hurt me" Ace said with a hiccup, taking a few steps back so she could take a good look at him. His clothes were burnt and torn in numerous places while also being bloodied; his hands didn't look any better while feet were red, boots having been burned right off his feet. "Will you save me?" he asked, looking up at the woman with bright yellow eyes. <br> <br>"Of course! Of course!" the woman said, hugging him closer. "Dina come here!" she called for the little girl that was standing a few meters away. "Let's go home." <br> <br>There was fear on the girl's face but she bravely stepped forward and led them to the house. The inside contained only a single room. There was a bed, small table and two chairs. <br> <br>Ace noted the fact that there was no place for a girl to live. It was a place for a single person to spend his summers but not somewhere where a family could live. <br> <br>The female created a small fire with magic and put a pot on it to boil some water. "I hope you like tea?" she asked. <br> <br>"I like it sweet" Ace said. He was looking for a hatch or something that would open some secret door but there was nothing. <br> <br>The problem was that he couldn't drink the tea. His assassin trainer Sedgart had repeatedly told him never to eat or drink anything made by strangers. It was one of the easiest ways to find your untimely death. <br> <br>'Maybe the girl knows the place? But she'd probably be too scared to say anything... Think, think, think...' <br> <br>"What were you doing in this forest when you got attacked?" the female asked. <br> <br>Ace looked at her back and could see her muscles ready for action. 'So you're testing me? Don't you know that kids are too young to be spies?' "I've run away from home" he said, crossing his arms over the chest. <br> <br>"What?" the woman asked, turning around to look at him in surprise. <br> <br>"They tried to make me become a soldier but I don't want that! My friend’s dad died young being one!" he said, explaining in a serious tone. <br> <br>The female smiled. 'So you're happy? Does that mean you want to keep me?' <br> <br>"Poor thing. They're horrible parents just for having suggested such a thing!" she said, coming to hug him for comfort. Ace used that moment to cast [Gust] and made the pot drop from the invisible holders. <br> <br>Whole ground got covered by almost boiling water. It was so hot that Ace and the girl jumped on the table to save their legs from getting burnt. <br> <br>"How did that happen?" the female asked herself, murmuring under her nose when screams rose from below. "Shut the hell up!" she roared and the sounds lowered, turning into quiet sobs. <br> <br>Ace maintained an indifferent expression and watched the female with interest. She was casting some kind of spell so quietly that he couldn't hear a word, to Ace's surprise instead of drying the water quadruped. 'What is she doing?' he wondered watching how the water swirled around her legs never actually touching and burning them. <br> <br>"Dina get down from the table" she said, pointing at the almost boiling water. 'Is it my imagination or is there more and more bubbles?' <br> <br>The little girl gulped loudly and with a look of an innocent lamb walking to a slaughter house put her feet in. The female's expression lighted with a smile as she watched the girl's face twisted in pain, silent sobs rocking her whole body. <br> <br>"Good girl" the female laughed and turned her gazed towards Ace. "You don't look horrified" she said accusingly. <br> <br>Ace's face became expressionless once again, like that of a sculpture and he jumped down into boiling water with his bare feet. "The parents are always right. All they do is for the better of their children. If you get beaten, it is punishment so you can learn. If you get overworked, it is so you learn to take care of yourself. If you're denied food, entertainment or simple comfort, it is so you know what real life is like. Parents always know what is best for you" he said. His body still as a stone statue. <br> <br>The woman burst out laughing. "I like your style kid. Where did you learn that?" <br> <br>"Every time I tried to argue with my father, he'd hit me and make me repeat these words until I learnt my place" he said in a calm voice. "Can I get out of this water?" <br> <br>"No. Let me watch you a bit longer. It's not every day that I find a child as lovely as you. All of them just cry, beg, disobey and try to run away. You're like a breath of fresh air, you know?" <br> <br>Ace clenched his teeth and plastered a steely expression on his face. The feet were burning; it felt like they would fall out from under him at any moment. But if he earned her trust now, he could meet the children and finish everything just that much quicker and less painfully. One day of horrors was always better than a week of torture. <br> <br>When he was about to truly fall down the water disappeared as if never even have been there and the woman caught him. "That's lovely. You'll be rewarded greatly for your obedience serving under me. Now you need to rest, my sweet thing, and not ask any questions" she said, standing him up on the burning feet and casting a spell. "Earth bent release your hold, Open Sesame" <br> <br>Ground begun to shake as wooden boards started to move and shift beneath their feet creating a staircase at the right corner. It lead down into darkness and the female pushed Dina to go there first, Ace after and she herself the last. <br> <br>There was no light so they had to go by the feeling. If they tried to slow down, the woman would push them from behind making them fall over and having to stand up with the help of her boot. No, it was better to hurry blindly. After fifteen or so minutes they reached the bottom where the female lighted a torch. <br> <br>A small room crowded by young children appeared before his eyes. There were twenty or so of them cowering in corners and looking at the woman with large terrified eyes. Their hair was wet and faces had red marks on them. <br> <br>"These are your new friends, my child" the female said motioning with her hand. "Be sure to teach them all you know, okay? You'll love your payment for that" she said, smiling brightly, to Ace it looked like a maniacal one so he simply nodded. <br> <br>Dina was watching the exchange with fearful eyes. She couldn’t understand why the new kid was so accepting to be punished for no reason at all. She backed into a corner to her friends and joined their circle. Together they watched what was unfolding right before their eyes. <br> <br>While the female who had stolen them all from homes turned to address kids from the other corner, the newcomer smiled relieved and his body started to shiver. Tendrils of darkness came out from nowhere and without making a sound surrounded him.&nbsp; <br> <br>Dina covered her mouth in horror, tears showing up in her eyes. But the blackness suddenly started to take shape of a twisted individual. It was humanoid but with its back hunched and joints all wrong resembled an animal more, although his skin was sleek black. Its fingers with huge talons stretched and moved slightly as if testing themselves out before something. <br> <br>The kids didn't have to wait long to find out what as the next second the creature jumped on the woman pushing his claws straight through her heart. "Gaaah!" she screamed turning around. The creature jumped back making her fall and, when she did, jumped back on her fallen body. He pushed his left hand &nbsp;in her mouth and kept on stabbing her with the other. The woman was gurgling something and biting yet the monster left the hand to keep her silenced and continued his work ignoring her attempts to throw him off. <br> <br>At first the female was only surprised but as her life started to dwindle away, real fear grasped her heart for the first time in her life. Powered by desperation she bit with all the power in her jaws, tasting blood but the hand didn't move. And the claw kept on making a bigger hole in her chest. <br> <br>It was a wonder that the hand was so small and there was only a single claw stabbing her but it mattered nothing. Life was leaving her body and she couldn't do anything about it. Her hands felt like lead and she could no longer lift them up. What did she do to deserve it?&nbsp; <br> <br>All she ever wanted was a child of her own. Someone she could share her life with and pass all her knowledge to. It wasn't her fault that they didn't listen to her and had to be taught a lesson. If only she had had the time to shape that new boy... He would have become her successor... &nbsp;If onl... <br> <br>Her eyes turned lifeless and the body ceased moving. A few more hits followed before they ceased too. The creature stood up, crimson liquid running down its whole body. Blood red eyes fell on the terrified children as they pushed themselves into walls trying to look as small as they could, although they all knew what fate was awaiting them. <br> <br>A clawed hand rose slowly. It made a sign for them to come to him. Trembling they stood up and followed him up the stairs. The creature was moving slowly as if in great pain but the steps were full of purpose, never wavering in their tracks. The kids followed him through the trees and bushes going god knows where. <br> <br>But they were too scared to disobey. The female had showed them what happened to those who didn't do as told and this creature had defeated her. Besides what would they do all alone in the middle of a forest? At least this way they might survive and wait out for the better days as their parents always taught them. <br> <br>The creature stopped right before where he could be noticed from the village. Kids knew that and patiently waited for what was to come. Their hearts were itching to just start running and maybe reach home. But cold fear instilled by the female prevented them from even moving a muscle. <br> <br>The thing of blackness looked at them with its red eyes but somehow there was no malice in them. "Goou" it hissed, motioning for them to leave and return to their home. "Why?" one of the recent victims so a bit braver asked. <br> <br>"Blood spilt, blood returned" <br> <br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1228" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a> </div>

[Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1169&p=6505#p6505) Author's Note: So here's my first chapter of this volume. I planned to post it earlier but it took me almost half a week to think of what is going to happen in this arc and I still had to write it so yeah... Hopefully you like what came out of it :) **** The veil of night was their only friend. No one else. Truthfully. Those people running around with torches in their hands weren't nice no matter what they were shouting. Lies, all lies about trying to save them. Who needed saving anyway? Not them for sure! "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Par asked a billionth time, watching Ace sneakily looking around a corner. "Do you doubt my abilities? I told you I can get us out of the city!" he said, annoyed. It should have been a piece of cake but a few minutes after their agreement to run away a nationwide search was conducted. In seconds posters promising a thousand for Par's and ten thousand gold for his head were put all around, getting everyone’s attention. Well, all of him in truth. If anyone killed him, he wouldn't see sunrise ever again.  So now they were hiding in a dark narrow street while people walked around, shouting their names. What a fun way to spend one’s evening. "What should we do then? We're going to be found soon!" "I'm thinking, thinking!" Ace said in a quiet growl, wrecking his brains for a way out. The gates were blocked and it would be extremely dangerous even to think about going through there. The closer to an exit the more packed it was. Somehow all had decided that they were making an escape. 'Am I so predictable..? Oh well, maybe I hadn't been doing much of anything besides that... Damn.' /I have a mission for you. Can you talk now?/ Ace checked to see the message was from L. /It's not the best time. I'm kind of being chased by the whole city at the moment/ "Duck!" he said jumping on Par and making both of them fall to the ground. "What for?" Par asked, annoyed. The ground was pretty cold. "Shadow Veil" Ace said quietly, hiding them as a scouting arrow passed by. It was put on fire to light the dark paths before walking in them. They didn't dare to move until the fire exhausted itself and they were back in the welcoming darkness. It was the first time in his life that Par preferred blackness over light. And felt safer in it. "How did you know it was coming?" he asked standing up. "I saw someone moving. Better safe than sorry" "You're amazing!" Par said with admiration in his voice. "Thanks" Ace murmured back, looking at the new message he'd received. /You seem to be quite popular. Need any help? For a price of course./ /Of course... So what can you do? Wait, just do it. I need to be out before sunrise/ /Done/ "Help is coming" Ace said in a whisper. "But you said you were leaving Vera behind!" Par said accusingly. "Because I am" Ace answered rolling his eyes. "It's a neutral party. I'm kind of working for him. Since today..." /We're in a street three turns right from jewel shop in main street if you're interested./ /Well, that quickens the search for sure/ /I think you meant it makes it possible. I believe my hiding skills are pretty good when you look at the scale of the search and the fact that no one has even noticed me yet/ he wrote back sitting down. No matter what L had planned, it'll take some time. "What is going to happen?" Par asked, sitting down beside him. "Don't know. We'll see what he has planned for us. We're going on his quest anyway." "What do you mean on his quest? I thought we were running away!" "We are!" Ace said firmly. "It's just that we'll need to do something so I agreed to help him out. Although I'm not even sure what he needs yet..." That was a blatant lie. He clearly knew what the mission would be, death for some unlucky fellow. After some time a shadow entered their street and motioned for them to follow. They stood up, glanced at each other for a moment and went after. Ace followed surprised how the man managed to evade all the search parties. Maybe he had [Instincts of a Predator] too? Blocking one street stood a carriage. There were no lights around but in the shadows he could see an emblem of a bird on the door which opened the moment they approached. "Hurry up in!" Sir Elimas said from the inside and the kids jumped in. The doors closed behind them and the horses started to move. "Now get under that seat! I'll take you out of town and to your first mission's destination." Ace raised the side of a heavy cloth and saw a wide empty space. Strangely it was very clean. "Do you do this often?" he asked. Sir Elimas ignored his question and pushed them to go down there quicker. The space wasn't as wide as it showed up at first. Although they were only two children, it was extremely uncomfortable and they were half sitting - half lying on each other. The worst position ever. "I don't like it" Par said, stating it like a fact. "Neither do I but let's imagine we're two princes and our evil uncle is trying to catch us!" "Why should we do it?" "Do you think dying here of boredom is better? In my opinion, playing games is the best solution to everything!" Ace said smiling brightly but it lost its effect in the total darkness. "So what if we pretend? It's not like we can move..." "But we can talk quietly! That's all we need! Let's create our own story and continue it as we travel around! Okay?" "Okay..." Par said, not really understanding the point of it. He had never played imaginative games with his brother. "Great! So I go first! I'm a son of a noble hero! He married a princess and I was born. We happily lived in our own mansion when the king suddenly died! I was brought here to be crowned but my evil aunt with only a drop of royal blood usurped the throne and has ordered my death! So here I am hiding in this dusty compartment hoping against hope that I'll make it through! That is my story. Who are you my runaway friend?" he said, pretending the well-mannered tone of nobility. "Can I be your brother?" Par asked, helplessly. He wasn't even sure what he was supposed to with this story. Why were they even creating it anyway? "That's not fun!" Ace said, annoyed. "Then we'd have to fight between ourselves for the throne! Do you really want that?" "What? Why? No!" "Great! So create your character now!" Ace said, trying to nod and hitting his head on the board. "Owowow! Why is this god damn place so small?" he hissed directing the question at the lord's dog but the guy kept quiet. "I don't know how... I've never done it before..." "Just do it! What's so hard about it? Just mash all your favourite characters into one if you have no other ideas!" "But..." "Do it!" Ace whisper-shouted angrily, hitting Par’s head lightly, the small space prevented a better hit from coming. "Why... Fine! I'm a wandering magician! My father is... missing! Mother too!" "What are you doing here? In this small and, currently, overcrowded place?" "Ah... I got found out?" "Doing what?" "Quiet!" Sir Elimas said in a whisper, hitting the cloth that hid them with his boot. "We're at the gates." The kids pushed themselves closer to the wooden boards in a vain attempt to hide better. It was the moment they would escape or be caught and returned to their masters. Now everything rested on the shoulders of Lady Luck. "Stop!" guard's shout was heard and the carriage ceased moving. "Nobody is allowed to leave at the moment. We'll search your carriage now and you'll be free to leave in the morning. This is the lord's word!"  the guard continued saying. Ace couldn't see anything at all and had to trust Sir Elimas to get them out. "Show me the order" Sir Elimas said in a calm voice. "It... it... It is..." The guard seemed at a loss for words. He'd never expected to be asked for a proof. "I'm here on lord's orders so get out my way" Elimas said in a threatening tone. "I'll be sure to report this to the higher ups. You can say goodbye to your career for even thinking about stopping me." There was the sound of doors being closed with a bang and the driver shouting at his horses to move. Sometime later the cloth preventing any light from reaching the kids was lifted and they could take a good mouthful of fresher air. "You're free now. We've left the borders of Lasran city ten minutes ago and no one is chasing us" Sir Elimas said, motioning for them to leave the hiding place. Ace stood up on shaky legs. For sitting so long in an uncomfortable position they had gone numb, or he imagined it. The game removed such unnecessary and annoying things. He sat down on the seat with both his legs up while Par was sitting like a normal person. 'Why did I pick him up again?' "So where are we going now?" he asked the guy sitting in front of him. "A small village. You'll repay your debt there." "Really? What is it?" "You'll have to make the town's mayor start to pay his taxes" "What? I'm not a tax collector! Why would he listen to a kid, anyway?" Ace asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "I do not know but the lord has faith in you. Once you're finished with this, you'll receive your first true mission" "Seriously..." Ace said, rolling his eyes. Who knew the lord wouldn't trust his abilities so much even though being the one who suggested the union in the first place. "Why isn't the guy paying? Is there anything I should need to know before meeting him?" "No" Sir Elimas said coldly and his expression assured that no more questions would be answered. "Will we be staying in that village then?" Par asked, turning to look at Ace who was thoughtful. "Maybe, depends whether anyone lets us in. We're two kids after all" Ace said and stayed quiet after that. There were many unknown factors to consider. They had to find a place to live, something good to eat because Monthu would get his head twice as many times as he planned now if Par had to live on bread and water as Ace himself had many times and find a way to make some mayor pay taxes.  No matter who the guy was, there was not a single person player or Npc who would willingly empty his pockets for the sake of some lord. It was going to be a challenge without even knowing any details, like what taxes he didn't pay for example. They travelled till midnight. Only then a dark shadowy town was seen. It was hard to say whether it had been really that far away from Lasran or the driver had gotten lost a few times. That could have been the case because there was not a single light in the houses around and no roads were leading to it. The driver led the kids out and closed the door of the carriage. Sir Elimas didn't say a word or move a muscle in that exchange and they were off, leaving two little kids all alone in a dark village. "That's so very nice of him" Ace said, directing his eyes to the heavens. The sky was dark, new moon. "What should we do now?" Par asked, his voice uncertain. "Make a camp, what else?" Ace said. He allowed [Flare] to leave from under his scarf and light the place slightly. They were at the edge of some forest with houses only a few meters away. Ace chose to go deeper into the forest to look for some wood and an empty space. Par didn't look happy but he was used to following others. An idea to disagree didn't even come to him for which Ace was thankful. He was too lazy to think of a lie at the moment. 'It's truth, that we could have woken up the villagers and asked for a place to stay' Ace mused while collecting small branches. 'But it is also truth that I don't want that. It's boring to always use the same approach and I've used the defenceless kid act way too much recently. Not that I'd think twice if the situation required' A short laugh escaped his mouth startling Par who looked very uncomfortable. "What is it?" Ace asked, carrying the branches further in where a small clearing resided. It was only a hundred meters or so away from the village. He threw the firewood down and ordered [Flare] to light it up. It took a few tries until the fire caught. "Why are we staying here?" Par asked, putting his own branches close by. "We're fugitives! We can't just go in like that especially in the middle of the night!" "Fugitives?" "I'm a prince on the run! Do you really expect me to be so careless? The kingdoms happiness rests on my shoulders!" Ace said in a raised voice. “Oh! The story! So I’m a magician, right?” "Yes! Why were you hiding with me anyway? What did you do to become wanted?" Ace asked, taking out a few blankets from his backpack and putting them near the fire. He sat down with his legs crossed, resting his head on the right hand and looking straight at Par. Par could see the lord in him. The guy's back was straight, face unreadable and yellow eyes reflecting the light of the fire. There was an air of formality surrounding him too. "How do you do that?" he asked, amazed. "Do what?" Ace asked, surprised, destroying the whole illusion. "What you did before! If I hadn't known it was you, I would have sworn you're a true lord! There was just something about you that prevented me from even doubting that! How can you make it so? I want to learn it to!" Ace tilted his head sideways, deliberating his answer. He could try to explain it truthfully or just pass it by. What would be better now... Truth or another bout of lies? He was good at making them believable. Maybe the kid deserved not to be lied to. He had left all he knew and it would be really troublesome if he found out Ace didn't really mind it, being only concerned about himself. 'If you make a big lie, tell them only truth afterwards so they accidentally don’t start to doubt you.' "It's simple acting. I remember an anime about a lord kid and imitate his actions to perfection. But most importantly I believe in myself. Faulty acting can seem like your character’s traits if you manage to convince yourself and everyone that you're truly what you pretend to be. There can't be any doubt in your disposition" Ace explained, his face and movements changing from a child's to an old man's, from a lively person's to a tired one's and finally from a joking one to a serious one. Each of them was done masterfully, leaving Par in awe. "It's amazing! But how can you imagine it so well?  You’re a child like me, so how can you make yourself resemble an old person so well? I don't even have an idea how I'll look when I get old!" "Neither do I" Ace said, laughing. "I just pick someone from my memory. Wait, you said you wanted to learn it, right?" "Yes!" Par said, eagerly nodding his head. "I have something that might help you" Ace said with a smile and started to chant. "Beloved dreams, feared nightmares, different worlds, same horrors combine into one and come crashing onto the mortal souls, Phantasm!" White mist surrounded Par and at Ace's commands started to reshape and change colours. In a minute an elderly man with his back hunched and face wrinkled by years stood before him. "That's..!" Par said with his mouth wide open, watching at his own wrinkled hands. "That is clearly not how an old man behaves. I can say that for sure so try again." There was a look of surprise on Par’s face until he understood what Ace meant. "Oh right!" He tried to walk how he remembered old man moving but his friend wasn't satisfied. "Your legs are supposed to hurt! And keep your head lowered! Use the staff!" Par tried to do it differently but nothing changed. "Your legs aren't on fire! You're just old! And bow down more; you have your whole life weighting you down!" He bent half-way and slowly dragged his legs forward. "Not so low! It's only your life, not the whole world! And stop running! It's not a race!" "I'm trying! Stop shouting!" Par said, angrily clutching his staff. "I can't know what to do at my first try!" "Yes, you can!" Ace said, contradicting. He waved his hand in dismissal of even a thought that you had to practice things. "You can't mean that! You have to do things repeatedly to gain mastery of them!" "False" Ace said with a twisted smile. "Do you want me to prove it to you?" "You can?" Par asked, surprised, all of his anger forgotten in an instant. "Of course, all people are born knowing how to pretend and act out a specific role. The only reason that actor profession is still possible is that humans tend to lie to themselves and don’t use their talents. Tell me, what do you think you could never be?” "Uhm... I wouldn't like to be a hero! It requires you to always be there on time to save the day and never have a moment’s rest. I would never choose to a character like yours!" Par said, shaking his head. Some time ago watching Batman with his brother, they talked about it. He was very eager to become a hero at that time but his brother had explained what such people had to lose in exchange for saving others and since then he had no wish to become one.  "Then let me show you how heroes are born" Ace said, a strange smile on his face. "Follow me now." They left the fire going and went back the way they had come, [Flare] showing them the way. Next to the village Ace stopped and turned to Par. "Now we'll give those people a show they've never seen before so do your best" he said directing [Flare] deeper into the village. It shun brightly in the absolute darkness. "Burst!" he said in a soft whisper when the little fire was next to a straw roof. "What are you doing?" Par shouted in horror, hands covering his mouth. "Creating a stage. Now all we need is for spectators to wake up, the main actors will be free to enter then" Ace said, bringing his little flame back and watching the roof catch on fire quickly. "What are you talking about? They're going to burn alive!" "So go and save them" Ace said with a smile. "What are you waiting for? Just remember nothing is as easy as it looks!" Par looked at him in surprise but dismissed it and ran to the centre of the small village, where the fire was already licking neighbouring roofs. "Rivers flowing deep within the earth, Water Pulse!" A shot of water came from the ground sprouting drops all over the roof. It seemed like an easy feat to quench them out when a black shadow fell on the roof, a creature made of blackness with fox ears, featureless face and a slim body. He screamed in a voice that penetrated the soul and woke every living being ten miles around. Then he slid down the roof slightly and hissed "Wilsss winess" It would have been impossible to understand what he had said if not the green vines growing rapidly and blocking the water’s entrance all over the ground. People started to leave the houses with crossbows in their hands and wearing nightshirts. The women started screaming as they saw the fires. "Someone do something!" "Firesss! Burrrn!" the creature hissed bringing everyone's attention to itself and jumping onto another roof. "Flamess sstep!" he said, running off with a wild laugh. Straws easily caught on fire and soon enough the whole village was burning. Screams of absolute horror broke the night's silence and fire's lighted the place. "Nissse and warrrrm" the creature hissed laughing. He kept on jumping from one house to another, sometimes standing on two legs, and sometimes all four. "Ssstop me if yooou cann" Par looked around for a hero to save everyone, he desperately searched the crowd for him, prayed that he would hurry up but he just wasn't coming. And the people! All of them looked fear stricken and unable to understand what was going on, how it could happen to them. What were they doing? Weren't they grownups? Shouldn't they know what to do at such situations? He asked himself but they all looked so lost, watching as their places were burning. They clutched their family members closer and just gazed upon the disaster. The mayor had promised them that nothing would happen and yet it was happening. Deep black shadow fell right before Par and people scattered around emptying the place for the creature that now stood only a few breaths away from the kid. "What iss it? Are you ssscared, kid? Let'sss play hide a sseek thennn" the creature cackled throwing its head back. Par's eyes flashed angrily. "What do you want from me?" "Sscared? Gusst" Strong wind rose, pushing Par almost three steps back. "Isssn't there anyonnne?" the creature asked, looking around with sudden sadness in its eyes. It was hard to judge the whole expression as its face was only a black mess. The shadow turned around, leaving a trail of fire and climbed back onto the building. He started to play with the burning straws, picking them up and then throwing all around. The burning sparks fell everywhere. "Why is nobody doing anything?" Par shouted out as the first house caved in. There was no answer to it even though many men lowered their heads. The village was built nowhere near the river or a lake and their only supply was rain and snow. There was simply no way for protecting against such large flames. "Hahahahaha!" the creature cackled and punched a hole through one of the roofs, almost falling in itself. It laughed again and jumped to another roof, flames still coming from under its legs. "Fires that burn within everyone, flames that punish the unworthy, light that shows the way strengthen the bond and create a soul to fight for your servant to show the world the truth, Summon Fire Elemental!" Par screamed and ordered it to attack the creature. "Flames from ages gone combined, Fireball! Fireball! Fireball!" The first ball hit its target but then the creature noticed the elemental coming his way and jumped over its head, landing right before Par. "Let'ss play thenn!" it hissed and head-butted. The attack took a fifth of Par’s health. He'd never been so close to battle and the surprise on his face showed how unprepared he was. Luckily, the fire elemental intercepted, stopping the creature in its tracks and throwing a shower of fiery sparks. The shadow winced but didn't retreat and jumped on the elemental. He slashed at it with his large claws but took a jump back the next second, its leathery hide on fire. By that time Par had taken control of his fear and was casting another spell. "Earth binds the evil, Ground Shackles!" Hands made of sand rose from the ground and grabbed the shadow's legs. Horror flashed through the creature's eyes but it was soon replaced by laughter. Par couldn't understand what could be so fun but he didn't really care. The elemental closed in on the shadowy monster and started to beat him with his bare fire enhanced hands. Par helped him with fireballs. A trickle of blood ran down the thing's mouth and it cackled. The sound was so ear piercing that Par stopped for a moment and saw the monster bowing down to break the binds with its own bare hands. Blood showed up on them as the sand shackles were as sharp as glass but quite strong none the less, in spite of that, the creature only smiled and continued his work. In a moment, they were off and the thing was free, dripping blood but free. "Windsss that don't find ressst, Gussst!" the creature hissed, spitting blood and cleaning it with the back of his hand that was already covered in red liquid. Air started to shiver with energy as winds started to gather around and with a huge gust blew straight at the elemental. It destroyed him in an instant and threw Par into a wall.  "Nekss time!" the shadowy monster hissed for the last time and in a blur of smoke disappeared. Quietness descended, broken only by cracking of fires. "Wait, the houses!" Par shouted out, standing up holding onto his head. It was his first time ever getting injured in game and he didn’t exactly like the experience. He lost half of his hp only from those two hits and the elemental had taken the brunt of the second one too. He used the water spell again and this time nobody interrupted him. It took till the morning to extinguish the last of the fires. He had to rest a few times to regain his mana but no more houses were lost besides the first one. The sun rose lightening the village and Par felt like he could drop dead then and there. He could restore mana quickly but that didn't work for stamina and his was at the very bottom. The villagers chose that time to approach him. "We thank you, young one, for saving us. If there's anything, we could do to repay you" one of them said, standing at the front of the crowd. Par's eyes were desperately trying to close themselves while he tried to stop them and act normally. "I've been sent here by lord of Lasran to persuade you to start paying taxes" Par said, trying to finish Ace's quest even if he wasn't here himself. "Ah... We..." the leader said, unsure of how to escape this predicament so his wife came to the rescue. "You must be terribly tired, our little saviour. Come to my house, I'll warm some milk for you and prepare a nice bed. We can all talk tomorrow" she said, taking Par's hand and trying to drag him to her house. "No" Par said, breaking her hold. From his parents he knew well what it meant putting things off for later; it was simply giving them time to think of an excuse why they can't do it. "Why can’t you do it?" "It's not something a kid like you would understand. We have our reasons." "The same ones that prevented you from saving your own village?" Par asked tiredly. Together with the villagers’ Par’s eyes grew wide. What was he thinking saying such things? Tiredness must be really taking its toll on him. But the people didn't see his horror and turned their accusing gazes to the town leader who stood with an angry expression on his face. "Who are you to order us what to do? You're a just a brat!" the mayor shouted out in a mocking tone. "What are you going to do if I don't care about your mission? Go and tell your stupid lord that we're not going to pay even if he sends a gazillion of monsters after us!" The crowd didn't seem to agree with his opinion, judging from their furious expressions. Some middle aged man came out and punched the mayor in the face. "We're not going to die because of your pride!" he said, preparing for another hit but the mayor was prepared this time and caught the hand, punching the guy back. Soon it became an all-out fight with other villagers joining either of the sides. Par watched them with wide eyes. 'Did I start that?' Guilt ate at him and he was about to try to stop them when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Leave it" a female voice said. "Better come with me and have some rest. You can talk with them tomorrow" "But..." Par said, trying to argue but the female wasn't giving him a chance. "Drop it. It's their way of talking between themselves and you'll only get hurt if you try to interfere. Listen to me, I know them best." "Okay..." They walked to one of the better looking houses followed by almost all the woman. Inside he was sat at the head of the table and given a bit of milk. "That's all I have" the female said, watching him drink it. It felt refreshing after being surrounded by fires all night long. "I know, you must be tired but we want to thank you for saving our village right now so you can go to sleep with an easy mind. We really appreciate your help today" "Thank you" all the woman said in unison, bowing before him. "These houses contain all we have. If not you, we would all be dying out this winter. If you ever need anything, we'll do everything in our power to help you and that’s the truth unlike what the mayor said." Par watched them with two feelings fighting for supremacy in him. His first reaction was to say it was no accident and that he didn't deserve a reward for saving the day. But then another thought entered his mind, that would mean saying his friend purposefully started the fire and left. Besides if he didn’t do that, they would agree to pay the taxes and everyone would be happy. But he had to tell the truth! Brother said that liars always paid twice in the end. And it would be so horrible when someone found out and he had kept it a secret! "I..." "Shh. You don't have to say anything. We'll keep your appearance here a secret if that is what you need. Now go and rest. We'll stay here and wake you up if men decide to start talking." Then the female shooed him into another room where a small bed stood and closed the doors behind him. "Sweet dreams." The lock clicked, trapping him inside. Tired he fell onto a bed and was about to fall asleep when he remembered that he hadn't seen Ace since he lighted the house. /Where have you went to?/ Not a moment later came an answer. /Not too far away. How do you like your new accommodations?/ /They locked me up. Do you thin.../ the message wasn't sent as he fell asleep. Ace watched him through the window and smiled, his plan had worked perfectly. He hadn't expected the last fight but it worked well to distract everyone and allow him to sneak inside. Now he could get closer to the room where all the women were sitting together and whispering among themselves. "... can't let it happen." "He truly saved us. But how are we supposed to protect him?" "We'll stand guard. That's all we can do. And pray she won't come." The others nodded and took things out to spend the time watching over the locked door. It was sewing materials in most cases but a few books too. 'What are they afraid of?' he wondered, positioning himself to wait too. If there was a monster here, he was going to rat it out. He was the one they should be afraid of. Time passed extremely slowly with having nothing to do so he decided to look around himself. It was daytime so everything would be in in plain sight and if the villagers feared it that much, there was no reason for it to be hidden well. Following that logic, he sneaked out and left the village. The forest was very spacious and light, where to hide something would be a challenge. Laughter reached his ears when he was almost a mile away. It sounded extremely fake. Putting on [Shadow Veil] he sneaked closer and saw a strange sight. A middle aged woman was pushing the swings on which a little girl sat. It would have been an idyllic picture with early sun shining behind the woman's back and beautifully green grass if not a bloody steel whip lying nearby. The dress on one of the girl's shoulders was torn and red. 'Is that the culprit?' Ace wondered, circling them. He left the duo for the moment and went to look for their living place. The fact that the girl was beaten didn't explain the villagers’ fear. Parents had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with their children, there had to be something beside it. He walked further on until a small house rose before his eyes. 'Bingo' "What do you think you're doing here?" an angry voice stopped him in his tracks. Ace turned around with a brightest smile anyone could ever make. "Can you help me?" he asked, running straight at the woman. She was so surprised, the whip fell out of her hands as Ace rammed into her. "What?" she asked. Ace started to cry, using her shirt as a handkerchief to dry his eyes. "What happened sweetie?" Her voice was very gentle and soothing like a mother's would. "They've hurt me" Ace said with a hiccup, taking a few steps back so she could take a good look at him. His clothes were burnt and torn in numerous places while also being bloodied; his hands didn't look any better while feet were red, boots having been burned right off his feet. "Will you save me?" he asked, looking up at the woman with bright yellow eyes. "Of course! Of course!" the woman said, hugging him closer. "Dina come here!" she called for the little girl that was standing a few meters away. "Let's go home." There was fear on the girl's face but she bravely stepped forward and led them to the house. The inside contained only a single room. There was a bed, small table and two chairs. Ace noted the fact that there was no place for a girl to live. It was a place for a single person to spend his summers but not somewhere where a family could live. The female created a small fire with magic and put a pot on it to boil some water. "I hope you like tea?" she asked. "I like it sweet" Ace said. He was looking for a hatch or something that would open some secret door but there was nothing. The problem was that he couldn't drink the tea. His assassin trainer Sedgart had repeatedly told him never to eat or drink anything made by strangers. It was one of the easiest ways to find your untimely death. 'Maybe the girl knows the place? But she'd probably be too scared to say anything... Think, think, think...' "What were you doing in this forest when you got attacked?" the female asked. Ace looked at her back and could see her muscles ready for action. 'So you're testing me? Don't you know that kids are too young to be spies?' "I've run away from home" he said, crossing his arms over the chest. "What?" the woman asked, turning around to look at him in surprise. "They tried to make me become a soldier but I don't want that! My friend’s dad died young being one!" he said, explaining in a serious tone. The female smiled. 'So you're happy? Does that mean you want to keep me?' "Poor thing. They're horrible parents just for having suggested such a thing!" she said, coming to hug him for comfort. Ace used that moment to cast [Gust] and made the pot drop from the invisible holders. Whole ground got covered by almost boiling water. It was so hot that Ace and the girl jumped on the table to save their legs from getting burnt. "How did that happen?" the female asked herself, murmuring under her nose when screams rose from below. "Shut the hell up!" she roared and the sounds lowered, turning into quiet sobs. Ace maintained an indifferent expression and watched the female with interest. She was casting some kind of spell so quietly that he couldn't hear a word, to Ace's surprise instead of drying the water quadruped. 'What is she doing?' he wondered watching how the water swirled around her legs never actually touching and burning them. "Dina get down from the table" she said, pointing at the almost boiling water. 'Is it my imagination or is there more and more bubbles?' The little girl gulped loudly and with a look of an innocent lamb walking to a slaughter house put her feet in. The female's expression lighted with a smile as she watched the girl's face twisted in pain, silent sobs rocking her whole body. "Good girl" the female laughed and turned her gazed towards Ace. "You don't look horrified" she said accusingly. Ace's face became expressionless once again, like that of a sculpture and he jumped down into boiling water with his bare feet. "The parents are always right. All they do is for the better of their children. If you get beaten, it is punishment so you can learn. If you get overworked, it is so you learn to take care of yourself. If you're denied food, entertainment or simple comfort, it is so you know what real life is like. Parents always know what is best for you" he said. His body still as a stone statue. The woman burst out laughing. "I like your style kid. Where did you learn that?" "Every time I tried to argue with my father, he'd hit me and make me repeat these words until I learnt my place" he said in a calm voice. "Can I get out of this water?" "No. Let me watch you a bit longer. It's not every day that I find a child as lovely as you. All of them just cry, beg, disobey and try to run away. You're like a breath of fresh air, you know?" Ace clenched his teeth and plastered a steely expression on his face. The feet were burning; it felt like they would fall out from under him at any moment. But if he earned her trust now, he could meet the children and finish everything just that much quicker and less painfully. One day of horrors was always better than a week of torture. When he was about to truly fall down the water disappeared as if never even have been there and the woman caught him. "That's lovely. You'll be rewarded greatly for your obedience serving under me. Now you need to rest, my sweet thing, and not ask any questions" she said, standing him up on the burning feet and casting a spell. "Earth bent release your hold, Open Sesame" Ground begun to shake as wooden boards started to move and shift beneath their feet creating a staircase at the right corner. It lead down into darkness and the female pushed Dina to go there first, Ace after and she herself the last. There was no light so they had to go by the feeling. If they tried to slow down, the woman would push them from behind making them fall over and having to stand up with the help of her boot. No, it was better to hurry blindly. After fifteen or so minutes they reached the bottom where the female lighted a torch. A small room crowded by young children appeared before his eyes. There were twenty or so of them cowering in corners and looking at the woman with large terrified eyes. Their hair was wet and faces had red marks on them. "These are your new friends, my child" the female said motioning with her hand. "Be sure to teach them all you know, okay? You'll love your payment for that" she said, smiling brightly, to Ace it looked like a maniacal one so he simply nodded. Dina was watching the exchange with fearful eyes. She couldn’t understand why the new kid was so accepting to be punished for no reason at all. She backed into a corner to her friends and joined their circle. Together they watched what was unfolding right before their eyes. While the female who had stolen them all from homes turned to address kids from the other corner, the newcomer smiled relieved and his body started to shiver. Tendrils of darkness came out from nowhere and without making a sound surrounded him.  Dina covered her mouth in horror, tears showing up in her eyes. But the blackness suddenly started to take shape of a twisted individual. It was humanoid but with its back hunched and joints all wrong resembled an animal more, although his skin was sleek black. Its fingers with huge talons stretched and moved slightly as if testing themselves out before something. The kids didn't have to wait long to find out what as the next second the creature jumped on the woman pushing his claws straight through her heart. "Gaaah!" she screamed turning around. The creature jumped back making her fall and, when she did, jumped back on her fallen body. He pushed his left hand  in her mouth and kept on stabbing her with the other. The woman was gurgling something and biting yet the monster left the hand to keep her silenced and continued his work ignoring her attempts to throw him off. At first the female was only surprised but as her life started to dwindle away, real fear grasped her heart for the first time in her life. Powered by desperation she bit with all the power in her jaws, tasting blood but the hand didn't move. And the claw kept on making a bigger hole in her chest. It was a wonder that the hand was so small and there was only a single claw stabbing her but it mattered nothing. Life was leaving her body and she couldn't do anything about it. Her hands felt like lead and she could no longer lift them up. What did she do to deserve it?  All she ever wanted was a child of her own. Someone she could share her life with and pass all her knowledge to. It wasn't her fault that they didn't listen to her and had to be taught a lesson. If only she had had the time to shape that new boy... He would have become her successor...  If onl... Her eyes turned lifeless and the body ceased moving. A few more hits followed before they ceased too. The creature stood up, crimson liquid running down its whole body. Blood red eyes fell on the terrified children as they pushed themselves into walls trying to look as small as they could, although they all knew what fate was awaiting them. A clawed hand rose slowly. It made a sign for them to come to him. Trembling they stood up and followed him up the stairs. The creature was moving slowly as if in great pain but the steps were full of purpose, never wavering in their tracks. The kids followed him through the trees and bushes going god knows where. But they were too scared to disobey. The female had showed them what happened to those who didn't do as told and this creature had defeated her. Besides what would they do all alone in the middle of a forest? At least this way they might survive and wait out for the better days as their parents always taught them. The creature stopped right before where he could be noticed from the village. Kids knew that and patiently waited for what was to come. Their hearts were itching to just start running and maybe reach home. But cold fear instilled by the female prevented them from even moving a muscle. The thing of blackness looked at them with its red eyes but somehow there was no malice in them. "Goou" it hissed, motioning for them to leave and return to their home. "Why?" one of the recent victims so a bit braver asked. "Blood spilt, blood returned" [Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1228)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 2: Basic Training<br><br>"Well lets begin"<br><br>"Wait sir, before we begin, I forgot to give my name. I am Perseus, pleasure to meet you."<br><br>"Likewise my name Grok you can call me instructor, sir, or sir instructor, whichever you prefer. Now take a good look around this is where you will be training for the next week."<br><br>Looking around for the first time since entering the room Perseus noticed how grand the room is. It was gigantic the size of a football stadium. with walls and floors of stone. There was track taking up half the room on the far right. A weight lifting and general exercise area with different types of exercising equipment that Perseus didn't even knew existed, taking up the far left and a pool next to it. Last but not least in the corner taking a large portion of room was a sparring ring and 10 racks of different weapons. Perseus was dumbfounded on how such a large room half the size of the training hall fit into the structure of the hall. <br><br>"Bigger on the inside, eh. I asked a spell caster for an enchantment on the room so it looks smaller than it actually is from the outside. Well stop staring lets get started."<br><br>The instructor lead the way to the track and then turned to Perseus.<br><br>"Well go on give me a 100 laps."<br><br>"What, what do you mean 100 laps."<br><br>"You heard me go run 100 laps, unless you think you're not man enough."<br><br>If there was anything Perseus hated more than people trying to kill him it was anyone questioning his Manhood.<br><br>"You are so on."<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 hour later</span><br>*Pant* *Pant* *Pant*<br><br>"There 100 laps, whoh" Perseus breathed out between panting. He was dog tired but it was essential for his plan.<br><br>"Took you long enough now on to swimming, follow me."<br><br>"What, but I jus-"<br><br>Perseus stopped midday he would not give in to the instructor and he would not have his manhood questioned. Silently Perseus followed the instructor to the pool. But one day he might kill him.<br><br>"Alright, jump in and give me 50 laps."<br><br>"Yes, sir instructor."<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">'Looks like questioning his manhood was the way to go. I'll push him past his limits to see if he has what it takes to be his apprentice.'</span><br><br>Perseus began swimming all the while ignoring the status messages he received and thinking of ways to kill the instructor all the while using his anger as fuel to keep going.<br><br>Agility increased by 1<br><br>New stat generated : Sustenance<br>You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat.<br><br>New stat generated: Fighting Spirit<br>Increases user’s spiritual might in an instant. Can temporarily call on superhuman strength. Cannot distribute points into this stat it rises spontaneously, affected by user's actions. <br> <br>*Pant* *splash* *Pant* <br><br>"Done" <br><br>"Hmp. Be faster next time."<br><br>'One day i will stand at the top of the world and will kill you with everything I have.<br><br>The instructor lead Perseus to the exercise area next. Perseus as tired as he was didn't notice the new notice he received.<br><br>New stat Generated : Killing intent<br>By continuously using your anger and hatred of a person as a fuel you can now direct at someone. Points cannot be distributed to this stat. Rises spontaneously based on users actions.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">'Good his eyes show his will to become a knight. Alright time to begin the real training.'</span><br><br>"Alright Perseus drop and give me 200 push ups."<br><br>Perseus was compliant but was still shooting daggers at the instructor. <br>"Ok you get a 10 minutes break then we will continue."<br><br>Perseus fell down to the ground hard panting. Walking over to the pool he washed his face and took out a piece of rye bread and drank some water.<br><br>'I should check my stats i got a lot of notifications.'<br><br>"Stats"<br><br>Avatar: Perseus<br>Race:Human<br>Level: 1<br>Class: None<br>Title: None<br>Fame: 0<br>Life: 100<br>Mana: 100<br>Strength: 11<br>Agility: 11<br>Stamina: 12<br>Wisdom: 10<br>Intelligence: 10<br>Leadership: 0 <br>Luck: 0<br>Killing intent: 14<br>Fighting spirit: 13<br><br>Offence: 3<br>Defense: 0<br><br>Resistance to magic:<br><br>Fire: 0%<br>Water: 0%<br>Earth: 0%<br>Black: 0%<br><br>'So the rumors were true, by working to and past your limits you stats increase.'<br><br>"Alright enough lolly gagging get up, put these on." <br><br>The instructor handed Perseus ankle and wrist weights weighing 2 kg each.<br><br>"Now give me a hundred laps."<br><br>The Instructor worked Perseus like this for the next 8 hours adding another Kg onto Perseus and giving no break every time he stopped in the middle. By the end of the day Perseus was drenched in sweat carrying 6kg ankle and wrist weights. When the instructor told Perseus they were done for the day he immediately collapsed on the spot and only got back up an hour later when the instructor brought food for him. <br><br>"After you are done eating come out to storage room in the training hall."<br><br>'Ugh it better not be more training'<br><br>Wolfing down the last of the food. Perseus made his way to the storage room. It was huge but not as big as the training area. There were swords and armor lying everywhere. He saw the instructor off to the side and called out to him.<br><br>“Ahh you’re here, I am going to teach you how to take care of your gear so that when you become a knight you can take care of your own equipment. So you hold the hammer like so and then say repair as you strike the armor. Then you take a cloth like so and clean it like this to polish it. Now to sharpen a sword you need to use a whetstone.”<br><br>New skill: Repair<br>New skill: Polishing<br>New skill: Sharpening<br><br>After showing him how to use the skills, the instructor left Perseus by himself. Perseus began repairing, polishing and sharpening every piece of gear he could find. He spent most of the night increasing his proficiency in the skills. Along the way he learned the identification skill after continuously studying each of the items he had worked on. Stopping only after 4 hours falling asleep next to a set armor that was polished to shine.<br><br>Perseus's rest was short lived as he was woken up five hours later by the instructor. Sore and sleep deprived Perseus forced himself up and followed after the instructor.<br><br>"Put on the weights and don't take them off until the end of the week. Now today we will start with 500 laps around the track, 300 push ups, 500 reps of weightlifting and then begin our underwater training session." The instructor listed them all with a malicious smile on his face.<br><br>"Perseus as tired as he was could only comply or he would receive a penalty of more weights and no breaks. But that did not mean he liked it. Since Perseus woke up he had been directing his intent to kill at the instructor. The instructor noticing decided to use that hate to make him do more work. Thus began Perseus's training to become an apprentice of a knight. What Perseus feared most however was that if the training to become an apprentice was so hard then what of the knight training?! </div>

Chapter 2: Basic Training "Well lets begin" "Wait sir, before we begin, I forgot to give my name. I am Perseus, pleasure to meet you." "Likewise my name Grok you can call me instructor, sir, or sir instructor, whichever you prefer. Now take a good look around this is where you will be training for the next week." Looking around for the first time since entering the room Perseus noticed how grand the room is. It was gigantic the size of a football stadium. with walls and floors of stone. There was track taking up half the room on the far right. A weight lifting and general exercise area with different types of exercising equipment that Perseus didn't even knew existed, taking up the far left and a pool next to it. Last but not least in the corner taking a large portion of room was a sparring ring and 10 racks of different weapons. Perseus was dumbfounded on how such a large room half the size of the training hall fit into the structure of the hall. "Bigger on the inside, eh. I asked a spell caster for an enchantment on the room so it looks smaller than it actually is from the outside. Well stop staring lets get started." The instructor lead the way to the track and then turned to Perseus. "Well go on give me a 100 laps." "What, what do you mean 100 laps." "You heard me go run 100 laps, unless you think you're not man enough." If there was anything Perseus hated more than people trying to kill him it was anyone questioning his Manhood. "You are so on." 1 hour later *Pant* *Pant* *Pant* "There 100 laps, whoh" Perseus breathed out between panting. He was dog tired but it was essential for his plan. "Took you long enough now on to swimming, follow me." "What, but I jus-" Perseus stopped midday he would not give in to the instructor and he would not have his manhood questioned. Silently Perseus followed the instructor to the pool. But one day he might kill him. "Alright, jump in and give me 50 laps." "Yes, sir instructor." 'Looks like questioning his manhood was the way to go. I'll push him past his limits to see if he has what it takes to be his apprentice.' Perseus began swimming all the while ignoring the status messages he received and thinking of ways to kill the instructor all the while using his anger as fuel to keep going. Agility increased by 1 New stat generated : Sustenance You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat. New stat generated: Fighting Spirit Increases user’s spiritual might in an instant. Can temporarily call on superhuman strength. Cannot distribute points into this stat it rises spontaneously, affected by user's actions. *Pant* *splash* *Pant* "Done" "Hmp. Be faster next time." 'One day i will stand at the top of the world and will kill you with everything I have. The instructor lead Perseus to the exercise area next. Perseus as tired as he was didn't notice the new notice he received. New stat Generated : Killing intent By continuously using your anger and hatred of a person as a fuel you can now direct at someone. Points cannot be distributed to this stat. Rises spontaneously based on users actions. 'Good his eyes show his will to become a knight. Alright time to begin the real training.' "Alright Perseus drop and give me 200 push ups." Perseus was compliant but was still shooting daggers at the instructor. "Ok you get a 10 minutes break then we will continue." Perseus fell down to the ground hard panting. Walking over to the pool he washed his face and took out a piece of rye bread and drank some water. 'I should check my stats i got a lot of notifications.' "Stats" Avatar: Perseus Race:Human Level: 1 Class: None Title: None Fame: 0 Life: 100 Mana: 100 Strength: 11 Agility: 11 Stamina: 12 Wisdom: 10 Intelligence: 10 Leadership: 0 Luck: 0 Killing intent: 14 Fighting spirit: 13 Offence: 3 Defense: 0 Resistance to magic: Fire: 0% Water: 0% Earth: 0% Black: 0% 'So the rumors were true, by working to and past your limits you stats increase.' "Alright enough lolly gagging get up, put these on." The instructor handed Perseus ankle and wrist weights weighing 2 kg each. "Now give me a hundred laps." The Instructor worked Perseus like this for the next 8 hours adding another Kg onto Perseus and giving no break every time he stopped in the middle. By the end of the day Perseus was drenched in sweat carrying 6kg ankle and wrist weights. When the instructor told Perseus they were done for the day he immediately collapsed on the spot and only got back up an hour later when the instructor brought food for him. "After you are done eating come out to storage room in the training hall." 'Ugh it better not be more training' Wolfing down the last of the food. Perseus made his way to the storage room. It was huge but not as big as the training area. There were swords and armor lying everywhere. He saw the instructor off to the side and called out to him. “Ahh you’re here, I am going to teach you how to take care of your gear so that when you become a knight you can take care of your own equipment. So you hold the hammer like so and then say repair as you strike the armor. Then you take a cloth like so and clean it like this to polish it. Now to sharpen a sword you need to use a whetstone.” New skill: Repair New skill: Polishing New skill: Sharpening After showing him how to use the skills, the instructor left Perseus by himself. Perseus began repairing, polishing and sharpening every piece of gear he could find. He spent most of the night increasing his proficiency in the skills. Along the way he learned the identification skill after continuously studying each of the items he had worked on. Stopping only after 4 hours falling asleep next to a set armor that was polished to shine. Perseus's rest was short lived as he was woken up five hours later by the instructor. Sore and sleep deprived Perseus forced himself up and followed after the instructor. "Put on the weights and don't take them off until the end of the week. Now today we will start with 500 laps around the track, 300 push ups, 500 reps of weightlifting and then begin our underwater training session." The instructor listed them all with a malicious smile on his face. "Perseus as tired as he was could only comply or he would receive a penalty of more weights and no breaks. But that did not mean he liked it. Since Perseus woke up he had been directing his intent to kill at the instructor. The instructor noticing decided to use that hate to make him do more work. Thus began Perseus's training to become an apprentice of a knight. What Perseus feared most however was that if the training to become an apprentice was so hard then what of the knight training?!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 20<br><br> Quietus was waiting around to <del>spy on</del> <del>judge</del> appraise his cousin’s party members, when he felt and saw a distraction approaching. However, he was on a mission, so he would not be distracted by the bard and her beautiful hair. Not even her pretty face and skimpy outfit would stop him from his goal. No, he had more willpower than that. He wasn’t going to stare longingly as she strode by. He concentrated only on his goal...<br><br> … but he only succeeded at that because she happened to walk over to Angelo, and thus made herself part of his previous goal of checking out the members of his cousin’s party. That is to say, observing whether they fit well in the party. Obviously there was no other checking out involved. He listened in on their conversation.<br><br>“So did you get that rogue to join us?” asked the bard.<br><br>“Nah, like I said he’s kind of antisocial. We’ll just have to find one before we do any dungeon crawls. Now all we have to do is wait for Maratis before we can head on to Twinsburg Heights.”<br><br>Quietus was surprised that they were planning to head to the same town he was, but if he had done any research, he wouldn’t have been. It was the only area nearby that had even remotely survivable monsters for people who were ready to move beyond the wolves and other monsters near Morata. Even the low level monsters near Morata had only moved in recently, with the extermination of the higher level monsters in the immediate area. If he had started a few months earlier, there would have been nothing a low level character could survive near Morata.<br><br>At this point, a priest walked up to the pair, obviously who they were waiting for. This priest was an effeminate man, with shoulder length hair. Actually, on second thought, Quietus was pretty sure it was a masculine woman. No it was definitely… he shortly realized his current train of thought was going nowhere.<br><br>The priest greeted the pair. “There you are, Angelo. Ruby.” Maratis nodded to both.<br><br>At this point, Quietus learned the bard’s name. He likely had chances to learn it earlier, but he may have been distracted by <del>staring at the bard</del> watching for monsters or something equally important.<br><br>“Well, let’s get going,” said Angelo. “There’s no point in just hanging around here.”<br><br>Then Ruby said, “Don’t forget we have to stop by the river on the way. I haven’t been strong enough to get over to there before.”<br><br>There was a general murmuring of agreement, and the party started heading east out of Morata. Of course, this included Quietus following behind. They were going in the same direction as he was, so he saw no reason not to travel <del>a large distance behind</del> with them .<br><br>Quietus remained in full disguise until they were a good distance out of the city. The reason for this was simple. If he was not in disguise, the pesky murderer’s mark would show up. After they were outside the city, he changed into his “normal” disguise, which barely fulfilled the requirements to not display the murderer’s mark, and would likely be seen through by anyone with perception skills.<br><br>The party was far enough ahead that Quietus had trouble hearing them, even though they were not being particularly quiet. His listen skill was barely high enough. <br><br> Ruby was saying, “When we get… river… then… increases attractiveness…”<br><br> Angelo replied with, “Then… watch for monsters and…”<br><br> Quietus was then pretty sure that they nodded to each other.<br><br> As they moved along, Quietus could hear a river in the distance. It was a nice, peaceful sound.<br><br> Once they reached a certain point, Maratis stopped. “You… go on ahead… I’ll stay here, and watch for…”<br><br> Angelo and Ruby went ahead. Maratis stayed and started looking around.<br><br> Quietus climbed a nearby tree and also started looking around. He presumed the group was looking for monsters for a quest, or maybe there was a boss in this area. He could just barely see part of the river in the distance. Then…<br><br>*ding*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have learned a skill<br><br>Spot<br>Allows you to find hidden enemies by sight.<br><br>Special:Combined with the Listen skill, if an enemy makes sound, detection is easier.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> At the same time, not by coincidence, he saw some short figures sneaking through the trees towards the river.<br><br> Quietus quickly climbed down- yes, it still counts if you fall the last five feet if you land upright… or mostly upright. Then, he stealthily set off after the monsters he had seen.<br><br> Fortunately, the one second from the back had poor hearing, so he didn’t turn around after Quietus stabbed the first one… several times, quickly. He was honestly surprised the kobold hadn’t cried out. He knew they were kobolds because he was now close enough to see their names.<br><br> There were only three more in this group, so Quietus figured he could take them down fairly easily. Unfortunately, he failed to get a critical hit on the second from the back, and he survived long enough to make quite a bit of noise, at least relatively.<br><br> The other two kobolds turned around and attacked. However, it appeared that they took their stealth very seriously, because they didn’t even make any major sounds of alarm at this point.<br><br> With the other two kobolds, Quietus also had trouble getting the critical hits he expected. Maybe they had different weak points than a regular humanoid, although they looked close enough, if a bit small at under four feet. Frankly though, they stood no chance. Not because Quietus was particularly good, although he was decent, but mostly because kobolds were weak, and just didn’t have enough levels.<br><br>*ding*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have reached intermediate level in the Stealth skill!<br><br>New functions:<br>-15% increased damage on opponents who are unaware of you before an attack takes place<br>-10% of the stealth skill applies even when not actively using it.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> His efforts to <del>stalk</del> not bother the party, combined with his sneaking up on the kobolds, had paid off. The intermediate level of stealth would certainly be very handy.<br><br> After looting junk off of the bodies of the kobolds, he used his anatomy skill to examine them. He identified that they did indeed have different weak points than he was used to, although not entirely. Furthermore…<br><br>*Ding*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Level up: Anatomy<br><br>Beginner level 6<br><br>Increases critical hit damage when striking a vulnerable location by 35%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> The anatomy skill, which had been stubborn about leveling, finally increased. Quietus realized that he needed to fight a larger variety of creatures for it to level up more quickly. He hadn’t seen any new monsters in his recent training.<br><br> If Quietus’ listen skill had been just one or two levels higher, he would have heard splashing in the river, just around a bend and behind a small hill. Likely, he would have gone to investigate, but alas, he had not enough skill. The mystery of why the group stopped at the river would remain such.<br><br> After examining the kobold bodies, Quietus headed back out to where Maratis was, hoping to find the other members of the party there as well. They weren’t, but after a few minutes of waiting, they arrived.<br><br> “I finished… attractiveness stat increased by…” was all he could hear of what Ruby said. Then, the group moved on, this time more directly toward their final destination of Twinsburg Heights. Unfortunately, they had to log out before they got there, since it was getting very late in the actual day. They made arrangements for when to meet up the next day, and logged off.<br><br>End Chapter 20<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1187&amp;p=6713#p6713"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1187&amp;p=6713#p6713&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Next Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1211"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1211&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 20 Quietus was waiting around to ~~spy on~~ ~~judge~~ appraise his cousin’s party members, when he felt and saw a distraction approaching. However, he was on a mission, so he would not be distracted by the bard and her beautiful hair. Not even her pretty face and skimpy outfit would stop him from his goal. No, he had more willpower than that. He wasn’t going to stare longingly as she strode by. He concentrated only on his goal... … but he only succeeded at that because she happened to walk over to Angelo, and thus made herself part of his previous goal of checking out the members of his cousin’s party. That is to say, observing whether they fit well in the party. Obviously there was no other checking out involved. He listened in on their conversation. “So did you get that rogue to join us?” asked the bard. “Nah, like I said he’s kind of antisocial. We’ll just have to find one before we do any dungeon crawls. Now all we have to do is wait for Maratis before we can head on to Twinsburg Heights.” Quietus was surprised that they were planning to head to the same town he was, but if he had done any research, he wouldn’t have been. It was the only area nearby that had even remotely survivable monsters for people who were ready to move beyond the wolves and other monsters near Morata. Even the low level monsters near Morata had only moved in recently, with the extermination of the higher level monsters in the immediate area. If he had started a few months earlier, there would have been nothing a low level character could survive near Morata. At this point, a priest walked up to the pair, obviously who they were waiting for. This priest was an effeminate man, with shoulder length hair. Actually, on second thought, Quietus was pretty sure it was a masculine woman. No it was definitely… he shortly realized his current train of thought was going nowhere. The priest greeted the pair. “There you are, Angelo. Ruby.” Maratis nodded to both. At this point, Quietus learned the bard’s name. He likely had chances to learn it earlier, but he may have been distracted by ~~staring at the bard~~ watching for monsters or something equally important. “Well, let’s get going,” said Angelo. “There’s no point in just hanging around here.” Then Ruby said, “Don’t forget we have to stop by the river on the way. I haven’t been strong enough to get over to there before.” There was a general murmuring of agreement, and the party started heading east out of Morata. Of course, this included Quietus following behind. They were going in the same direction as he was, so he saw no reason not to travel ~~a large distance behind~~ with them . Quietus remained in full disguise until they were a good distance out of the city. The reason for this was simple. If he was not in disguise, the pesky murderer’s mark would show up. After they were outside the city, he changed into his “normal” disguise, which barely fulfilled the requirements to not display the murderer’s mark, and would likely be seen through by anyone with perception skills. The party was far enough ahead that Quietus had trouble hearing them, even though they were not being particularly quiet. His listen skill was barely high enough. Ruby was saying, “When we get… river… then… increases attractiveness…” Angelo replied with, “Then… watch for monsters and…” Quietus was then pretty sure that they nodded to each other. As they moved along, Quietus could hear a river in the distance. It was a nice, peaceful sound. Once they reached a certain point, Maratis stopped. “You… go on ahead… I’ll stay here, and watch for…” Angelo and Ruby went ahead. Maratis stayed and started looking around. Quietus climbed a nearby tree and also started looking around. He presumed the group was looking for monsters for a quest, or maybe there was a boss in this area. He could just barely see part of the river in the distance. Then… *ding* | You have learned a skillSpotAllows you to find hidden enemies by sight.Special:Combined with the Listen skill, if an enemy makes sound, detection is easier. | | --- | At the same time, not by coincidence, he saw some short figures sneaking through the trees towards the river. Quietus quickly climbed down- yes, it still counts if you fall the last five feet if you land upright… or mostly upright. Then, he stealthily set off after the monsters he had seen. Fortunately, the one second from the back had poor hearing, so he didn’t turn around after Quietus stabbed the first one… several times, quickly. He was honestly surprised the kobold hadn’t cried out. He knew they were kobolds because he was now close enough to see their names. There were only three more in this group, so Quietus figured he could take them down fairly easily. Unfortunately, he failed to get a critical hit on the second from the back, and he survived long enough to make quite a bit of noise, at least relatively. The other two kobolds turned around and attacked. However, it appeared that they took their stealth very seriously, because they didn’t even make any major sounds of alarm at this point. With the other two kobolds, Quietus also had trouble getting the critical hits he expected. Maybe they had different weak points than a regular humanoid, although they looked close enough, if a bit small at under four feet. Frankly though, they stood no chance. Not because Quietus was particularly good, although he was decent, but mostly because kobolds were weak, and just didn’t have enough levels. *ding* | You have reached intermediate level in the Stealth skill!New functions:-15% increased damage on opponents who are unaware of you before an attack takes place-10% of the stealth skill applies even when not actively using it. | | --- | His efforts to ~~stalk~~ not bother the party, combined with his sneaking up on the kobolds, had paid off. The intermediate level of stealth would certainly be very handy. After looting junk off of the bodies of the kobolds, he used his anatomy skill to examine them. He identified that they did indeed have different weak points than he was used to, although not entirely. Furthermore… *Ding* | Level up: AnatomyBeginner level 6Increases critical hit damage when striking a vulnerable location by 35% | | --- | The anatomy skill, which had been stubborn about leveling, finally increased. Quietus realized that he needed to fight a larger variety of creatures for it to level up more quickly. He hadn’t seen any new monsters in his recent training. If Quietus’ listen skill had been just one or two levels higher, he would have heard splashing in the river, just around a bend and behind a small hill. Likely, he would have gone to investigate, but alas, he had not enough skill. The mystery of why the group stopped at the river would remain such. After examining the kobold bodies, Quietus headed back out to where Maratis was, hoping to find the other members of the party there as well. They weren’t, but after a few minutes of waiting, they arrived. “I finished… attractiveness stat increased by…” was all he could hear of what Ruby said. Then, the group moved on, this time more directly toward their final destination of Twinsburg Heights. Unfortunately, they had to log out before they got there, since it was getting very late in the actual day. They made arrangements for when to meet up the next day, and logged off. End Chapter 20 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1187&p=6713#p6713">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1187&p=6713#p6713</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1211">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1211</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> - Welcome to Royal Road: Elementarem Vim. Please enter your purchase id. –<br><br>A young man stood in the white room of Elementarem Vim’s initial game set up.<br><br>“RR2EV-PA-000-016-860-936”<br><br>- Unique purchase id, accepted. You already have a RREV account. Would you like to create a new one?–<br><br>"Yes."<br><br>- Creating a new account, will delete the last account. Are you sure you want to continue?"<br><br>"Yes."<br><br>- "You can transfer 5% of your SP and EXP from your previous account. Would you like to continue?"<br><br>"Yes."<br><br>- Congrats! You have created a new id! You will now start at level 2! Please select your new avatar name -<br><br>“Daemon.” Said the young man. His voice was rough and dry.<br><br>- Select your race. Royal Road: Elementarem Vim has 49 races. Currently only 6 races are<br>accessible. Please chose from Dwarves, Humans, Elves, Dark Elves, Kobolds and Orcs. -<br><br>“Compare all race stats.”<br><br>A window popped up in front of the young boy.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Comparing all race stats</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dwarf</td><td colspan="3">Bonus Skill Points (SP)/Stats: Increased Intelligence, Brute Strength, Creativity, Defense. Anti-Stat/SP: Lower Patience and Fighting Power. Would like to know more?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Humans</td><td colspan="3">Bonus SP/Stats: Increased Dexterity. No anti-bonus stats. Would like to know more?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Elves</td><td colspan="3">Bonus SP/Stats: Increased Wisdom, Intelligence, Health, Elemental Affinity. Anti Stat /SP: Low Brute Strength, Fighting Power, Defense. Additional Bonus: Looks of avatar will become more beautiful at every level. Additional Penalty: Cannot choose certain professions. Additional Penalty: Maximum weight carried – 50 Kgs. Additional Penalty: Can only wear light amour. Would like to know more?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dark Elves</td><td colspan="3">Bonus SP/Stats: Increased Wisdom, Intelligence, Health, Elemental Affinity. Anti Stat /SP: Low Brute Strength, Fighting Power, Defense. Additional Bonus: +1 additional Wisdom with every level gained. Additional Penalty: Cannot choose certain professions. Additional Penalty: Maximum weight carried – 75 Kgs. Additional Penalty: Can only wear medium amour. Additional Bonus: High affinity to dark nature. Additional Penalty: Low resistance to Light nature. Would like to know more?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Orcs</td><td colspan="3">Bonus SP/Stats: Brute Strength, Critical Hit. Anti Stat/SP: Lower intelligence, wisdom and creativity. Additional Bonus: Can wear 6 levels of amour. Additional Bonus: Maximum Stamina +50 base stat every level. Additional Bonus: Critical Hit +0.05% every level. Additional Penalty: Low elemental affinity and resistance. Would like to know more?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Kobolds</td><td colspan="3">Bonus SP/Stats: Brute Strength, Critical Hit. Anti Stat/SP: Lower intelligence, wisdom and creativity. Additional Penalty: Cannot use complex weapons. Additional Bonus: Maximum Stamina +100 base stat every level. Additional Bonus: High affinity to dark nature. Additional Penalty: Low resistance to Light nature. Would like to know more?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> “Dark Elf Race”.<br><br>- Select your Elemental Affinity. Royal Road: Elementarem Vim has now 26 elemental affinities. Currently 10 are accessible. Please choose from: Air, Water, Earth, Fire, Force, Life, Neutral. Additional affinities available through leveling up are: Ice (Available through branching of Fire, Water or Earth Elements), Heat (Available through branching of branch of Fire or Air Element), Refined Solid Control (Available through branching of Earth Element only). Please note, your elemental affinity determines your starting location and quests. Elemental Affinities cannot be changed once selected. -<br><br>“Info menu compare all Elemental Affinity.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Comparing all elemental affinities</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Air</td><td colspan="3">Can use mana to manipulate air. Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Heat. Information on this element is available only during game play.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Water</td><td colspan="3">Can use mana to manipulate water. Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Ice. Information on this element is available only during game play.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Earth</td><td colspan="3">Can use mana to manipulate earth. Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Refined Solids or in rare cases Ice! Information on this element is available only during game play.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td colspan="3">Can use mana to manipulate Fire. Bonus Stat: Damage<br>dealt is 100% more than other elemental affinities. Anti- Stat: High Impatience.<br>Additional Penalty: Requires a container (can be gained in-game). Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Heat and in rare cases Ice! Information on this element is available only during game play.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Force</td><td colspan="3">Can use mana to manipulate energy. Bonus Stat: High<br>resistance to primary elements.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Life</td><td colspan="3">Can use mana to manipulate life. Can be considered<br>similar to priests / healers.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Neutral</td><td colspan="3">Cannot use mana. By selecting neutral affinity, you<br>can defer your affinity choice. In case you do not select an elemental affinity<br>by level 100, you will be granted with additional bonus SP. Please note, a<br>neutral cannot chose an affinity after level 99. Additional Penalty: Any elemental<br>affinity selected will suffer from 20% lower attributes.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> “Water Affinity.” Resonated a confident voice.<br><br>- You have selected Water Affinity. Please Confirm. –<br><br>“Confirmed.”<br>- Water Affinity selected. Your affinity can no longer be changed. -<br><br>- You may alter your appearance. –<br><br>“No change. Keep as is.”<br><br>- Are you sure you wish to make no change? –<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>Your account has been activated. –<br><br>- Would you like to encash Royal Road or other game characters or items for bonus SP? –<br><br>“No.”<br><br>- You may upload this information next time. -<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Important Message from Unicorn: Complete your<br>personal unique quest, be the strongest player in the world or lead the strongest<br>guild and complete 3 SSS quests. If you fulfill these conditions you will be<br>rewarded US $1 billion. Total monetary compensation may increase overtime. New Quest: Defeat Shadow and be rewarded $100 million. Terms and Conditions Apply.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>- Initiating Game, in 5, 4…. –<br><br>- Welcome to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim. You are currently in the city of Aquaneos. Please look around and feel to request for help as this tutorial will run the background. –<br><br>With a flash of light, Daemon appeared in Aquaneos. He looked around to find himself in the outskirts of a secluded mountain village. Just like all starting points, close to the spot where he had shown up was a bulletin board exhibiting maps and descriptions of Aquaneos City, and directions on where to head next. He quickly read the history of Aquaneos and then opened a map window to plot the route to the Water Elf Village, his next destination. <br><br>Originally, Daemon was going to play as a regular Elf, but in a sudden burst of inspiration and spontaneity, he decided to go ahead with the newer option available Dark Elf. The new race had just been unlocked and not much information was available on its stats. However, Daemon was glad that he chose this race. His starting location was a tier 2 city. Usually water element players start in Aqualina and have to travel at least past 3 cities to reach at Aquaneos the capital of the East Water Clan. After he got over his amazement of his crazy spontaneity, he decided to look at his stats and skills.<br><br>Daemon says “Open Character Window!”<br><br>His stats were better than he predicted. He had high agility, wisdom and intelligence, but low strength. As he scrolled down the page, he noticed that his bonuses stats related to water dealt 50% more damage and had double the proficiency gain. To top it up his mana conversion stat was 50% more than an ordinary beginner elf. He also noticed that it said his swimming skills were already intermediate level.<br><br>Daeomon was surprised with the good stats that came with the race. They were certainly better than the regular elf account that he had previously made. <br><br>Already being familiar with the game, Daemon decided to go to the library as for his first stop. This was because his in his experience the fastest way to learn more about his affinity was in the library. The tutorial’s step by step method of teaching was certainly practical but took forever to complete.<br><br>Upon entering the Library, Daemon was immediately greeted by a fellow water elf Librarian, “Hello traveler, how may I help you?”<br><br> “I am looking for books on water and ice affinity.”<br><br>“I’m sorry, but you don’t even have basic elemental affinity mastery, so I can’t let you see them yet.”<br><br>“Elemental Affinity Mastery?” Daemon asked suspiciously. This was a first. Last time he chose Earth Elf and there was no such requirement.<br><br>“Yes before you can learn any intermediate skills related to your elemental affinity, you need to have a base to start from.”<br><br><br>“Sigh, is there any way you could let me in to see?”<br><br>“No, but I can give you this.”<br><br>Daemon received the book and a pop message went up.<br><br>- TRRINNNNNG!! -<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You received the book, ‘Water Affinity for Dummies’!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“......For dummies.....” sighed Daemon.<br><br>“Yes I highly recommend it for beginners in water affinity, since it makes elemental affinity learning not only easy but fun too!”<br><br>“Sigh, goodbye....” Daemon said without bothering to face the librarian.<br><br>“Have a nice day!” Chirped back the Librarian.<br><br><br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Special Side Story release.<br>2. Not sure, but someone wrote this fanfic and gave up on it before ever publishing it. I was given permission to use their material into my story. I didn't think i'd have the opportunity to use it. I hope they never went ahead an really published it.<br>3. This story is based 1 year from RREVs release.<br>4. Will now be posting this side story at the end of every volume, till it merges with the main story or finishes.<br><br>Edit: <br><br>5. Added something....to correct mistake. Sorry.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1317" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=348" target="_blank">No</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

- Welcome to Royal Road: Elementarem Vim. Please enter your purchase id. – A young man stood in the white room of Elementarem Vim’s initial game set up. “RR2EV-PA-000-016-860-936” - Unique purchase id, accepted. You already have a RREV account. Would you like to create a new one?– "Yes." - Creating a new account, will delete the last account. Are you sure you want to continue?" "Yes." - "You can transfer 5% of your SP and EXP from your previous account. Would you like to continue?" "Yes." - Congrats! You have created a new id! You will now start at level 2! Please select your new avatar name - “Daemon.” Said the young man. His voice was rough and dry. - Select your race. Royal Road: Elementarem Vim has 49 races. Currently only 6 races are accessible. Please chose from Dwarves, Humans, Elves, Dark Elves, Kobolds and Orcs. - “Compare all race stats.” A window popped up in front of the young boy. | Comparing all race stats | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Dwarf | Bonus Skill Points (SP)/Stats: Increased Intelligence, Brute Strength, Creativity, Defense. Anti-Stat/SP: Lower Patience and Fighting Power. Would like to know more? | | | | Humans | Bonus SP/Stats: Increased Dexterity. No anti-bonus stats. Would like to know more? | | | | Elves | Bonus SP/Stats: Increased Wisdom, Intelligence, Health, Elemental Affinity. Anti Stat /SP: Low Brute Strength, Fighting Power, Defense. Additional Bonus: Looks of avatar will become more beautiful at every level. Additional Penalty: Cannot choose certain professions. Additional Penalty: Maximum weight carried – 50 Kgs. Additional Penalty: Can only wear light amour. Would like to know more? | | | | Dark Elves | Bonus SP/Stats: Increased Wisdom, Intelligence, Health, Elemental Affinity. Anti Stat /SP: Low Brute Strength, Fighting Power, Defense. Additional Bonus: +1 additional Wisdom with every level gained. Additional Penalty: Cannot choose certain professions. Additional Penalty: Maximum weight carried – 75 Kgs. Additional Penalty: Can only wear medium amour. Additional Bonus: High affinity to dark nature. Additional Penalty: Low resistance to Light nature. Would like to know more? | | | | Orcs | Bonus SP/Stats: Brute Strength, Critical Hit. Anti Stat/SP: Lower intelligence, wisdom and creativity. Additional Bonus: Can wear 6 levels of amour. Additional Bonus: Maximum Stamina +50 base stat every level. Additional Bonus: Critical Hit +0.05% every level. Additional Penalty: Low elemental affinity and resistance. Would like to know more? | | | | Kobolds | Bonus SP/Stats: Brute Strength, Critical Hit. Anti Stat/SP: Lower intelligence, wisdom and creativity. Additional Penalty: Cannot use complex weapons. Additional Bonus: Maximum Stamina +100 base stat every level. Additional Bonus: High affinity to dark nature. Additional Penalty: Low resistance to Light nature. Would like to know more? | | | “Dark Elf Race”. - Select your Elemental Affinity. Royal Road: Elementarem Vim has now 26 elemental affinities. Currently 10 are accessible. Please choose from: Air, Water, Earth, Fire, Force, Life, Neutral. Additional affinities available through leveling up are: Ice (Available through branching of Fire, Water or Earth Elements), Heat (Available through branching of branch of Fire or Air Element), Refined Solid Control (Available through branching of Earth Element only). Please note, your elemental affinity determines your starting location and quests. Elemental Affinities cannot be changed once selected. - “Info menu compare all Elemental Affinity.” | Comparing all elemental affinities | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Air | Can use mana to manipulate air. Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Heat. Information on this element is available only during game play. | | | | Water | Can use mana to manipulate water. Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Ice. Information on this element is available only during game play. | | | | Earth | Can use mana to manipulate earth. Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Refined Solids or in rare cases Ice! Information on this element is available only during game play. | | | | Fire | Can use mana to manipulate Fire. Bonus Stat: Damagedealt is 100% more than other elemental affinities. Anti- Stat: High Impatience.Additional Penalty: Requires a container (can be gained in-game). Through leveling up you can now branch out to use element Heat and in rare cases Ice! Information on this element is available only during game play. | | | | Force | Can use mana to manipulate energy. Bonus Stat: Highresistance to primary elements. | | | | Life | Can use mana to manipulate life. Can be consideredsimilar to priests / healers. | | | | Neutral | Cannot use mana. By selecting neutral affinity, youcan defer your affinity choice. In case you do not select an elemental affinityby level 100, you will be granted with additional bonus SP. Please note, aneutral cannot chose an affinity after level 99. Additional Penalty: Any elementalaffinity selected will suffer from 20% lower attributes. | | | “Water Affinity.” Resonated a confident voice. - You have selected Water Affinity. Please Confirm. – “Confirmed.” - Water Affinity selected. Your affinity can no longer be changed. - - You may alter your appearance. – “No change. Keep as is.” - Are you sure you wish to make no change? – “Yes.” Your account has been activated. – - Would you like to encash Royal Road or other game characters or items for bonus SP? – “No.” - You may upload this information next time. - | Important Message from Unicorn: Complete yourpersonal unique quest, be the strongest player in the world or lead the strongestguild and complete 3 SSS quests. If you fulfill these conditions you will berewarded US $1 billion. Total monetary compensation may increase overtime. New Quest: Defeat Shadow and be rewarded $100 million. Terms and Conditions Apply. | | --- | - Initiating Game, in 5, 4…. – - Welcome to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim. You are currently in the city of Aquaneos. Please look around and feel to request for help as this tutorial will run the background. – With a flash of light, Daemon appeared in Aquaneos. He looked around to find himself in the outskirts of a secluded mountain village. Just like all starting points, close to the spot where he had shown up was a bulletin board exhibiting maps and descriptions of Aquaneos City, and directions on where to head next. He quickly read the history of Aquaneos and then opened a map window to plot the route to the Water Elf Village, his next destination. Originally, Daemon was going to play as a regular Elf, but in a sudden burst of inspiration and spontaneity, he decided to go ahead with the newer option available Dark Elf. The new race had just been unlocked and not much information was available on its stats. However, Daemon was glad that he chose this race. His starting location was a tier 2 city. Usually water element players start in Aqualina and have to travel at least past 3 cities to reach at Aquaneos the capital of the East Water Clan. After he got over his amazement of his crazy spontaneity, he decided to look at his stats and skills. Daemon says “Open Character Window!” His stats were better than he predicted. He had high agility, wisdom and intelligence, but low strength. As he scrolled down the page, he noticed that his bonuses stats related to water dealt 50% more damage and had double the proficiency gain. To top it up his mana conversion stat was 50% more than an ordinary beginner elf. He also noticed that it said his swimming skills were already intermediate level. Daeomon was surprised with the good stats that came with the race. They were certainly better than the regular elf account that he had previously made. Already being familiar with the game, Daemon decided to go to the library as for his first stop. This was because his in his experience the fastest way to learn more about his affinity was in the library. The tutorial’s step by step method of teaching was certainly practical but took forever to complete. Upon entering the Library, Daemon was immediately greeted by a fellow water elf Librarian, “Hello traveler, how may I help you?” “I am looking for books on water and ice affinity.” “I’m sorry, but you don’t even have basic elemental affinity mastery, so I can’t let you see them yet.” “Elemental Affinity Mastery?” Daemon asked suspiciously. This was a first. Last time he chose Earth Elf and there was no such requirement. “Yes before you can learn any intermediate skills related to your elemental affinity, you need to have a base to start from.” “Sigh, is there any way you could let me in to see?” “No, but I can give you this.” Daemon received the book and a pop message went up. - TRRINNNNNG!! - | You received the book, ‘Water Affinity for Dummies’! | | --- | “......For dummies.....” sighed Daemon. “Yes I highly recommend it for beginners in water affinity, since it makes elemental affinity learning not only easy but fun too!” “Sigh, goodbye....” Daemon said without bothering to face the librarian. “Have a nice day!” Chirped back the Librarian. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Special Side Story release. 2. Not sure, but someone wrote this fanfic and gave up on it before ever publishing it. I was given permission to use their material into my story. I didn't think i'd have the opportunity to use it. I hope they never went ahead an really published it. 3. This story is based 1 year from RREVs release. 4. Will now be posting this side story at the end of every volume, till it merges with the main story or finishes. Edit: 5. Added something....to correct mistake. Sorry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1317) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 1: The Return of a Goddess<br><br> <br><br>Connect to Royal Road<br>YES/NO<br> <br>“Yes.”<br> <br>“The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are Erica Silverwood an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?”<br> <br>When Erica was connected to Royal Road, the first sound that reached her ears was a feminine voice.<br> <br>“Yes.”<br> <br>”Welcome to the new account creation miss Erica, My name is Vera one of the sub A.I under Versailles control. I will guide you trough the entire process.”<br> <br>Every employees and people who were associated with Unicorn Corp had their scans data stored in the main data base for security measure, not just iris and vein but also fingerprints, bone structure and DNA, this was done because many people wants Royal Road technology and they would do anything to get it, not only gaming company that want this technology but also goverment, military, NASA, and aiso many underground organizations, they will pay for really high price for whoever that can gave them this technology even the price in the blackmarket had reach over $ 564.000.000,<br> <br>“So you mean, you are working under Versailles ?”<br> <br>“Yes, we the sub A.I were created to support Versailles”<br> <br>“How can that be?, I thought that Versailles was the only A.I that manage Royal Road,”<br> <br>Royal Road was a game that did everything by itself. Any and all actions that the players did in there were automatically coded into a reaction by Versailles. Versailles was the name of the main A.I of Royal Road and her name also used as the name of the continent that the game took place in, She was created by the creator of Royal Road to maintain and manage the game.<br> <br>“Yes. You could say that we are just parts of the main A.I, just like a human who<br>have four limbs, the main A.I also have four sub A.I, so basically we are one.”<br> <br>“Alright then. I would like to create a new account”<br> <br>“Select the name of your avatar.”<br> <br>“Aria.”<br> <br>“Select your gender from male, female or neutral.”<br> <br>“Female.”<br> <br>“Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine.¬”<br> <br>“Human.”<br> <br> <br>“You may alter your appearance.”<br> <br>“The way I am.”<br> <br>“Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road, and because of your status in Unicorn Corp. you have been granted with an additional of 30 stats points and one wish will be granted.”<br> <br>“One wish...”<br> <br>She played Royal Road because she didn’t have anything to do in the real world, she only went to school once a week because her class was a special class for gifted children, so most of the other days she spend it with reading books in the library but a few days ago she finished reading all the books stored in there, and even if she wanted to work, her mother already done most of the works so she didn’t have much to do, she thought about it for a while.<br> <br>“Okay then, are there any class that will let me read a lot of books.”<br> <br>“Yes. I have two hidden class and one forbidden class,”<br> <br>“Forbidden class? Did Royal Road have such a clsss ?”<br> <br>“Yes, Royal Road have forbidden class, actually this clsss was not meant for players, Only NPCs with special status that had this class, if you convert to this class the NPCs will treat you like one of them, not as a player”<br> <br>“I don’t really mind that, which one of them that can let me read more books?” She had a lot time to spend, so the more books to read the better.<br> <br>“The forbidden class. Do you want to convert your msin clsss to this clsss ?”<br> <br>“Yes.”<br> <br>In Royal Road you could have 3 classes, the first one was main class, you could convert into any type of classes (combat, support or production) with additional of 50% bonus of class advantage, for example, mage class profession usually would get class advantage of +20% mana pool but if you convert your main class you would get +50% of additional of class advantage, so if your main class was a mage your class advantage would be an additional of +30% mana pool, your skill mastery would be 50% faster and could reach Grandmaster level of skill mastery, the second one was sub class, you could convert into sny type of classes, get an additional of +20% class advantage and can only reach over to Master level of skill mastery, and the third one was hidden class, in this last class you could only convert into secret/hidden<br>class and wouldn’t get any additional of class advantage but in return you could reach over to True Master level of skill mastery.<br> <br>“You can can convert your main class when you are in game and because of your class, your race has changed. And you cannot choose your starting city,”<br> <br>“Okay”<br> <br>“Do you want-- ”<br> <br>“No thank you.”<br> <br>“You will be sent to your starting city, good luck and welcome to Royal¬ Road,<br> <br>With a flash of light, Suddenly she appeared in front of a tower surrounded by forest. There were no other buildings exept for the tower, the tower was very big and high, it has about 250m diameters and made of very sturdy dark grey stone, There was a really huge wooden door about 5 meters high and 4 meters long, she tried to see the top of the the tower but couldn’t see the end of it,<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Where is this ?</span><br> <br>Suddenly she heard a sound like a bell.<br> <br>*Ting*<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Forbidden Class!</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">If you accept it you cannot change your main class to another class, you can use exclusive skills related to the nature of the class. Do you want to convert now?</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br>“Yes” A bright golden light suddenly enveloping her entire body, she felt something changed inside her.<br> <br>"Open Status Window."<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Aria</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Ancient God</td><td width="25%">Aligment</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Main Class</td><td colspan="3">Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Subclass</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Hidden Class</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">6600</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">6600</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health Regeneration/Sec</td><td width="25%">2,4/Sec</td><td width="25%">Mana Regeneration/Sec</td><td width="25%">2,4/Sec</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">60</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">60</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">60</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">60</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">60</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">60</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">60</td><td width="25%">Divinity</td><td width="25%">150.000</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Unused SP</td><td colspan="3">30</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Resistance</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wind</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Lightning</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">50%</td><td width="25%">Dark</td><td width="25%">50%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Race : Ancient God</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>+1000% Health and Mana.</li><br><li>+500% Health and Mana Regeneration.</li><br><li>+500% All Stats.</li><br><li>+50% All Magic Resistance.</li><br><li>Satisfaction factor, hunger and thirst will never go below 40%.</li><br><li>Penalty for dying reduced by 30% (-70% Exp. -10,5% Skill Mastery and less chance of random item dropped).</li><br><li>Immune to all negative stats.</li><br><li>Gain 400% Exp.</li><br><li>Gain 100 Stats points every level up.</li><br><li>Can use Divine magic.</li><br><li>New stats Divinity</li><br><li>+150.000 Divinity</li></ul><br></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Main Class : Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom(Status : Sealed)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>Infinite mana and mana Regeneration.</li><br><li>Infinite wisdom and intelligence.</li><br><li>Absorb all magic attack.</li><br><li>Instant spell casting.</li><br><li>Instant skills and magics cool down.</li><br><li>All skill mastery to maximum (True Master)</li><br><li>Enable you to learn unlimited number of skills and magics</li><br><li>Enable you to learn any skills and magics of any classes.</li><br><li>+500 All stats</li><br><li>Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class( Can’t be sealed).</li><br><li>Enables you to learn secret skills based on your class (Can’t be sealed).</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Divinity</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>You may negotiate with the other gods for equal terms.</li><br><li>You can force monsters and NPCs to obey your command. (Depends on their fighting spirit)</li><br><li>Any monsters and NPCs will not attack you if you didn’t provoke or attack them first. (Depends on their fighting spirit)</li><br><li>Increase the effect of your skills greatly.</li><br><li>When fighting with enemies that have lower levels than yours, they will be unable to move and weakened greatly. (Depends on their fighting spirit).</li><br><li>When fighting with enemies that have higher levels than yours, they will be weakened greatly (Depends on their fighting spirit).<br> <br>You cannot assign points to this stat, and it arbitrarily rises according to the user’s actions and number of your believers.</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>She was speechless when she saw her status window, her race and class gave her insanely stats and advantage for level one player.<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">No wonder that no players could convert into forbidden class, this class is basically cheating, a player that become a god. Even if my class power was still in sealed status, my race already gave me more than enough advantage to become the strongest player in Royal Road. Are gods in Royal Road this powerfull ?.</span><br> <br>She was deep in thought when she heard another sound<br> <br>“Ting!”<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You are the first player to discover Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom realm.<br> <br>+ 5000 Fame</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">So I was in my own class realm, let’s just go inside the tower maybe I could find someone there.</span> <br>She walked towards the huge door but when she got close to it, she felt something strange coming from the door, she tried to put her palm to the door and then suddenly a bright golden line appeared on the surface of the door, the line spread out very quickly covering the entire door creating some sort of runic symbol, when the runic symbol disappeared the door was slowly move by itself.<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">What was that? Is that some sort of seal ?</span><br> <br>She walked slowly into the tower, she kept walking along the hallway and saw before her was a huge room filled with thousand shelves of books.<br> <br>“Ting!”<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You are the first player to discover Babel Tower<br> <br>Babel tower was the sacred place of Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom, this tower also known as the biggest library in the Versailles continent, all the knowledge that exist in the Versailles continent were stored in this library.<br> <br>+ 6500 Fame<br>+ 100 Int<br>+ 100 Wis</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>She walked deeper into the room, when she reached the center of the room, in there she found a book floating in the air inside a circle of light, the size of the book was just like a mid-size normal book with golden cover, she walked over the circle of light and grabbed the book that was floating in the air and saw the runic symbol in the front cover, it was the same symbol as the symbol that appeared in the huge door. She opened the book and start reading.<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Ancient History (1)<br> <br>In the Ancient time, war between two faction of gods had brought world into chaos, the first faction was led by Odin God of Light and Justice and the second faction was led by Loki God of Darkness and Destruction, the other gods were forced to join one of the faction if they didn’t want to be destroyed by the two faction and only one Goddess who refused to join. Goddes Aria who govern over knowledge and wisdom, the two factions who feared her power and knowledge decided to destroy her and took over her realm, Goddess Aria know that she was in danger decided to seal her realm so that no one could use the knowledge stored inside her realm for war and she disappeared without a tracee, no one ever saw her again after that.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>“Ting!”<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have returned to your realm<br> <br>You’ve gain control over your realm, you can open your realm status window, you can create and rebuild your realm.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>“Ting!”<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You learned 5 new skills<br>+ Divine Aura<br>+ Goddess Aria Blessing<br>+ Goddess Aria True Eyes<br>+ Summon<br>+ Goddess Aria True Power</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>“Open Skill Window.”<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Divine Aura(Passive)(True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Emitting Divine aura that only belong to god/goddess and control it to protect/defend or attack your enemy.<br> <br>+ Can be manipulated and shaped/created into any object permanently (weapons, armors. Accessory, etc).<br>+ Manipulation range 4,5 km.<br>+ Damage +400% to evil creatures.<br> <br>Mana cost : Manipulation 25/sec (Depends on size and ranga)<br>Creation 500/object (Depends on size and quality)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Goddess Aria Blessing(Active)(True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Blessing from Goddess Aria who govern over knowledge and wisdom.<br> <br>+ 300% Health and Health Regeneration for 1 day.<br>+ 500% Mana and Mana Regeneration for 1 day.<br>+ 400% Int and Wis for 1 day.<br>+ 50% All Elemental Magic Resistance for 1 day.<br>+ Immune to Silence stats for 1 day.<br> <br>Mana Cost : 1000</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Goddess Aria True Eyes (Passive) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">One of Goddess Aria special skills that could see trough anything, this skill was one of the reason why Odin and Loki feared her.<br> <br>+Enable you to see clearly in any condition.<br>+Enable you to see something that are invisible, hidden, and at a great distance clearly.<br>+Enable you to read any languages and increase reading speed by 100 times faster.<br>+Enable you to identify/scan any kind of objects, NPCs, monsters and players.<br> <br>Mana cost : 0</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Summon (Passive) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">This skill will allow you to summon anything that exist in your realm.<br> <br>+ Enable you to summon any object.<br>+ Enable you to summon monster.<br>+ Enable you to summon NPC or player.<br>+ Enable you to re-summon your summoned back to your realm<br>+ Enable you to summon unlimited numbers of objects, monsters, Npcs, and players as long as they are ln your realm.<br> <br>Mana cost : 100/Object/Monster/NPC/Player. (Depends on size and level)</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Goddess Aria True Power (Passive) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Goddess Aria know that she was too powerful even among the gods, so she created this skill to suppress her own power so that no one will feared her. This was the second reason why Odin and Loki feared her.<br> <br>You can release the seal that bind your true power and gain full advantage of your class, this power will last until you sealed it again.<br> <br>Unsealing the power Mana Cost : 4000<br>Sealing the power Mana Cost : 0</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Even my skill mastery had reached the top level, this class was really insane, I should becareful not to let anyone see my status window.</span><br> <br>In Royal Road there were a few levels of skill and magic mastery, from Beginner – Intermediate – Advance – Master – Grand Master – True Master, it was usually very hard and need a very long time to reached True Master level, but because her class she reached it instantly.<br> <br>The book in her hand begun to move and jumped into the air starting to float again.<br> <br>“Welcome back, my lady.” The book was starting to talk like a butler.<br> <br>“.....”stared<br> <br>“Um. My lady are you alright?”<br> <br>She was startled because the book suddenly talking to her, because of that she couldn’t react in time to answer.<br> <br>“Who are you?, no more importantly what are you?” She stared at the book with curiosity.<br> <br>“.....So you really don’t remember me, I am very sorry my lady, it seems that your memory was erased when you sealed yourself. let me introduce myself my name is Babel.”<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">My memories was erased? what the hell this book was talking about, I have my memories perfectly fine.... wait didn’t Vera said that I will be treated like NPC by the other NPCs, is this what it means. I am not Aria as a player but I am Goddess Aria as a Npc.</span><br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Now that you mention it, my character name was the same as the goddess name in that ancient history, did the game change the goddess name to my character name ?.</span><br> <br>“Babel?. Is’t that this tower name.”<br> <br>“Yes, I am the Babel tower and Babel tower is me, we are one existence, let’s just say I am the book version of Babel Tower and I have been your servant since I was created.”<br> <br>“You said before that my memories was erased, what happen to me when I was disappeared?”<br> <br>“You sealed yourself using a few combinations of forbidden magic and secret techniques, it was the same magic that you used to seal this realm. It might be fine for you to use it once, but at that time you already exhausted most of your power to seal this realm and the side effect of using that magic twice was...” Babel didn’t finish his sentence.<br> <br>“I am very sorry my lady, if at that time I could do something to help you, your memory...” from his voice Erica could feel a deep regret.<br> <br>“It’s okay. What happen to the war ?”<br> <br>“Ah yes, after you disappeared Odin and Loki went to an all-out war, Odin defeated Loki and imprison him at a hidden dungeon, the gods who follow Loki were scattered around, hiding themself and waiting for a chance to strike back.”<br> <br>“So, the war isn’t over yet.”<br> <br>“Yes, and if the other gods find out that you are back....”<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">He is right if the other gods find out about this, they will force me to join their faction or destroy me. What should I do now ?</span><br> <br>“My lady there is only one way to avoid the other gods.”<br> <br>“How?”<br> <br>“Mortal World realm.”<br> <br>Royal Road was divided into three main realms, Uppeworld realm, Mortalworld realm and Underworld realm. Upperworld realm was a world where gods live, in this realm a god could create their own realm or territory, Mortal World realm was a world where human, elf, dwarf and many other mortal races live, and Underworld realm was a world where the dead live. Erica had read this before in the general history of Royal Road.<br> <br>“What about it ?”<br> <br>“We just need to move this realm to Mortal World realm.”<br> <br>Erica eyes were widen when she heard that, she also had read that Gods were forbidden to Mortal World realm, if they went to Mortal World realm they will lose their divine power.<br> <br>“Well, that’s maybe the only way to avoid the other gods, but is that even possible. Even if it’s possible won’t I lose my divine power?”<br> <br>“It will be fine. Since you sealed this realm, I had been researching for a way to avoid being in the same situation as the last time, where you must sealed this realm and yourself.”<br> <br>“Alright then, when we move this realm ?”<br> <br>“I am afraid we must move now, I have sense about 50.000 holy aura and 2 divine aura heading towards this realm, I guess that when you release the seal of this realm, the other gods must have sense it and send their army to attack this realm,”<br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">“Sigh” I guess, I am the only player that was chased by an army of 50.000 on their first day of playing Royal Road, Ugh... this class really makes me crazy, I am starting to regret converting into this class.</span><br> <br>“What are you waiting for? Lets do it now.” She didn’t want to be killed or get thrown into a dungeon on her first day in game.<br> <br>“Yes my lady.” </div>

Chapter 1: The Return of a Goddess Connect to Royal Road YES/NO “Yes.” “The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are Erica Silverwood an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?” When Erica was connected to Royal Road, the first sound that reached her ears was a feminine voice. “Yes.” ”Welcome to the new account creation miss Erica, My name is Vera one of the sub A.I under Versailles control. I will guide you trough the entire process.” Every employees and people who were associated with Unicorn Corp had their scans data stored in the main data base for security measure, not just iris and vein but also fingerprints, bone structure and DNA, this was done because many people wants Royal Road technology and they would do anything to get it, not only gaming company that want this technology but also goverment, military, NASA, and aiso many underground organizations, they will pay for really high price for whoever that can gave them this technology even the price in the blackmarket had reach over $ 564.000.000, “So you mean, you are working under Versailles ?” “Yes, we the sub A.I were created to support Versailles” “How can that be?, I thought that Versailles was the only A.I that manage Royal Road,” Royal Road was a game that did everything by itself. Any and all actions that the players did in there were automatically coded into a reaction by Versailles. Versailles was the name of the main A.I of Royal Road and her name also used as the name of the continent that the game took place in, She was created by the creator of Royal Road to maintain and manage the game. “Yes. You could say that we are just parts of the main A.I, just like a human who have four limbs, the main A.I also have four sub A.I, so basically we are one.” “Alright then. I would like to create a new account” “Select the name of your avatar.” “Aria.” “Select your gender from male, female or neutral.” “Female.” “Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine.¬” “Human.” “You may alter your appearance.” “The way I am.” “Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road, and because of your status in Unicorn Corp. you have been granted with an additional of 30 stats points and one wish will be granted.” “One wish...” She played Royal Road because she didn’t have anything to do in the real world, she only went to school once a week because her class was a special class for gifted children, so most of the other days she spend it with reading books in the library but a few days ago she finished reading all the books stored in there, and even if she wanted to work, her mother already done most of the works so she didn’t have much to do, she thought about it for a while. “Okay then, are there any class that will let me read a lot of books.” “Yes. I have two hidden class and one forbidden class,” “Forbidden class? Did Royal Road have such a clsss ?” “Yes, Royal Road have forbidden class, actually this clsss was not meant for players, Only NPCs with special status that had this class, if you convert to this class the NPCs will treat you like one of them, not as a player” “I don’t really mind that, which one of them that can let me read more books?” She had a lot time to spend, so the more books to read the better. “The forbidden class. Do you want to convert your msin clsss to this clsss ?” “Yes.” In Royal Road you could have 3 classes, the first one was main class, you could convert into any type of classes (combat, support or production) with additional of 50% bonus of class advantage, for example, mage class profession usually would get class advantage of +20% mana pool but if you convert your main class you would get +50% of additional of class advantage, so if your main class was a mage your class advantage would be an additional of +30% mana pool, your skill mastery would be 50% faster and could reach Grandmaster level of skill mastery, the second one was sub class, you could convert into sny type of classes, get an additional of +20% class advantage and can only reach over to Master level of skill mastery, and the third one was hidden class, in this last class you could only convert into secret/hidden class and wouldn’t get any additional of class advantage but in return you could reach over to True Master level of skill mastery. “You can can convert your main class when you are in game and because of your class, your race has changed. And you cannot choose your starting city,” “Okay” “Do you want-- ” “No thank you.” “You will be sent to your starting city, good luck and welcome to Royal¬ Road, With a flash of light, Suddenly she appeared in front of a tower surrounded by forest. There were no other buildings exept for the tower, the tower was very big and high, it has about 250m diameters and made of very sturdy dark grey stone, There was a really huge wooden door about 5 meters high and 4 meters long, she tried to see the top of the the tower but couldn’t see the end of it, Where is this ? Suddenly she heard a sound like a bell. *Ting* | Forbidden Class! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | If you accept it you cannot change your main class to another class, you can use exclusive skills related to the nature of the class. Do you want to convert now? | | | | “Yes” A bright golden light suddenly enveloping her entire body, she felt something changed inside her. "Open Status Window." | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Aria | Title | N/A | | Race | Ancient God | Aligment | Neutral | | Main Class | Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom | | | | Subclass | N/A | | | | Hidden Class | N/A | | | | Level | 1 | Fame | 0 | | Health | 6600 | Mana | 6600 | | Health Regeneration/Sec | 2,4/Sec | Mana Regeneration/Sec | 2,4/Sec | | Strength | 60 | Agility | 60 | | Wisdom | 60 | Intelligence | 60 | | Stamina | 60 | Vitality | 60 | | Luck | 60 | Divinity | 150.000 | | Unused SP | 30 | | | | Magic Resistance | | | | | Fire | 50% | Water | 50% | | Wind | 50% | Earth | 50% | | Lightning | 50% | Neutral | 50% | | Holy | 50% | Dark | 50% | | Race : Ancient God | | | | | * +1000% Health and Mana. * +500% Health and Mana Regeneration. * +500% All Stats. * +50% All Magic Resistance. * Satisfaction factor, hunger and thirst will never go below 40%. * Penalty for dying reduced by 30% (-70% Exp. -10,5% Skill Mastery and less chance of random item dropped). * Immune to all negative stats. * Gain 400% Exp. * Gain 100 Stats points every level up. * Can use Divine magic. * New stats Divinity * +150.000 Divinity | | | | | Main Class : Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom(Status : Sealed) | | | | | * Infinite mana and mana Regeneration. * Infinite wisdom and intelligence. * Absorb all magic attack. * Instant spell casting. * Instant skills and magics cool down. * All skill mastery to maximum (True Master) * Enable you to learn unlimited number of skills and magics * Enable you to learn any skills and magics of any classes. * +500 All stats * Enables you to equip certain items specialized for the class( Can’t be sealed). * Enables you to learn secret skills based on your class (Can’t be sealed). | | | | | Divinity | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * You may negotiate with the other gods for equal terms. * You can force monsters and NPCs to obey your command. (Depends on their fighting spirit) * Any monsters and NPCs will not attack you if you didn’t provoke or attack them first. (Depends on their fighting spirit) * Increase the effect of your skills greatly. * When fighting with enemies that have lower levels than yours, they will be unable to move and weakened greatly. (Depends on their fighting spirit). * When fighting with enemies that have higher levels than yours, they will be weakened greatly (Depends on their fighting spirit). You cannot assign points to this stat, and it arbitrarily rises according to the user’s actions and number of your believers. | | | | She was speechless when she saw her status window, her race and class gave her insanely stats and advantage for level one player. No wonder that no players could convert into forbidden class, this class is basically cheating, a player that become a god. Even if my class power was still in sealed status, my race already gave me more than enough advantage to become the strongest player in Royal Road. Are gods in Royal Road this powerfull ?. She was deep in thought when she heard another sound “Ting!” | You are the first player to discover Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom realm. + 5000 Fame | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | So I was in my own class realm, let’s just go inside the tower maybe I could find someone there. She walked towards the huge door but when she got close to it, she felt something strange coming from the door, she tried to put her palm to the door and then suddenly a bright golden line appeared on the surface of the door, the line spread out very quickly covering the entire door creating some sort of runic symbol, when the runic symbol disappeared the door was slowly move by itself. What was that? Is that some sort of seal ? She walked slowly into the tower, she kept walking along the hallway and saw before her was a huge room filled with thousand shelves of books. “Ting!” | You are the first player to discover Babel Tower Babel tower was the sacred place of Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom, this tower also known as the biggest library in the Versailles continent, all the knowledge that exist in the Versailles continent were stored in this library. + 6500 Fame+ 100 Int+ 100 Wis | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | She walked deeper into the room, when she reached the center of the room, in there she found a book floating in the air inside a circle of light, the size of the book was just like a mid-size normal book with golden cover, she walked over the circle of light and grabbed the book that was floating in the air and saw the runic symbol in the front cover, it was the same symbol as the symbol that appeared in the huge door. She opened the book and start reading. | Ancient History (1) In the Ancient time, war between two faction of gods had brought world into chaos, the first faction was led by Odin God of Light and Justice and the second faction was led by Loki God of Darkness and Destruction, the other gods were forced to join one of the faction if they didn’t want to be destroyed by the two faction and only one Goddess who refused to join. Goddes Aria who govern over knowledge and wisdom, the two factions who feared her power and knowledge decided to destroy her and took over her realm, Goddess Aria know that she was in danger decided to seal her realm so that no one could use the knowledge stored inside her realm for war and she disappeared without a tracee, no one ever saw her again after that. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Ting!” | You have returned to your realm You’ve gain control over your realm, you can open your realm status window, you can create and rebuild your realm. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Ting!” | You learned 5 new skills+ Divine Aura+ Goddess Aria Blessing+ Goddess Aria True Eyes+ Summon+ Goddess Aria True Power | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | “Open Skill Window.” | Divine Aura(Passive)(True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Emitting Divine aura that only belong to god/goddess and control it to protect/defend or attack your enemy. + Can be manipulated and shaped/created into any object permanently (weapons, armors. Accessory, etc).+ Manipulation range 4,5 km.+ Damage +400% to evil creatures. Mana cost : Manipulation 25/sec (Depends on size and ranga)Creation 500/object (Depends on size and quality) | | | | | Goddess Aria Blessing(Active)(True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Blessing from Goddess Aria who govern over knowledge and wisdom. + 300% Health and Health Regeneration for 1 day.+ 500% Mana and Mana Regeneration for 1 day.+ 400% Int and Wis for 1 day.+ 50% All Elemental Magic Resistance for 1 day.+ Immune to Silence stats for 1 day. Mana Cost : 1000 | | | | | Goddess Aria True Eyes (Passive) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | One of Goddess Aria special skills that could see trough anything, this skill was one of the reason why Odin and Loki feared her. +Enable you to see clearly in any condition.+Enable you to see something that are invisible, hidden, and at a great distance clearly.+Enable you to read any languages and increase reading speed by 100 times faster.+Enable you to identify/scan any kind of objects, NPCs, monsters and players. Mana cost : 0 | | | | | Summon (Passive) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | This skill will allow you to summon anything that exist in your realm. + Enable you to summon any object.+ Enable you to summon monster.+ Enable you to summon NPC or player.+ Enable you to re-summon your summoned back to your realm+ Enable you to summon unlimited numbers of objects, monsters, Npcs, and players as long as they are ln your realm. Mana cost : 100/Object/Monster/NPC/Player. (Depends on size and level) | | | | | Goddess Aria True Power (Passive) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Goddess Aria know that she was too powerful even among the gods, so she created this skill to suppress her own power so that no one will feared her. This was the second reason why Odin and Loki feared her. You can release the seal that bind your true power and gain full advantage of your class, this power will last until you sealed it again. Unsealing the power Mana Cost : 4000Sealing the power Mana Cost : 0 | | | | Even my skill mastery had reached the top level, this class was really insane, I should becareful not to let anyone see my status window. In Royal Road there were a few levels of skill and magic mastery, from Beginner – Intermediate – Advance – Master – Grand Master – True Master, it was usually very hard and need a very long time to reached True Master level, but because her class she reached it instantly. The book in her hand begun to move and jumped into the air starting to float again. “Welcome back, my lady.” The book was starting to talk like a butler. “.....”stared “Um. My lady are you alright?” She was startled because the book suddenly talking to her, because of that she couldn’t react in time to answer. “Who are you?, no more importantly what are you?” She stared at the book with curiosity. “.....So you really don’t remember me, I am very sorry my lady, it seems that your memory was erased when you sealed yourself. let me introduce myself my name is Babel.” My memories was erased? what the hell this book was talking about, I have my memories perfectly fine.... wait didn’t Vera said that I will be treated like NPC by the other NPCs, is this what it means. I am not Aria as a player but I am Goddess Aria as a Npc. Now that you mention it, my character name was the same as the goddess name in that ancient history, did the game change the goddess name to my character name ?. “Babel?. Is’t that this tower name.” “Yes, I am the Babel tower and Babel tower is me, we are one existence, let’s just say I am the book version of Babel Tower and I have been your servant since I was created.” “You said before that my memories was erased, what happen to me when I was disappeared?” “You sealed yourself using a few combinations of forbidden magic and secret techniques, it was the same magic that you used to seal this realm. It might be fine for you to use it once, but at that time you already exhausted most of your power to seal this realm and the side effect of using that magic twice was...” Babel didn’t finish his sentence. “I am very sorry my lady, if at that time I could do something to help you, your memory...” from his voice Erica could feel a deep regret. “It’s okay. What happen to the war ?” “Ah yes, after you disappeared Odin and Loki went to an all-out war, Odin defeated Loki and imprison him at a hidden dungeon, the gods who follow Loki were scattered around, hiding themself and waiting for a chance to strike back.” “So, the war isn’t over yet.” “Yes, and if the other gods find out that you are back....” He is right if the other gods find out about this, they will force me to join their faction or destroy me. What should I do now ? “My lady there is only one way to avoid the other gods.” “How?” “Mortal World realm.” Royal Road was divided into three main realms, Uppeworld realm, Mortalworld realm and Underworld realm. Upperworld realm was a world where gods live, in this realm a god could create their own realm or territory, Mortal World realm was a world where human, elf, dwarf and many other mortal races live, and Underworld realm was a world where the dead live. Erica had read this before in the general history of Royal Road. “What about it ?” “We just need to move this realm to Mortal World realm.” Erica eyes were widen when she heard that, she also had read that Gods were forbidden to Mortal World realm, if they went to Mortal World realm they will lose their divine power. “Well, that’s maybe the only way to avoid the other gods, but is that even possible. Even if it’s possible won’t I lose my divine power?” “It will be fine. Since you sealed this realm, I had been researching for a way to avoid being in the same situation as the last time, where you must sealed this realm and yourself.” “Alright then, when we move this realm ?” “I am afraid we must move now, I have sense about 50.000 holy aura and 2 divine aura heading towards this realm, I guess that when you release the seal of this realm, the other gods must have sense it and send their army to attack this realm,” “Sigh” I guess, I am the only player that was chased by an army of 50.000 on their first day of playing Royal Road, Ugh... this class really makes me crazy, I am starting to regret converting into this class. “What are you waiting for? Lets do it now.” She didn’t want to be killed or get thrown into a dungeon on her first day in game. “Yes my lady.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 2 Stupid Uncle Thomas!<br><br>==============================================================================================================================<br><br>Kayle entered the forest and started trekking. He had been given information on a flower that Uncle Thomas wanted that had medicinal properties. A five-petalled flower which could grow to over 100 centimeters in diameter and weigh over 10 kilograms. The flower was red in color, looked and smelled like rotting flesh, and its foul odor attracted insects such as flies. Kayle thought that he could locate the flower easily due to its size and foul odor, so he decided to explore around.<br><br>He had absolutely no sense of direction, and walked deeper into the woods. The chirping of birds, singing of insects, and cries of animals could be heard. However, not a single animal was within sight. After two hours of walking aimlessly, he spotted the ruins of a fallen kingdom. As his curiosity arose, he started to walk faster towards the ruin, hoping to discover something.<br><br>As he picked up speed, he tripped over something, and fell forward.<br><br>“Ouch!”<br><br>Sprawled across the moist grass, his hands caught something. He tilted his head and saw a skeleton in front of him. The skeleton had his head tilted up as well, seemingly looking at Kayle’s eyes while sprawled across the moist grass like him. Kayle’s hands was firmly holding onto the corpse’s hand. His face immediately turned pale and, he screamed at the top of his voice. After screaming, he fainted immediately, in front of the corpse.<br><br>The sun had started setting by the time he woke up. He was getting up when he saw the skeleton, and shot upright in fear. <br><br>He remembered his sister’s words during the hungry ghost festival,“If you misbehave and offend the dead, they will punish and hunt you!”, as he walked down the streets with his eldest sister, Caitlyn. Food offerings could be seen at the roadside, joss sticks and incense that had been burnt was left untouched. Unluckily, that night, Kayle had a night terror, he dreamt of the spirits of the dead chasing after him after he had stepped on the incense and offerings. He thrashed his limbs around, kicking wildly and screaming at the top of his voice. He even kicked Caitlyn, and saw a large bruise on Caitlyn’s eye, which at least lightened his mood.<br><br>After his night terror, he remembered Caitlyn comforting him by telling him, “If you respect the dead, they will respect you.”<br><br>Thus, he took out the spade from his inventory and started digging. After the sky turned dark, he finally dug a grave, carefully laid the corpse inside and started filling the grave up with earth. He then found a large stump and obtained a small piece of wood after cutting 3 centimeters of the wood away. After finishing carving “Grave of”, he heard a voice beside him saying “Yorick”. The atmosphere turned cold, the rustle of leaves of a tree could be heard as the birds flew up to the sky. He slowly turned his face around, and saw a ghastly figure of a young elven warrior. His face turned pale and his fingers started shaking.<br><br>“Go on, write my name for me,” the ghastly figure spoke.<br><br>After the completion of the grave, the spirit laughed heartily.<br><br>“I can finally rest in peace! Young adventurer, since you forgot to bury my sword, you can have it.”<br>The spirited faded away after touching his sword, which was originally lying on the ground, 50 centimeters in front of him, and a system message popped up.<br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have buried Samurai Master Yorick.<br>Reward 200 Fame.<br>Gained familiarity with Spirits.<br>Unless provoked, Spirits will not show hostility towards you.<br>New Skill: Spirit Talk</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Spirit Talk<br>Able to converse with Spirits, thus gaining knowledge, wisdom, information and requests from them.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br>As Kayle picked up the katana, it seemed to grow, and system messages appeared.<br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained the wisdom of Master Samurai Yorick through the sword.<br>Unique skill Iaijutsu[1] moved under Skill Iaido.<br>You have learned Skill: Iaido.<br>Unique skill Dual Wielding changed into Nit?jutsu.<br>You have learned Skill: Nit?jutsu.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Iaido[1]<br>The user learns to draw the sword from the sheath in a controlled, fluid motion, striking or cutting the opponent, and then replacing the sword back into the sheath.<br>Iaijutsu<br>Base damage +100%<br>Able to perform a lightning quick iaijutsu strike against the target, to inflict devastating wounds immediately after drawing the sword.<br>Can only be performed before unsheathing one’s weapon.<br>Mana cost: 25</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Nit?jutsu[4]<br>The user learns the art of using two swords, or a sword and the use of a dagger offhand.<br>Increases Attack Power by 20%<br>Increases Attack Speed by 8%<br>Able to create own swordplay techniques. Power and mana cost will be determined by system.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br>“Item stats window,”Kayle brought up the stats of the sword.<br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rusty Taichi<br>Durability: 34/50<br>Damage 14-16<br>An unidentified sword once used by Master Samurai Yorick, this sword seems to give out an aura, however, it is unidentified at the moment. It has also rusted over the centuries, thus losing most of its power and durability. However, a skilled blacksmith might be able to repair it.<br>Equip:<br>+10 STR<br>+10 AGI<br>Requirement:<br>STR 50+<br>AGI 50+<br>VIT 50+</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br> <br>Kayle immediately equipped the rusty long sword into his main hand and move the other to his off-hand. Kayle noticed that the moon was already high up in the sky, and started collecting mushrooms and fruits for his dinner. Using the knowledge he had gotten from Uncle Thomas, he managed to gather many edible mushroom and fruits. He used the stump from before as a chopping board, and sliced the mushrooms into small pieces using the Hard Iron Sword, instead of the Rusty longsword, as he feared that it might lead to rust poisoning if he did. Next, he left the mushrooms on the edge of the stump, and squeezed the juices from the fruits into the pot. He then set up a campfire using matchsticks, and brought the juices to a boil. After it had started boiling, he threw the mushrooms in and stirred using his Hard Iron Sword. The aroma soon spread, and animals gathered around him. Looking at the animals, he took out some bowls and shared his dinner with them. After a dinner together with the animals, he conversed with them and learned the story of the ruins in front of him, passed down for generations.<br><br>The ruins were once a prosperous Elven kingdom two centuries ago, whose King was a tamer, and every beast in this forest knew his mighty codename, George of the Jungle. The king led his people into a golden age, and people soon travelled to the elven kingdom, lured by its wealth and prosperity. The neighboring kingdom soon experienced a brain drain, as their local talents left to get a better living. As time flew, the surrounding kingdoms grew jealous and blamed the Elven Kingdom, Kyonin, for their declining economies. The Dwarves, Halflings and Kobolds kingdoms got together and founded the “Trinity Force”, which declared a war against King George. The war ended in a month. They had sieged Kyonin daily, utilising the technology of the Dwarves, the small and swift Halflings, and lastly, with the ferocity of the Kobold. With their powers combined, they succeeded in sieging the city. The kingdom was then looted, and almost everyone was killed.<br><br>After conversing with the animals, he also found out that King George had left something important, which the Trinity Force never found. The animals then urged Kayle to find it. Kayle fought in his mind about whether he should enter or not. The ruins of the fallen kingdom looked menacing. He was afraid of ghosts and feared that he would disturb them. They might even think that he was one of the Trinity Force and attack him, as he looked like a Halfling due to his height.<br><br>He stood outside the castle hesitating, and received a headbutt from a reindeer, pushing him forward.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You are the first to discover the Ruins of Kyonin.<br><br>Rewards:<br>Fame increased by 200.<br>For a week, the rewards and experience in the village are doubled.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As Kayle sees the word “Quest” sweat form on his forehead, he look around and could see skeletons all over the area. The reindeer pushed him to get him to move on, and he started walking down the dead silent road. He heard the loud clank of metal chains, and turned his head. To his horror, the drawbridge had drawn up, and the gates had started closing. White figures soon appeared around him…<br><br>He hugged the reindeer tightly with his eyes shut. He could feel the ghosts touch him, and his hair stood up. <br>Then, a voice sounded beside his ears,<br><br>“Hello, you can see us right?”<br><br>It was a peaceful tone, and Kayle slowly opened his eyes while trembling.<br><br>He saw an Elven lady with an Elven child on his left, while more Spirits started materializing.<br><br>The child opened his small mouth and asked, “Why are you trembling? Are you afraid of us?”<br><br>Remembering Caitlyn’s teaching of respecting the dead, he stopped trembling and timidly said no.<br><br>“Since you are not afraid of us, can you help us?”<br><br>A quest message popped out.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Suppressing the evil Spirits.<br>You have been tasked with defeating the evil Spirits of the Trinity Force who are inside the castle. <br>Number of Spirits: 50.<br>Difficulty C<br>Reward:<br>Familiarity with Elves and Spirits increase greatly.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Kayle hesitated before replying, “How do I kill a Spirit?” <br>When he tried to touch the Elven child, his fingers passed through.<br><br>“Your Taichi will cut through them,” the lady Elf replied.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have accepted the quest.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Kayle then asked, “How can I, alone, fight against 50 Spirits?”<br><br>The Elven lady smiled and said, “I will get some warrior Spirits to help you.”<br><br>“Thanks,” he replied.<br><br>10 Elven Spirits appeared before him, with weapons that he could see through. He then asked them to lead the way. He asked the reindeer not to follow him as he would be fighting, and asked it to play with the little elves. He then proceeded on his way towards the castle. On the way there, his new sword resonated strongly as he walked pass a blacksmith shop. Feeling curious, he asked the Spirits to wait. and he entered the shop. He saw a glow from inside the forge furnace, and went to take a peek. As he could hardly make out what it was, he reached his hands inside and pulled out a dagger.<br><br>“Item stats window!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Rusty Tant?<br>Durability: 33/40<br>Damage 5-8<br>An unidentified Tant? that resonates when brought near a Taichi. Both seem to have a connection with each other. This dagger seems to give out an aura. As it has rusted over the centuries, it has lost most of its power and durability, however, a skilled blacksmith can repair it.<br>Equip:<br>+5 STR<br>+15 AGI<br>Requirement:<br>STR 50+<br>AGI 50+<br>VIT 50+</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>He equipped the Tant? to his off-hand and left the forge, not realising that the Spirit of a blacksmith was staring at him.<br><br>Before entering the castle, he got the Spirit of a cat to scout for him, with his Spirit Talk and Beast Conversation. The cat soon returned and reported the news to them. There were 7 spirits, consisting of 4 Kobolds and 3 Halflings, and 5 large Forest Spiders inside, near to the entrance. Kayle then gathered the Spirits and split them into pairs. Taking advantage of their numbers, they would flank the enemy while Kayle would distract two spirits. As for the Spiders, Kayle planned to get the cats to attract their attention while Kayle and the warriors fought the Spirits. They peep in through the window to take a look, the hall was filled with skeletons, corroded swords and armor.<br><br>Kayle first sent the cats in, to get the attention of both Spiders and Spirits. While the Spirits were distracted, he jumped in through the window and landed silently, while his minions walked through the walls. They ran silently across the hallway and prepared for a surprise attack.<br><br>“Iaijutsu!” Kayle shouted, unsheathing his sword and his dagger at the same time, he struck a Kobold’s neck with the sword after fully drawing it. <br><br>[Critical Hit!] <br><br>A system message popped out, however it had only taken a small fragment of the Kobold’s life. The difference between their levels was huge, back in the forest, Kayle hadn’t been attacked by beasts, so he was still level one. <br><br>With a sidestep, he moved past the Spirit he had first striked, and slashed another Spirit behind it. With two aggo on him, he had to be extremely careful. Two hits from the Spirits might even kill him, due to their difference in level and his newbie basic clothes. Maneuvering around the hallway, he used his dagger to parry while using the sword to counter. After 20 minutes of fighting defensively, he had only managed to only bring down one Spirit to ½ health, and still avoid being hit, due to his talent of martial arts, which had passed down from both parents. He managed to land the last hit on 3 Spirits that his minions had been fighting, as he was throwing his tant? sneakily or sliding around the hall while cunningly outmaneuvering his opponent . <br>From delivering the last hits, his level skyrocketed to level 13. He ordered the Spirits to aggro his opponents for a minute while he quickly raised both his STR and AGI by 30. As soon as he had increased his stats, he jumped back into the fray and dealt the last hit to the remaining Spirits. After finishing off the Spirits, he turned his head and found the area where the Spiders were, which were filled with webs. As the webs could affect his maneuvering, he asked the Spirits to lure the Spiders over one by one. Kayle’s party stomped the 5 Spiders, and he started clearing the webs and followed the cat that had previously scouted. From his first fight, he manage to learn a maneuver skill, Cunning Feet, and also raised his level to 19. After distributing 8 points into VIT, and 22 points into AGI, he decided to check his new skill.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Cunning Feet[1]<br>Increases evasion through unpredictable movements together with speed and skills.<br>Increases movement speed in battle by 1%.<br>Increases evasion rate by 1%.<br>Increases chance of performing critical hits through openings in enemy’s defense by 1%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Feeling satisfied with his current progress, he walked into the left wing of the castle. The left wing of the castle was mostly choked with rubble, making it a difficult terrain to fight in. Five Spirits were spotted, and Kayle’s party charged into melee range. Under the bright moonlight, Kayle had an easier time fighting, as his vision had significantly improved from the hallway, which had low light. <br><br>He danced around the rubble looking for a chance to sneak attack, and was able to attack precise spots that resulted in critical hits. Using the dagger, he directed the Kobold’s sword to the side, creating an opening, and slashed deeply. Kayle leapt back, then dashed forward with great speed, taking advantage of the Kobold after it had lost its footings after the slash. With great accuracy, he pierced the sword through its heart and slashed its neck diagonally with the dagger, scoring two critical hits. As the Spirit faded away, Kayle could sense an incoming attack from his left side. He tumbled to the right to avoid it, but ended up rolling down a hill-shaped pile of rubble. When he got up, the fight had ended, and he found himself beside a spiral staircase. Kayle decided to take a rest on the steps, performing first aid on himself as he had taken quite a bit of damage thus far. After that, he regained his stamina with rye bread, and then, they moved upwards.<br><br>Before they reached the second floor, Kayle was told that there were 14 Spirits inside, and 4 Lizards. Kayle took a peek into the room. Judging from the shelves lining the walls, this darken room was possibly a storeroom, though its contents have long gone through the passage of time. A crack on the wall had appeared, letting in rainwater which had collected into a large puddle of water on the floor. 8 Halflings were standing motionless, while others were walking around. Before Kayle could even send in the cats, 3 Lizards jumped at them, releasing sparks of lightning. Kayle got his minions to retreat as they drew the Lizards away from the Spirits. The large Lizards were roughly 50 centimeters long, with blue stripes on their back that gave off sparks. <br><br>“Split into 3 groups and delay them!” Kayle commanded and they rushed into position. As the warrior Spirits striked the Lizards, they gave off sparks and electrocuted Kayle’s minions. Kayle ordered them to retreat down the stairs to the rubble-filled area. He then took chunks of debris and threw them at the lizards. After burying the lizards alive with debris, he jump repeatedly on the “pile” of debris, crushing the lizards.<br><br>After getting back to second floor, Kayle told his minions to stay away from the water. He then sent the cats in. As the Spirits were distracted, Kayle and the warriors quickly rushed in and attacked the last Lizard, that was asleep. Iaijutsu, with a critical hit, took down a chunk of the Lizard’s health. Then, the 10 Elves repeatedly slashed and stabbed the lizard. The commotion attracted the Kobolds and Halflings who came rushing, joining in the fray. With a kick, Kayle sent the Lizard towards them, and it landed in the puddle of water. When it was stepped on by one of the Kobolds, it gave out electricity, which conducted through the water. The entire platoon of enemy Spirits got hit, and their health decreased drastically. After discharging its electricity, the Lizard stood motionlessly, awaiting its doom as all the Spirits aggro towards the Lizard. Using this opportunity, Kayle and his minions rushed forward and attacked. As the Lizard’s health gets lower, Kayle prepared himself and dashed forward. He plunged the sword into the Lizard’s head. With its final breath, it sent out a jolt of electricity through its head, targeting Kayle. However, due to Kayle’s sword being completely rusty, he wasn’t affected. In under 15 minutes, they had wiped out the enemy Spirits, some of which had been paralyzed due to the Lizard’s area of effect. <br><br>With the spirits gone, the cats took the lead again, leading them down the stairs after walking past the store room. They soon arrived outside the armoury. Since there were 14 Spirits this time, they had no choice but to fight individually, with the cats aggroing the remaining Spirits. Kayle ordered those who had finished off their opponents to help fight against the weaker ones. After giving out instructions, he sent the cats in to maul the slower Kobolds. Taken by surprise, the Spirits drew their weapons. Before one of the Spirits could even unsheath its weapon, an arc was drawn across the Halfling’s neck. Kayle then bent down, slashed diagonally upwards and ended with a kick. The Halfling flew 2 meters back. Using this opportunity, Kayle closed the gap and sliced across its neck with his dagger, and plunge his sword through it. <br><br>Seeing their comrade fall, the other three Halflings stopped their aggro on the cats and jumped onto Kayle. With his long reach, Kayle slashed horizontally and hit all three Halflings in the air. They fell down. Kayle took the opportunity to pierce the smallest Halfling five times at its joints and heart, crippling it. He then fought with the other two. His minions finished their individual prey and started attacking the crippled Halfling. Soon, the last enemy Spirit in the armory fell. Kayle and the Spirits then continued onwards to the last enemy-filled area, which was the courtroom.<br>pr stopped here<br>The last 10 Spirits could be seen as Kayle peeped through a small hole in the door which he had carved out. Kayle could see a large kobold holding a large claymore. His minions identified the Kobold as Kazmuk, the general of Kobolds Kingdom, Godagor. Intense killing aura seemed to be given out from him, and the morale of his minion started dropping as they shivered in fear. <br><br>Kayle quickly pulled them back and started motivating them, “Come on! We are so close to wiping the enemies out! We have come so far and fought hard! This is the last battle. We can do it, leave the General to me and finish your enemy. Then come and assist me in taking him down! This is your country, show me your courage and will to protect it, even when you are dead to begin with!”<br><br> The minions’ eyes grew wide, and they clenched their fists. “Let’s charge in together!” Kayle declared and shouted, “ONWARD! FOR KYONIN!”<br><br> Kayle pushed the door open, dashed towards Kazmuk and used Iaijutsu. However, Kazmuk blocked the attack with an uppercut from his claymore, throwing Kayle off balance when his Taichi got deflected. Without delay, Kazmuk slashed his claymore down with a lightning speed. Kayle managed to get away with only a cut on his left arm, taking away 1 quarter of his health. Blood started to flow. Angered, Kayle allowed his blood to flow onto his Tant?, and splashed it onto Kazmuk’s eye. As Kazmuk tried to wipe off the blood, Kayle disengaged for a moment to kill a Halfling a few meters away. <br><br>When he saw Kazmuk closing his eyes and wiping the blood away, he threw his the Tant?, which then pierced through Kazmuk’s right hand and left eye. Kazmuk roared in rage and charged towards Kayle, while tossing the Tant? on the floor. With Kazmuk’s main hand injured, he couldn’t use his claymore properly. He swung the claymore diagonally, and Kayle stepped back. After the claymore passed by him, Kayle dashed forward and stabbed his right shoulder. The Taichi pierced through Kazmuk’s shoulder. Kazmuk reacted and tried to grapple Kayle with his left arm, but Kayle tumbled in between the Kobold’s legs to reach his Tant?. The Kobold turned around, slashing his claymore at Kayle, using his left hand. Kayle tumbled in between Kazmuk’s legs again, then stabbed the Tant? at the back of the Kobold’s left knee. Another groan was heard, and at the same time, his minions finished their fight and ran forward to assist Kayle. Kayle equipped his Iron Sword and slashed at Kazmuk, however, it passed through him. Using this opening, Kazmuk swung his claymore and sent Kayle off his feet. He landed on the floor with 9 percent health remaining, and started bleeding. Kayle commanded his minions to attack Kazmuk’s limbs and try to take out both his weapons, which were stuck in Kazmuk’s body, while Kayle bandaged himself. After 10 minutes, his weapons were removed from Kazmuk and he started attacking again. Kazmuk finally fell and disappeared into the darkness, while everyone was left with a quarter of their health.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have suppressed the evil Spirits of Trinity Force.<br>Reward:<br> 100 Fame.<br>Gained familiarity with Spirits.<br>Spirits of Kyonin will be free to roam their homeland.<br>You have leveled up.<br>You have leveled up.<br>You have leveled up.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Ah finally… I did it.” <br>Kayle collapsed on the floor, as his stamina had depleted completely. A white figure rose from the throne. The figure had a crown with precious stones on it. He was wearing a large green cape and there was a silver sword at his waist.<br><br>“Well done adventurer, thanks to you, our enemies are now eternally gone. You have done a great service to Kyonin. However, I would like you to fulfil one request from me,” his majestic voice sounded throughout the courtroom, and rays of light shone through the windows, as the sun rose.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Bury the dead<br>You have been tasked to bury the remains of each and every citizen of the town by King George.<br><br>Difficulty: B<br>Remains left to bury: 2539<br><br>Reward:<br>Familiarity with Elves and Spirits increase greatly.<br>Gains absolute trust of the King.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Kayle stared at the quest and asked the king, “Your majesty, I'm currently on another quest to obtain a plant as medicine to cure Uncle Thomas’s horse. I’m willing to accept the quest after I have completed the task Uncle Thomas entrusted to me.”<br><br>King George’s eyes shone, and he replied, “So be it, but be back as soon as possible. If you need any help, do tell me.”<br><br>“Oh. then may I ask if you know about an extremely large, smelly flower found in this forest, which is red and attracts lots of flies?” Kayle asked immediately. <br><br>“I do not know, but I can lend you some dogs to sniff out the location of the flowers.”<br><br>“That will be a great help,” Kayle replied with a smile as bright as the sun.<br><br>King George conversed with two dogs, and then, both of them ran forward and jump onto Kayle while wagging their tails. However, they passed through Kayle.<br><br>Kayle departed from Kyonin to look for the smelly flower. 9 hours later, after walking aimlessly and trekking up a hill, the two spirit dogs finally smelled something pungent. The dogs told him that the smell was one kilometer in front of them, and that they did not wish to go on. Kayle had no choice and told them to go back to Kyonin. He continued to press on, and could finally smell the pungent “fragrance” of the flower. A large red flower finally entered his vision, and lots of flies were circling around it. He quickly fastened some leather around his face to act as a mask, then poured lots of sweet-smelling flower essence onto cotton wool, and plunged it into his nose. He quickly took out his spade and started digging the entire plant out.<br><br>“Uncle Thomas, I’ll make you pay!” Tears welled up in Kayle’s eyes as he dug.<br><br>After digging out the entire plant, he quickly set off back to the farm, with his clothes smelling of rotten meat. On the way, he got lost as usual, and animals avoided him due to the stink. After spending 12 hours in the forest, he finally got out. He dashed towards the farm, since the guards were chasing after him to kick him out of the village. After running into the barn, he quickly shut the doors and locked it, then he took the entire plant out and shoved the flower into Uncle Thomas’ face. Uncle Thomas fainted from the pungent smell, as the quest completion message appeared.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gathered the ingredients for Uncle Thomas.<br>Reward:<br>100 Fame<br>Gained complete trust of Uncle Thomas.<br>You have leveled up.<br>Gained 50 silver.Please collect your reward after Uncle Thomas has wake up.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Unable to collect his reward now, Kayle logged out in disappointment.<br><br>==============================================================================================================================<br><br>Notes: <br>Taichi is a kind of sword which is slightly curved. Its blade length averages from 70cm to 80cm.<br>Tant? is commonly referred to as a dagger with a blade length of typically 15 cm to 30cm<br>Trinity Force~ Tons O Damage~<br><br>The off-hand (aka off hand) is the secondary hand slot for weapons (dual wielding), shields, or other items that you are able to wield/equip. The other hand is known as the main hand. <br><a href="http://www.wowwiki.com/Off-hand" target="_blank">http://www.wowwiki.com/Off-hand</a><br>==============================================================================================================================<br>Sorry for the large chunks of paragraph xD imma take not to split it up or shorten it next time~<br>and thanks sha and bowac for proofreading~ sorry for the horrible grammatical mistakes T.T </div>

Chapter 2 Stupid Uncle Thomas! ============================================================================================================================== Kayle entered the forest and started trekking. He had been given information on a flower that Uncle Thomas wanted that had medicinal properties. A five-petalled flower which could grow to over 100 centimeters in diameter and weigh over 10 kilograms. The flower was red in color, looked and smelled like rotting flesh, and its foul odor attracted insects such as flies. Kayle thought that he could locate the flower easily due to its size and foul odor, so he decided to explore around. He had absolutely no sense of direction, and walked deeper into the woods. The chirping of birds, singing of insects, and cries of animals could be heard. However, not a single animal was within sight. After two hours of walking aimlessly, he spotted the ruins of a fallen kingdom. As his curiosity arose, he started to walk faster towards the ruin, hoping to discover something. As he picked up speed, he tripped over something, and fell forward. “Ouch!” Sprawled across the moist grass, his hands caught something. He tilted his head and saw a skeleton in front of him. The skeleton had his head tilted up as well, seemingly looking at Kayle’s eyes while sprawled across the moist grass like him. Kayle’s hands was firmly holding onto the corpse’s hand. His face immediately turned pale and, he screamed at the top of his voice. After screaming, he fainted immediately, in front of the corpse. The sun had started setting by the time he woke up. He was getting up when he saw the skeleton, and shot upright in fear. He remembered his sister’s words during the hungry ghost festival,“If you misbehave and offend the dead, they will punish and hunt you!”, as he walked down the streets with his eldest sister, Caitlyn. Food offerings could be seen at the roadside, joss sticks and incense that had been burnt was left untouched. Unluckily, that night, Kayle had a night terror, he dreamt of the spirits of the dead chasing after him after he had stepped on the incense and offerings. He thrashed his limbs around, kicking wildly and screaming at the top of his voice. He even kicked Caitlyn, and saw a large bruise on Caitlyn’s eye, which at least lightened his mood. After his night terror, he remembered Caitlyn comforting him by telling him, “If you respect the dead, they will respect you.” Thus, he took out the spade from his inventory and started digging. After the sky turned dark, he finally dug a grave, carefully laid the corpse inside and started filling the grave up with earth. He then found a large stump and obtained a small piece of wood after cutting 3 centimeters of the wood away. After finishing carving “Grave of”, he heard a voice beside him saying “Yorick”. The atmosphere turned cold, the rustle of leaves of a tree could be heard as the birds flew up to the sky. He slowly turned his face around, and saw a ghastly figure of a young elven warrior. His face turned pale and his fingers started shaking. “Go on, write my name for me,” the ghastly figure spoke. After the completion of the grave, the spirit laughed heartily. “I can finally rest in peace! Young adventurer, since you forgot to bury my sword, you can have it.” The spirited faded away after touching his sword, which was originally lying on the ground, 50 centimeters in front of him, and a system message popped up. | You have buried Samurai Master Yorick.Reward 200 Fame.Gained familiarity with Spirits.Unless provoked, Spirits will not show hostility towards you.New Skill: Spirit Talk | | --- | | Spirit TalkAble to converse with Spirits, thus gaining knowledge, wisdom, information and requests from them. | | --- | As Kayle picked up the katana, it seemed to grow, and system messages appeared. | You have gained the wisdom of Master Samurai Yorick through the sword.Unique skill Iaijutsu[1] moved under Skill Iaido.You have learned Skill: Iaido.Unique skill Dual Wielding changed into Nit?jutsu.You have learned Skill: Nit?jutsu. | | --- | | Iaido[1]The user learns to draw the sword from the sheath in a controlled, fluid motion, striking or cutting the opponent, and then replacing the sword back into the sheath.IaijutsuBase damage +100%Able to perform a lightning quick iaijutsu strike against the target, to inflict devastating wounds immediately after drawing the sword.Can only be performed before unsheathing one’s weapon.Mana cost: 25 | | --- | | Nit?jutsu[4]The user learns the art of using two swords, or a sword and the use of a dagger offhand.Increases Attack Power by 20%Increases Attack Speed by 8%Able to create own swordplay techniques. Power and mana cost will be determined by system. | | --- | “Item stats window,”Kayle brought up the stats of the sword. | Rusty TaichiDurability: 34/50Damage 14-16An unidentified sword once used by Master Samurai Yorick, this sword seems to give out an aura, however, it is unidentified at the moment. It has also rusted over the centuries, thus losing most of its power and durability. However, a skilled blacksmith might be able to repair it.Equip:+10 STR+10 AGIRequirement:STR 50+AGI 50+VIT 50+ | | --- | Kayle immediately equipped the rusty long sword into his main hand and move the other to his off-hand. Kayle noticed that the moon was already high up in the sky, and started collecting mushrooms and fruits for his dinner. Using the knowledge he had gotten from Uncle Thomas, he managed to gather many edible mushroom and fruits. He used the stump from before as a chopping board, and sliced the mushrooms into small pieces using the Hard Iron Sword, instead of the Rusty longsword, as he feared that it might lead to rust poisoning if he did. Next, he left the mushrooms on the edge of the stump, and squeezed the juices from the fruits into the pot. He then set up a campfire using matchsticks, and brought the juices to a boil. After it had started boiling, he threw the mushrooms in and stirred using his Hard Iron Sword. The aroma soon spread, and animals gathered around him. Looking at the animals, he took out some bowls and shared his dinner with them. After a dinner together with the animals, he conversed with them and learned the story of the ruins in front of him, passed down for generations. The ruins were once a prosperous Elven kingdom two centuries ago, whose King was a tamer, and every beast in this forest knew his mighty codename, George of the Jungle. The king led his people into a golden age, and people soon travelled to the elven kingdom, lured by its wealth and prosperity. The neighboring kingdom soon experienced a brain drain, as their local talents left to get a better living. As time flew, the surrounding kingdoms grew jealous and blamed the Elven Kingdom, Kyonin, for their declining economies. The Dwarves, Halflings and Kobolds kingdoms got together and founded the “Trinity Force”, which declared a war against King George. The war ended in a month. They had sieged Kyonin daily, utilising the technology of the Dwarves, the small and swift Halflings, and lastly, with the ferocity of the Kobold. With their powers combined, they succeeded in sieging the city. The kingdom was then looted, and almost everyone was killed. After conversing with the animals, he also found out that King George had left something important, which the Trinity Force never found. The animals then urged Kayle to find it. Kayle fought in his mind about whether he should enter or not. The ruins of the fallen kingdom looked menacing. He was afraid of ghosts and feared that he would disturb them. They might even think that he was one of the Trinity Force and attack him, as he looked like a Halfling due to his height. He stood outside the castle hesitating, and received a headbutt from a reindeer, pushing him forward. | You are the first to discover the Ruins of Kyonin.Rewards:Fame increased by 200.For a week, the rewards and experience in the village are doubled. | | --- | As Kayle sees the word “Quest” sweat form on his forehead, he look around and could see skeletons all over the area. The reindeer pushed him to get him to move on, and he started walking down the dead silent road. He heard the loud clank of metal chains, and turned his head. To his horror, the drawbridge had drawn up, and the gates had started closing. White figures soon appeared around him… He hugged the reindeer tightly with his eyes shut. He could feel the ghosts touch him, and his hair stood up. Then, a voice sounded beside his ears, “Hello, you can see us right?” It was a peaceful tone, and Kayle slowly opened his eyes while trembling. He saw an Elven lady with an Elven child on his left, while more Spirits started materializing. The child opened his small mouth and asked, “Why are you trembling? Are you afraid of us?” Remembering Caitlyn’s teaching of respecting the dead, he stopped trembling and timidly said no. “Since you are not afraid of us, can you help us?” A quest message popped out. | Suppressing the evil Spirits.You have been tasked with defeating the evil Spirits of the Trinity Force who are inside the castle. Number of Spirits: 50.Difficulty CReward:Familiarity with Elves and Spirits increase greatly. | | --- | Kayle hesitated before replying, “How do I kill a Spirit?” When he tried to touch the Elven child, his fingers passed through. “Your Taichi will cut through them,” the lady Elf replied. | You have accepted the quest. | | --- | Kayle then asked, “How can I, alone, fight against 50 Spirits?” The Elven lady smiled and said, “I will get some warrior Spirits to help you.” “Thanks,” he replied. 10 Elven Spirits appeared before him, with weapons that he could see through. He then asked them to lead the way. He asked the reindeer not to follow him as he would be fighting, and asked it to play with the little elves. He then proceeded on his way towards the castle. On the way there, his new sword resonated strongly as he walked pass a blacksmith shop. Feeling curious, he asked the Spirits to wait. and he entered the shop. He saw a glow from inside the forge furnace, and went to take a peek. As he could hardly make out what it was, he reached his hands inside and pulled out a dagger. “Item stats window!” | Rusty Tant?Durability: 33/40Damage 5-8An unidentified Tant? that resonates when brought near a Taichi. Both seem to have a connection with each other. This dagger seems to give out an aura. As it has rusted over the centuries, it has lost most of its power and durability, however, a skilled blacksmith can repair it.Equip:+5 STR+15 AGIRequirement:STR 50+AGI 50+VIT 50+ | | --- | He equipped the Tant? to his off-hand and left the forge, not realising that the Spirit of a blacksmith was staring at him. Before entering the castle, he got the Spirit of a cat to scout for him, with his Spirit Talk and Beast Conversation. The cat soon returned and reported the news to them. There were 7 spirits, consisting of 4 Kobolds and 3 Halflings, and 5 large Forest Spiders inside, near to the entrance. Kayle then gathered the Spirits and split them into pairs. Taking advantage of their numbers, they would flank the enemy while Kayle would distract two spirits. As for the Spiders, Kayle planned to get the cats to attract their attention while Kayle and the warriors fought the Spirits. They peep in through the window to take a look, the hall was filled with skeletons, corroded swords and armor. Kayle first sent the cats in, to get the attention of both Spiders and Spirits. While the Spirits were distracted, he jumped in through the window and landed silently, while his minions walked through the walls. They ran silently across the hallway and prepared for a surprise attack. “Iaijutsu!” Kayle shouted, unsheathing his sword and his dagger at the same time, he struck a Kobold’s neck with the sword after fully drawing it. [Critical Hit!] A system message popped out, however it had only taken a small fragment of the Kobold’s life. The difference between their levels was huge, back in the forest, Kayle hadn’t been attacked by beasts, so he was still level one. With a sidestep, he moved past the Spirit he had first striked, and slashed another Spirit behind it. With two aggo on him, he had to be extremely careful. Two hits from the Spirits might even kill him, due to their difference in level and his newbie basic clothes. Maneuvering around the hallway, he used his dagger to parry while using the sword to counter. After 20 minutes of fighting defensively, he had only managed to only bring down one Spirit to ½ health, and still avoid being hit, due to his talent of martial arts, which had passed down from both parents. He managed to land the last hit on 3 Spirits that his minions had been fighting, as he was throwing his tant? sneakily or sliding around the hall while cunningly outmaneuvering his opponent . From delivering the last hits, his level skyrocketed to level 13. He ordered the Spirits to aggro his opponents for a minute while he quickly raised both his STR and AGI by 30. As soon as he had increased his stats, he jumped back into the fray and dealt the last hit to the remaining Spirits. After finishing off the Spirits, he turned his head and found the area where the Spiders were, which were filled with webs. As the webs could affect his maneuvering, he asked the Spirits to lure the Spiders over one by one. Kayle’s party stomped the 5 Spiders, and he started clearing the webs and followed the cat that had previously scouted. From his first fight, he manage to learn a maneuver skill, Cunning Feet, and also raised his level to 19. After distributing 8 points into VIT, and 22 points into AGI, he decided to check his new skill. | Cunning Feet[1]Increases evasion through unpredictable movements together with speed and skills.Increases movement speed in battle by 1%.Increases evasion rate by 1%.Increases chance of performing critical hits through openings in enemy’s defense by 1% | | --- | Feeling satisfied with his current progress, he walked into the left wing of the castle. The left wing of the castle was mostly choked with rubble, making it a difficult terrain to fight in. Five Spirits were spotted, and Kayle’s party charged into melee range. Under the bright moonlight, Kayle had an easier time fighting, as his vision had significantly improved from the hallway, which had low light. He danced around the rubble looking for a chance to sneak attack, and was able to attack precise spots that resulted in critical hits. Using the dagger, he directed the Kobold’s sword to the side, creating an opening, and slashed deeply. Kayle leapt back, then dashed forward with great speed, taking advantage of the Kobold after it had lost its footings after the slash. With great accuracy, he pierced the sword through its heart and slashed its neck diagonally with the dagger, scoring two critical hits. As the Spirit faded away, Kayle could sense an incoming attack from his left side. He tumbled to the right to avoid it, but ended up rolling down a hill-shaped pile of rubble. When he got up, the fight had ended, and he found himself beside a spiral staircase. Kayle decided to take a rest on the steps, performing first aid on himself as he had taken quite a bit of damage thus far. After that, he regained his stamina with rye bread, and then, they moved upwards. Before they reached the second floor, Kayle was told that there were 14 Spirits inside, and 4 Lizards. Kayle took a peek into the room. Judging from the shelves lining the walls, this darken room was possibly a storeroom, though its contents have long gone through the passage of time. A crack on the wall had appeared, letting in rainwater which had collected into a large puddle of water on the floor. 8 Halflings were standing motionless, while others were walking around. Before Kayle could even send in the cats, 3 Lizards jumped at them, releasing sparks of lightning. Kayle got his minions to retreat as they drew the Lizards away from the Spirits. The large Lizards were roughly 50 centimeters long, with blue stripes on their back that gave off sparks. “Split into 3 groups and delay them!” Kayle commanded and they rushed into position. As the warrior Spirits striked the Lizards, they gave off sparks and electrocuted Kayle’s minions. Kayle ordered them to retreat down the stairs to the rubble-filled area. He then took chunks of debris and threw them at the lizards. After burying the lizards alive with debris, he jump repeatedly on the “pile” of debris, crushing the lizards. After getting back to second floor, Kayle told his minions to stay away from the water. He then sent the cats in. As the Spirits were distracted, Kayle and the warriors quickly rushed in and attacked the last Lizard, that was asleep. Iaijutsu, with a critical hit, took down a chunk of the Lizard’s health. Then, the 10 Elves repeatedly slashed and stabbed the lizard. The commotion attracted the Kobolds and Halflings who came rushing, joining in the fray. With a kick, Kayle sent the Lizard towards them, and it landed in the puddle of water. When it was stepped on by one of the Kobolds, it gave out electricity, which conducted through the water. The entire platoon of enemy Spirits got hit, and their health decreased drastically. After discharging its electricity, the Lizard stood motionlessly, awaiting its doom as all the Spirits aggro towards the Lizard. Using this opportunity, Kayle and his minions rushed forward and attacked. As the Lizard’s health gets lower, Kayle prepared himself and dashed forward. He plunged the sword into the Lizard’s head. With its final breath, it sent out a jolt of electricity through its head, targeting Kayle. However, due to Kayle’s sword being completely rusty, he wasn’t affected. In under 15 minutes, they had wiped out the enemy Spirits, some of which had been paralyzed due to the Lizard’s area of effect. With the spirits gone, the cats took the lead again, leading them down the stairs after walking past the store room. They soon arrived outside the armoury. Since there were 14 Spirits this time, they had no choice but to fight individually, with the cats aggroing the remaining Spirits. Kayle ordered those who had finished off their opponents to help fight against the weaker ones. After giving out instructions, he sent the cats in to maul the slower Kobolds. Taken by surprise, the Spirits drew their weapons. Before one of the Spirits could even unsheath its weapon, an arc was drawn across the Halfling’s neck. Kayle then bent down, slashed diagonally upwards and ended with a kick. The Halfling flew 2 meters back. Using this opportunity, Kayle closed the gap and sliced across its neck with his dagger, and plunge his sword through it. Seeing their comrade fall, the other three Halflings stopped their aggro on the cats and jumped onto Kayle. With his long reach, Kayle slashed horizontally and hit all three Halflings in the air. They fell down. Kayle took the opportunity to pierce the smallest Halfling five times at its joints and heart, crippling it. He then fought with the other two. His minions finished their individual prey and started attacking the crippled Halfling. Soon, the last enemy Spirit in the armory fell. Kayle and the Spirits then continued onwards to the last enemy-filled area, which was the courtroom. pr stopped here The last 10 Spirits could be seen as Kayle peeped through a small hole in the door which he had carved out. Kayle could see a large kobold holding a large claymore. His minions identified the Kobold as Kazmuk, the general of Kobolds Kingdom, Godagor. Intense killing aura seemed to be given out from him, and the morale of his minion started dropping as they shivered in fear. Kayle quickly pulled them back and started motivating them, “Come on! We are so close to wiping the enemies out! We have come so far and fought hard! This is the last battle. We can do it, leave the General to me and finish your enemy. Then come and assist me in taking him down! This is your country, show me your courage and will to protect it, even when you are dead to begin with!” The minions’ eyes grew wide, and they clenched their fists. “Let’s charge in together!” Kayle declared and shouted, “ONWARD! FOR KYONIN!” Kayle pushed the door open, dashed towards Kazmuk and used Iaijutsu. However, Kazmuk blocked the attack with an uppercut from his claymore, throwing Kayle off balance when his Taichi got deflected. Without delay, Kazmuk slashed his claymore down with a lightning speed. Kayle managed to get away with only a cut on his left arm, taking away 1 quarter of his health. Blood started to flow. Angered, Kayle allowed his blood to flow onto his Tant?, and splashed it onto Kazmuk’s eye. As Kazmuk tried to wipe off the blood, Kayle disengaged for a moment to kill a Halfling a few meters away. When he saw Kazmuk closing his eyes and wiping the blood away, he threw his the Tant?, which then pierced through Kazmuk’s right hand and left eye. Kazmuk roared in rage and charged towards Kayle, while tossing the Tant? on the floor. With Kazmuk’s main hand injured, he couldn’t use his claymore properly. He swung the claymore diagonally, and Kayle stepped back. After the claymore passed by him, Kayle dashed forward and stabbed his right shoulder. The Taichi pierced through Kazmuk’s shoulder. Kazmuk reacted and tried to grapple Kayle with his left arm, but Kayle tumbled in between the Kobold’s legs to reach his Tant?. The Kobold turned around, slashing his claymore at Kayle, using his left hand. Kayle tumbled in between Kazmuk’s legs again, then stabbed the Tant? at the back of the Kobold’s left knee. Another groan was heard, and at the same time, his minions finished their fight and ran forward to assist Kayle. Kayle equipped his Iron Sword and slashed at Kazmuk, however, it passed through him. Using this opening, Kazmuk swung his claymore and sent Kayle off his feet. He landed on the floor with 9 percent health remaining, and started bleeding. Kayle commanded his minions to attack Kazmuk’s limbs and try to take out both his weapons, which were stuck in Kazmuk’s body, while Kayle bandaged himself. After 10 minutes, his weapons were removed from Kazmuk and he started attacking again. Kazmuk finally fell and disappeared into the darkness, while everyone was left with a quarter of their health. | You have suppressed the evil Spirits of Trinity Force.Reward: 100 Fame.Gained familiarity with Spirits.Spirits of Kyonin will be free to roam their homeland.You have leveled up.You have leveled up.You have leveled up. | | --- | “Ah finally… I did it.” Kayle collapsed on the floor, as his stamina had depleted completely. A white figure rose from the throne. The figure had a crown with precious stones on it. He was wearing a large green cape and there was a silver sword at his waist. “Well done adventurer, thanks to you, our enemies are now eternally gone. You have done a great service to Kyonin. However, I would like you to fulfil one request from me,” his majestic voice sounded throughout the courtroom, and rays of light shone through the windows, as the sun rose. | Bury the deadYou have been tasked to bury the remains of each and every citizen of the town by King George.Difficulty: BRemains left to bury: 2539Reward:Familiarity with Elves and Spirits increase greatly.Gains absolute trust of the King. | | --- | Kayle stared at the quest and asked the king, “Your majesty, I'm currently on another quest to obtain a plant as medicine to cure Uncle Thomas’s horse. I’m willing to accept the quest after I have completed the task Uncle Thomas entrusted to me.” King George’s eyes shone, and he replied, “So be it, but be back as soon as possible. If you need any help, do tell me.” “Oh. then may I ask if you know about an extremely large, smelly flower found in this forest, which is red and attracts lots of flies?” Kayle asked immediately. “I do not know, but I can lend you some dogs to sniff out the location of the flowers.” “That will be a great help,” Kayle replied with a smile as bright as the sun. King George conversed with two dogs, and then, both of them ran forward and jump onto Kayle while wagging their tails. However, they passed through Kayle. Kayle departed from Kyonin to look for the smelly flower. 9 hours later, after walking aimlessly and trekking up a hill, the two spirit dogs finally smelled something pungent. The dogs told him that the smell was one kilometer in front of them, and that they did not wish to go on. Kayle had no choice and told them to go back to Kyonin. He continued to press on, and could finally smell the pungent “fragrance” of the flower. A large red flower finally entered his vision, and lots of flies were circling around it. He quickly fastened some leather around his face to act as a mask, then poured lots of sweet-smelling flower essence onto cotton wool, and plunged it into his nose. He quickly took out his spade and started digging the entire plant out. “Uncle Thomas, I’ll make you pay!” Tears welled up in Kayle’s eyes as he dug. After digging out the entire plant, he quickly set off back to the farm, with his clothes smelling of rotten meat. On the way, he got lost as usual, and animals avoided him due to the stink. After spending 12 hours in the forest, he finally got out. He dashed towards the farm, since the guards were chasing after him to kick him out of the village. After running into the barn, he quickly shut the doors and locked it, then he took the entire plant out and shoved the flower into Uncle Thomas’ face. Uncle Thomas fainted from the pungent smell, as the quest completion message appeared. | You have gathered the ingredients for Uncle Thomas.Reward:100 FameGained complete trust of Uncle Thomas.You have leveled up.Gained 50 silver.Please collect your reward after Uncle Thomas has wake up. | | --- | Unable to collect his reward now, Kayle logged out in disappointment. ============================================================================================================================== Notes: Taichi is a kind of sword which is slightly curved. Its blade length averages from 70cm to 80cm. Tant? is commonly referred to as a dagger with a blade length of typically 15 cm to 30cm Trinity Force~ Tons O Damage~ The off-hand (aka off hand) is the secondary hand slot for weapons (dual wielding), shields, or other items that you are able to wield/equip. The other hand is known as the main hand. <http://www.wowwiki.com/Off-hand> ============================================================================================================================== Sorry for the large chunks of paragraph xD imma take not to split it up or shorten it next time~ and thanks sha and bowac for proofreading~ sorry for the horrible grammatical mistakes T.T

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Now, I know you guys are pissed at me, for not finishing Usurpers.<br><br>Fear not! For I shall not finish it!<br><br>Anyways, I'm opening this thread to host my one-shots, stories which may(or may not) be continuous. Think of it as Bakemonogatari V2. Or something alongthose lines. <br>There may not be OP epicness, but I am devising a multi-tiered story, which I'm sure you guys would enjoy.<br><br>Please support me as you all have been doing.<br><br>It's a pleasure, writing for all of you.<br><br>Ramzicmain, the weary. </div>

Now, I know you guys are pissed at me, for not finishing Usurpers. Fear not! For I shall not finish it! Anyways, I'm opening this thread to host my one-shots, stories which may(or may not) be continuous. Think of it as Bakemonogatari V2. Or something alongthose lines. There may not be OP epicness, but I am devising a multi-tiered story, which I'm sure you guys would enjoy. Please support me as you all have been doing. It's a pleasure, writing for all of you. Ramzicmain, the weary.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Aaron and Laee after traveling all that distance from the City of Laee have finally arrived at the coastal city. From the fields outside the city the view was amazing with its large walls and its tall standing fortress. Though the city has seen better years with its wear and tear seen from sections of the walls that have fallen into disrepair. <br><br>Aaron, “We finally made it.”<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron we still have a long ways to go before we find the next chosen.”]<br><br>Aaron, “I know but the journey so far has seemed longer then it was.”<br><br>Laee, “Your right Aaron we should go relax at the beach or an Inn while drinking some mead.”<br><br>Aaron, “Well we should go find a ship.”<br><br>He started to walk for the city gate.<br><br>[Enea, “Be carful at the port Aaron this city seems to be a dangers place.”]<br><br>Laee, “hay don’t ignore me!”<br><br>She quickly ran to catch up with Aaron.<br><br>As they neared the gate they did not see any guardsmen standing guard but there where plenty of people about. There where beggars lining the streets and groups of thugs hanging out at alleyway entrances. <br><br>Laee, “this is a sad place to be even if I had mead.”<br><br>Aaron, “who would live in a place like this. The ruler here sure has let things go.”<br><br>[Enea, “there really hasn’t been much law and order here since the empire fell. What’s left in many areas is like this.”]<br><br>Aaron, “Well someone needs to improve things here.”<br><br>As they continued to head for the port district a person ran into Aaron cutting off his coin pouch. Laee noticed this and grabbed the mans shoulder.<br><br>Laee, “Hay what do you think you are doing.”<br><br>Cut purse, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”<br><br>He raised his now empty hands while another man a few feet away began to run down the ally. Aaron was still fumbling at his side noticing that his pouch was gone. <br><br>Laee shoved the man aside.<br><br>Laee, “Aaron quickly after him.”<br><br>Aaron looked to where Laee was pointing to and saw the man running. He quickly took off running towards the man as he entered an ally. Rounding the corner he could still see the man running further along but he seemed to be catching up to him.<br><br>The man noticed Aaron was still after him and started to nock things down to slow him down. Aaron just jumped over the obstacles or used his sword to cut through them.<br><br>The man turned off down another intersecting ally. As Aaron continued to chase him he once again glowed and turned into Enea’s form.<br><br>Aaron, “just great.”<br><br>Though he was irritated by the change he soon noticed that he was running a little faster then before. He quickly turned where the man had and could see him about to make his way to another street.<br><br>[Aaron, “great I might lose him now.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Just keep running.”]<br><br>As Aaron made it to the street himself he lost site of the man but Laee was standing there leaning against the wall.<br><br>Aaron, “Laee how did you… oh never mind did you see where he went?”<br><br>Laee smiled while popping open one of her bottles of mead and took a sip.<br><br>Laee, “Laee don’t worry I got something even better then seeing where he went.”<br><br>Aaron, “And what would that be?”<br><br>Laee took another sip of her mead, “I managed to tag him with a tracking spell so we will know where he goes and hides his spoils.”<br><br>Aaron just stood there with his mouth open before shaking his head.<br><br>Aaron, “well should we be fallowing him then.”<br><br>Laee chugged down some more mead before answering. <br><br>“We should let them have a little think we lost him before we follow him any further.”<br><br>He just stared at her before looking through his pack to make sure nothing else was stolen along with his main stash of gold. All his stuff was there but now they did not have enough for supplies and a ride on a ship. They only had enough for one of the two now. <br><br>After he through his pack back on he followed Laee who was using the spell. They continued to walk down the streets passing some stores and abandoned buildings. Eventually she led him down an alleyway as they entered the warehouse district. Stopping at its end she pointed at one of the abandoned warehouses.<br><br>Laee, “he has been in there for a while now.”<br><br>Aaron, “then that is their base of operations?”<br><br>Laee, “Probably but we need either a rouge or a thief catcher to get in there since it is most likely trapped and guarded.“<br><br>Aaron, “lets go find one then.”<br><br>Laee, “It might not be easy to find a thief catcher and most of the rouges are probably thieves themselves.”<br><br>Aaron, “we still need to give it a shot.”<br><br>Laee looked at him.<br><br>“Then we will need to look in the area around the fort to find anyone or even the inns.”<br><br>Aaron, “then lets start looking.”<br><br>Laee, “let’s start tomorrow its almost night fall and it is very dangerous to be out here at night.”<br><br>They headed for an in towards one of the fortress areas inns to look for rooms but they where all expensive for what he was asking for.<br><br>Laee, “let me get the room.”<br><br>Aaron, “give it a try but we most likely have to go somewhere else or camp outside the walls.”<br><br>Laee just smiled at him before heading over to the innkeeper. She talked to him for a bit then handed him some coin and headed back to Aaron.<br>Laee, “see it wasn’t that hard to get a room if you tried hard enough.”<br><br>Aaron, “right well let’s head to the room then.”<br><br>They headed up to the room that she had paid for. When they walked in Aaron noticed something. There was only one bed so they either had to share or he was going to sleep on the floor.<br><br>Aaron, “You can have the bed I’ll sleep on the floor.”<br><br>Laee, “no we’ll share the bed.”<br><br>Aaron looked at her blushing remembering how Laee sleeps holding on to him and talking in her sleep.<br><br>Aaron, “No I don’t mind taking the floor.”<br><br>[Enea, “Laee what are you thinking!?”]<br><br>Laee shoved him onto the bed.<br><br>Laee, “you are sleeping with me and that’s final!”<br><br>[Enea, “come on Aaron resist more.”]<br><br>Aaron gave up at that then noticed she was stripping out of her armored robe ware so he turned to face the opposite direction. He could hear her as she changed to a shirt nightgown and laid next to him.<br><br>Laee, “come on Aaron get out of your armor I thought you would have been tired of wearing it continuously.”<br><br>Aaron blushed a even deeper red.<br><br>Aaron, “I’m fine as I am Ill just sleep on the floor.”<br><br>Laee, “no you won’t… wait you don’t know about that armors ability do you?”<br><br>Aaron turned to face Laee, “what ability?”<br><br>[Enea, “don’t do it Laee!”]<br><br>Laee, “you can make the armor disappear for about 8 hours once a day.”<br><br>Aaron, “will that cause any problems between me and my connection to Enea?”<br><br>Laee, “no It wont do anything other then have your armor gone for a period of time or until to cancel it.”<br>Aaron thought about what it would be like to not be stuck in his armor all the time, so he nodded in agreement. Laee told him how it works and did what she said. The armor vanished and he was left in his beginner clothes that he was not able to change until now besides the one time he was treated after the battle with the Necromancer so he could be treated.<br><br>[Enea, “you traitor! Don’t talk to me.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “How am I a traitor!?”]<br><br>she did not answer him.<br><br>He decided it would be a good time to go to sleep so he laid on his side. As he rolled over he felt awkward since he was still in Enea’s form. It felt a lot different for him then when he was always in his armor. To get rid of the awkwardness he turned onto his back and laid there staring at the ceiling. As he began to think about things he noticed that Laee was already asleep. He looked at her for a few moments then stared at the ceiling trying to keep his thoughts from wandering to certain things.<br><br>After a while as he began to fall asleep Laee began to hug him again in her sleep. She began to talk about strange things and even at times about Aaron as she slept. <br><br>[Aaron, “will I ever get used to this let alone another five of them.”]<br><br>Soon Aaron to fell asleep still tightly held in Laee’s embrace. <br><br>Later he woke to Laee’s eyes looking right at his. He quickly hopped of the bed and reactivated his armor to hide his nervousness though it made it obvious.<br><br>Laee, “Ah you missed a perfect chance oh well there still is plenty of time.”<br><br>Aaron turned back to her.<br><br>Aaron, “What was that?”<br><br>Laee began to change back into her robe so he turned away once again.<br><br>Laee, “Oh never mind one day you will figure it out.”<br><br>That just confused him even more.<br><br>Aaron, “where do you think that we should begin our search?”<br><br>Laee, “How about the Inns.”<br><br>Aaron, “Enea what do you think.”<br><br>[Enea, “I told you I’m not talking to you!”]<br><br>Aaron, “What did I do?”<br><br>[Enea, “you really don’t know?”]<br><br>Aaron, “Know what?”<br><br>[Enea, “Never mind lets just go to the fortress first.”]<br><br>Aaron, “sounds good to me.”<br><br>As Aaron turned around Laee was staring strait at him.<br><br>Laee, “what about the inns.”<br><br>Aaron, “we’ll check them if we don’t find any at the fortress.”<br><br>Laee tuned away, “you always follow what Enea says!”<br><br>Aaron, “I don’t think that’s true its just if we go to the inns you will drink my coin dry.”<br><br>Laee’s cheeks turned bright red.<br><br>“I don’t always drink.”<br><br>Aaron and Enea, “Oh yes you do.”<br><br>Laee’s shoulders fell at that.<br><br>Laee, “fine lets go.”<br><br>Laee lead the way out of the room as they headed out. The first thing did was ask the innkeeper if he new about any thief catchers in town. He heard that there was a famous one in the city that showed up a while back that finds those he assists and they don’t find him. Aaron and Laee believed that that was just a tall tail so they headed out for the fortress.<br><br>As they reached the fortress they where only allowed into the courtyard to make requests. They went in again but all they heard was that those that could be found where usually taken out by the thieves’ factions in town but that there was still one who found his clients. It was the same thing that the innkeeper had said. <br><br>They continued on starting in the other inns. As they went around Laee barely touched a glass of mead, which made Aaron a little happier. After they visited five of the city’s inns a group of Rouges surrounded them.<br><br>One of them stepped up grinning with an eye patch over one of his eyes. He wore torn up clothes but had a fine black cloak along with a shaved head.<br><br>Thief, “You will regret the day you set foot in this town.”<br><br>Aaron, “and what do you mean by that. I seem to remember taking a number of bandits lives out East.”<br><br>Thief, “You will find out in only a second.”<br><br>That confused Aaron for a moment before he heard a pair of clunks behind him. He quickly turned to face what caused the sound. Two rouges had been sneaking up behind him but they both had knives imbedded in them one going through ones eye the other stabbed into the man’s chest. <br>Aaron quickly drew his sword and finished off the one with a knife in his chest while the other one disintegrated from the blade in his head. After the second began to disintegrate he tuned to face the other rouges. <br><br>Laee had tuned back after the knives had impacted the two men and started to cast her famous fireball spell. She tossed them at the rouges who where still stunned from seeing their companions taken out. <br><br>Once Aaron had turned around the other rouges where finally taking action. They each drew daggers or a few short swords. A few of the dagger wielders throw their blades at Aaron and Laee but where blocked by Laee’s shield. <br><br>Aaron Quickly ran forward to attack the first rouge. He blocked each of the rouges quick and calculated attacks before chopping of one of the guy’s hands. As the man yelled out in pain his other hand grabbed his stump while Aarons swords where coming around to take off his head.<br>Laee was now striking the other rouges with lightning strikes since they where more spread out and fireballs where to destructive to their surroundings. They tried to come at her but Aaron had hopped in their way attacking them with his now flaming swords.<br><br>With Aarons and Laee’s tag team strategies there was only two left. Aaron went for the closest one while the other one began to run for it back into the accumulating crowed of onlookers. Aaron quickly took out the one facing him before using shadow step to get in front of the one that tried to run away. As Aaron went to stab the mans chest the rouge fell on his blade slowly disintegrating with another dagger in his back.<br>Aaron turned looking up to see a man disappearing over one of the buildings roves. Aaron quickly grabbed the loot dropped and the three daggers that had struck the rouges.<br><br>Aaron, “Who do you think’ed helped us?”<br><br>Laee and Enea, “I Don’t know.”<br><br>Aaron had a suspicion but did not believe it.<br><br>They soon went around the other inns asking around for the thief catcher but they learned nothing new. They soon headed back to their inn in disappointment.<br><br>They entered and headed to the bar counter where a man in a gray clock was sitting. As they neared it the man turned removing his hood.<br><br>Thief Catcher, “I heard you have been looking for someone of my talents.”<br><br>Aaron and Laee looked at each other before looking at the man.<br><br>Aaron, “you are a thief catcher.”<br><br>Thief Catcher, “the one and only here in this fine city. Oh and by the way I would like to have my three daggers back if you don’t mind.” </div>

Aaron and Laee after traveling all that distance from the City of Laee have finally arrived at the coastal city. From the fields outside the city the view was amazing with its large walls and its tall standing fortress. Though the city has seen better years with its wear and tear seen from sections of the walls that have fallen into disrepair. Aaron, “We finally made it.” [Enea, “Aaron we still have a long ways to go before we find the next chosen.”] Aaron, “I know but the journey so far has seemed longer then it was.” Laee, “Your right Aaron we should go relax at the beach or an Inn while drinking some mead.” Aaron, “Well we should go find a ship.” He started to walk for the city gate. [Enea, “Be carful at the port Aaron this city seems to be a dangers place.”] Laee, “hay don’t ignore me!” She quickly ran to catch up with Aaron. As they neared the gate they did not see any guardsmen standing guard but there where plenty of people about. There where beggars lining the streets and groups of thugs hanging out at alleyway entrances. Laee, “this is a sad place to be even if I had mead.” Aaron, “who would live in a place like this. The ruler here sure has let things go.” [Enea, “there really hasn’t been much law and order here since the empire fell. What’s left in many areas is like this.”] Aaron, “Well someone needs to improve things here.” As they continued to head for the port district a person ran into Aaron cutting off his coin pouch. Laee noticed this and grabbed the mans shoulder. Laee, “Hay what do you think you are doing.” Cut purse, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” He raised his now empty hands while another man a few feet away began to run down the ally. Aaron was still fumbling at his side noticing that his pouch was gone. Laee shoved the man aside. Laee, “Aaron quickly after him.” Aaron looked to where Laee was pointing to and saw the man running. He quickly took off running towards the man as he entered an ally. Rounding the corner he could still see the man running further along but he seemed to be catching up to him. The man noticed Aaron was still after him and started to nock things down to slow him down. Aaron just jumped over the obstacles or used his sword to cut through them. The man turned off down another intersecting ally. As Aaron continued to chase him he once again glowed and turned into Enea’s form. Aaron, “just great.” Though he was irritated by the change he soon noticed that he was running a little faster then before. He quickly turned where the man had and could see him about to make his way to another street. [Aaron, “great I might lose him now.”] [Enea, “Just keep running.”] As Aaron made it to the street himself he lost site of the man but Laee was standing there leaning against the wall. Aaron, “Laee how did you… oh never mind did you see where he went?” Laee smiled while popping open one of her bottles of mead and took a sip. Laee, “Laee don’t worry I got something even better then seeing where he went.” Aaron, “And what would that be?” Laee took another sip of her mead, “I managed to tag him with a tracking spell so we will know where he goes and hides his spoils.” Aaron just stood there with his mouth open before shaking his head. Aaron, “well should we be fallowing him then.” Laee chugged down some more mead before answering. “We should let them have a little think we lost him before we follow him any further.” He just stared at her before looking through his pack to make sure nothing else was stolen along with his main stash of gold. All his stuff was there but now they did not have enough for supplies and a ride on a ship. They only had enough for one of the two now. After he through his pack back on he followed Laee who was using the spell. They continued to walk down the streets passing some stores and abandoned buildings. Eventually she led him down an alleyway as they entered the warehouse district. Stopping at its end she pointed at one of the abandoned warehouses. Laee, “he has been in there for a while now.” Aaron, “then that is their base of operations?” Laee, “Probably but we need either a rouge or a thief catcher to get in there since it is most likely trapped and guarded.“ Aaron, “lets go find one then.” Laee, “It might not be easy to find a thief catcher and most of the rouges are probably thieves themselves.” Aaron, “we still need to give it a shot.” Laee looked at him. “Then we will need to look in the area around the fort to find anyone or even the inns.” Aaron, “then lets start looking.” Laee, “let’s start tomorrow its almost night fall and it is very dangerous to be out here at night.” They headed for an in towards one of the fortress areas inns to look for rooms but they where all expensive for what he was asking for. Laee, “let me get the room.” Aaron, “give it a try but we most likely have to go somewhere else or camp outside the walls.” Laee just smiled at him before heading over to the innkeeper. She talked to him for a bit then handed him some coin and headed back to Aaron. Laee, “see it wasn’t that hard to get a room if you tried hard enough.” Aaron, “right well let’s head to the room then.” They headed up to the room that she had paid for. When they walked in Aaron noticed something. There was only one bed so they either had to share or he was going to sleep on the floor. Aaron, “You can have the bed I’ll sleep on the floor.” Laee, “no we’ll share the bed.” Aaron looked at her blushing remembering how Laee sleeps holding on to him and talking in her sleep. Aaron, “No I don’t mind taking the floor.” [Enea, “Laee what are you thinking!?”] Laee shoved him onto the bed. Laee, “you are sleeping with me and that’s final!” [Enea, “come on Aaron resist more.”] Aaron gave up at that then noticed she was stripping out of her armored robe ware so he turned to face the opposite direction. He could hear her as she changed to a shirt nightgown and laid next to him. Laee, “come on Aaron get out of your armor I thought you would have been tired of wearing it continuously.” Aaron blushed a even deeper red. Aaron, “I’m fine as I am Ill just sleep on the floor.” Laee, “no you won’t… wait you don’t know about that armors ability do you?” Aaron turned to face Laee, “what ability?” [Enea, “don’t do it Laee!”] Laee, “you can make the armor disappear for about 8 hours once a day.” Aaron, “will that cause any problems between me and my connection to Enea?” Laee, “no It wont do anything other then have your armor gone for a period of time or until to cancel it.” Aaron thought about what it would be like to not be stuck in his armor all the time, so he nodded in agreement. Laee told him how it works and did what she said. The armor vanished and he was left in his beginner clothes that he was not able to change until now besides the one time he was treated after the battle with the Necromancer so he could be treated. [Enea, “you traitor! Don’t talk to me.”] [Aaron, “How am I a traitor!?”] she did not answer him. He decided it would be a good time to go to sleep so he laid on his side. As he rolled over he felt awkward since he was still in Enea’s form. It felt a lot different for him then when he was always in his armor. To get rid of the awkwardness he turned onto his back and laid there staring at the ceiling. As he began to think about things he noticed that Laee was already asleep. He looked at her for a few moments then stared at the ceiling trying to keep his thoughts from wandering to certain things. After a while as he began to fall asleep Laee began to hug him again in her sleep. She began to talk about strange things and even at times about Aaron as she slept. [Aaron, “will I ever get used to this let alone another five of them.”] Soon Aaron to fell asleep still tightly held in Laee’s embrace. Later he woke to Laee’s eyes looking right at his. He quickly hopped of the bed and reactivated his armor to hide his nervousness though it made it obvious. Laee, “Ah you missed a perfect chance oh well there still is plenty of time.” Aaron turned back to her. Aaron, “What was that?” Laee began to change back into her robe so he turned away once again. Laee, “Oh never mind one day you will figure it out.” That just confused him even more. Aaron, “where do you think that we should begin our search?” Laee, “How about the Inns.” Aaron, “Enea what do you think.” [Enea, “I told you I’m not talking to you!”] Aaron, “What did I do?” [Enea, “you really don’t know?”] Aaron, “Know what?” [Enea, “Never mind lets just go to the fortress first.”] Aaron, “sounds good to me.” As Aaron turned around Laee was staring strait at him. Laee, “what about the inns.” Aaron, “we’ll check them if we don’t find any at the fortress.” Laee tuned away, “you always follow what Enea says!” Aaron, “I don’t think that’s true its just if we go to the inns you will drink my coin dry.” Laee’s cheeks turned bright red. “I don’t always drink.” Aaron and Enea, “Oh yes you do.” Laee’s shoulders fell at that. Laee, “fine lets go.” Laee lead the way out of the room as they headed out. The first thing did was ask the innkeeper if he new about any thief catchers in town. He heard that there was a famous one in the city that showed up a while back that finds those he assists and they don’t find him. Aaron and Laee believed that that was just a tall tail so they headed out for the fortress. As they reached the fortress they where only allowed into the courtyard to make requests. They went in again but all they heard was that those that could be found where usually taken out by the thieves’ factions in town but that there was still one who found his clients. It was the same thing that the innkeeper had said. They continued on starting in the other inns. As they went around Laee barely touched a glass of mead, which made Aaron a little happier. After they visited five of the city’s inns a group of Rouges surrounded them. One of them stepped up grinning with an eye patch over one of his eyes. He wore torn up clothes but had a fine black cloak along with a shaved head. Thief, “You will regret the day you set foot in this town.” Aaron, “and what do you mean by that. I seem to remember taking a number of bandits lives out East.” Thief, “You will find out in only a second.” That confused Aaron for a moment before he heard a pair of clunks behind him. He quickly turned to face what caused the sound. Two rouges had been sneaking up behind him but they both had knives imbedded in them one going through ones eye the other stabbed into the man’s chest. Aaron quickly drew his sword and finished off the one with a knife in his chest while the other one disintegrated from the blade in his head. After the second began to disintegrate he tuned to face the other rouges. Laee had tuned back after the knives had impacted the two men and started to cast her famous fireball spell. She tossed them at the rouges who where still stunned from seeing their companions taken out. Once Aaron had turned around the other rouges where finally taking action. They each drew daggers or a few short swords. A few of the dagger wielders throw their blades at Aaron and Laee but where blocked by Laee’s shield. Aaron Quickly ran forward to attack the first rouge. He blocked each of the rouges quick and calculated attacks before chopping of one of the guy’s hands. As the man yelled out in pain his other hand grabbed his stump while Aarons swords where coming around to take off his head. Laee was now striking the other rouges with lightning strikes since they where more spread out and fireballs where to destructive to their surroundings. They tried to come at her but Aaron had hopped in their way attacking them with his now flaming swords. With Aarons and Laee’s tag team strategies there was only two left. Aaron went for the closest one while the other one began to run for it back into the accumulating crowed of onlookers. Aaron quickly took out the one facing him before using shadow step to get in front of the one that tried to run away. As Aaron went to stab the mans chest the rouge fell on his blade slowly disintegrating with another dagger in his back. Aaron turned looking up to see a man disappearing over one of the buildings roves. Aaron quickly grabbed the loot dropped and the three daggers that had struck the rouges. Aaron, “Who do you think’ed helped us?” Laee and Enea, “I Don’t know.” Aaron had a suspicion but did not believe it. They soon went around the other inns asking around for the thief catcher but they learned nothing new. They soon headed back to their inn in disappointment. They entered and headed to the bar counter where a man in a gray clock was sitting. As they neared it the man turned removing his hood. Thief Catcher, “I heard you have been looking for someone of my talents.” Aaron and Laee looked at each other before looking at the man. Aaron, “you are a thief catcher.” Thief Catcher, “the one and only here in this fine city. Oh and by the way I would like to have my three daggers back if you don’t mind.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Kris, “I see you still haven’t changed much since the last time we met. Are you still drinking all that mead? I’m guessing you are.”<br><br>Laee laughed, “Why is everyone against me drinking?!”<br><br>Aaron, “I would not go there if I where you.”<br><br>Kris, “Ah it looks like another chosen and may ask who are you.”<br><br>Aaron turned to Kris before answering. <br><br>“I am Aaron the chosen to the goddess Enea.”<br><br>Kris, “Well you being the Chosen of Enea is quite obvious since you look like my elder sister.”<br><br>[Aaron, “elder sister!?”]<br><br>[Enea, “We are not really sisters its just that she has called me that since we first met.”]<br><br>[Laee, “plus you two do look similar to each other.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Laee why don’t you go drink yourself under a table.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Hay!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “will you please stop arguing in my head!”]<br><br>[Enea, and Laee, “Sorry.”]<br><br>Kris, “Well can you two stop starring off into space and tell me why you are here.”<br><br>Aaron, “sorry, well I am searching for the Chosen to…”<br><br>Kris, “Basically you wish to reform the goddesses pact.” <br><br>Laee, “hay don’t interrupt Aaron!”<br><br>Aaron, “don’t worry Laee.” He turns to Kris, “yes I do wish to reform the pact but I also wish to unit the deathly Isles.”<br><br>Kris laugh’s, “An interesting goal but one that is almost impossible for you alone.”<br><br>Aaron, “I’m not alone. I have Enea, Laee and a number of others that are helping me back on the southern Island.”<br><br>Kris, “If you had that kind of recourses at your disposal why did you not bring them with you!”<br><br>Laee, “Kris you are going to far. We had no idea what is going on here or the other islands. ”<br><br>Kris, “If we do not get reinforcements soon this Island will be lost.”<br><br>Aaron, “Are you talking about the great lords dark forces?”<br><br>Kris, “Yes, How do you know that?”<br><br>Laee, “we’ve had a number of run in’s with his forces on our Island though we thought they where bandits and Rouges at the time.”<br><br>Kris, “well a lot of good that will do us now. We need soldiers not just two chosen.”<br><br>Opal, “My Clans ships could help if I could get word to them.”<br><br>Kris, “How can I believe you when a few of your ships are with the other forces? Guards imprison this ships crew.”<br><br>Laee, “You do not know what you are doing Kris.”<br><br>Kris turned to her, “and why should I listen to a drunkard.”<br><br>Aaron, “Opal and her ships are not involved with the enemies forces. The crews of those ships have been killed and are now undead.”<br><br>Kris, “You are no chosen! You will never take the place of Enea.”<br><br>Aaron, “Who said I was trying to take her place.”<br><br>[Enea, “let me barrow your body for a moment.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “You can do that?!”]<br><br>[Laee, “you are not strong enough yet Enea!”]<br><br>Right then Aaron lost control over his body and could only watch as his body moved forward beginning to have a soft glow and a black fog surrounding his body.<br><br>Enea, “Kris You dare question my chosen!”<br><br>Kris stood there stunned for a moment.<br><br>Kris, “Is that to sis?!”<br><br>Enea, “Of course its me.”<br><br>Kris ran up and hugged Enea and Aaron.<br><br>Kris, “I’ve missed you.”<br><br>Enea, “Now will you listen to what my chosen has to say?”<br><br>Kris, “I will listen but why cant you just stay in control.”<br><br>Enea, “It is not proper to control another this way, plus I am not strong enough to continue doing this.”<br><br>Kris stepped back, “But sis.”<br><br>Enea, “If you recreate the pact we can still be able to talk.”<br><br>Enea then released control-causing Aaron to stumble a bit trying to keep his balance.<br><br>[Aaron, “she seems to care a lot for you Enea.”]<br><br>[Enea, “well it’s a long story.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Enea that was stupid you are not in a state to do that again.”]<br><br>[Enea, “oh so you where that worried about me.”]<br><br>[Laee, “not really I was more concerned about Aaron.”]<br><br>[Enea, “You know I would not let any harm come to Aaron from my actions.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “come on can you two stop this already!”]<br><br>Aaron looked at Kris before asking, “Kris will you agree to uphold the pact of old and to help me unite the Deathly Isles?”<br><br>Kris, “I will uphold the pact chosen but this does not mean you can order me around.”<br><br>A number of windows began to pop up in front of Aaron.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kris has become a companion!<br><br>You have reunited Kris, Laee’s, and Enea’s religions!<br><br>You have gained control over Kris’s Lands!<br><br>You have gained fay Attributes!<br><br>You have gained +300 Faith!<br><br>You have gained +300 Fame!<br><br>You have learned Holly Hand!<br><br>Holly Hand allows you to heal allies and drain the health of the undead and demonic forces.<br><br>Your Holly Aura now doubles your health regeneration!<br><br>Level Up!<br><br>Level Up!<br><br>Level Up!<br><br>Your Armor has evolved!</span><br><br>[Kris, “Enea are you there.”]<br><br>[Enea, “yes I’m here.”]<br><br>[Laee, “I’m also here.”]<br><br>[Kris, “get lost!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Hey I was here first.”]<br><br>[Enea, “actually it was me and Aaron first.”]<br><br>Aaron sighed in irritation of having multiple people talking in his head.<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh not another one.”]<br><br>[Kris, “you know men should stay out of woman’s minds and privacy!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Actually you are the ones talking in my head. Wait did you just say I was a guy, how do you know I’m in Enea’s form right now?”]<br><br>[Kris, “well it’s obvious from your how you move and speech.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “You can tell that much just from that?”]<br><br>[Kris, “Almost anyone who pays enough attention and some ability in magic could tell.”]<br><br>The guards where just finishing putting cuffs on the pirates when Aaron turned back to them.<br><br>Aaron, “could you let them go Kris? They are not your enemies.”<br><br>Kris, “no they can not be trusted.”<br><br>Aaron, “Come on we would not have been able to make it here without them.”<br><br>Laee, “he does have a point.”<br><br>Kris, “I will not allow it unless you can guaranty their alliance. “<br><br>Aaron, “Then why don’t I make a contract with them.”<br><br>Kris, “I can agree to that.”<br><br>Laee, “Aaron do not get any closer to that captain.”<br><br>Aaron walked over to Opal while Kris told the guards to stop for a minute.<br><br>Aaron, “I can only guaranty that you and your crew stay free is if you sign a contract with me.”<br><br>Opal, “Sounds like an interesting proposition but what does this contract involve.”<br><br>Aaron, “That you and your ships help us in times of need along with a promise to not attack any of our ships.”<br><br>Opal, “I can agree to those terms but I would like access to your docks and shipyards, Plus a lower rate on trade tax.”<br><br>Aaron thought a moment before nodding.<br><br>Aaron, “I agree to add those terms.”<br><br>Opal, “then you got yourself a deal.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have formed a contract with the Deathly Isles Pirates!<br><br>All Pirates will not attack ships with your countries flags!<br><br>Pirates will now answer you your countries call to war!<br><br>You have gained the stat Luck!<br><br>You have leveled up!<br><br>You have leveled up!</span><br><br>Aaron closed his windows then turned to Kris.<br><br>“Are you fine with that Kris.”<br><br>She just nodded and turned to her guards.<br><br>Kris, “you can let them go.”<br><br>The guards quickly removed the pirate’s cuffs starting with Opal’s. Once her hands where free she took off her Bandana from around her head and tied it around Aarons upper left forearm. <br><br>Opal, “Thanks my little princess.”<br><br>The pirates that saw the Bandana began to give a cheer and talk loudly to each other.<br>Aaron wondered what that was about when windows began to pop up in front of him.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You are now engaged to Opal the pirate clan’s chief!<br><br>You have gained the sub class Pirate Chief!<br><br>You now have access to pirate skills and weapons!<br><br>You now have control over the regions pirate clan!<br><br>You now have access to a percentage of the Pirates treasury!<br><br>Your navy now has 237 ships!<br><br>Ending the engagement with Opal will have negative results!<br><br>You have gained +80 fame!<br><br>Your Armor has evolved!</span><br><br>[Aaron, “Oh no did I some how change classes!”]<br><br>[Enea and Laee, “Aaron!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh no this is not going to end well.”]<br><br>[Enea, “I told you not to get close to that Pirate!”]<br><br>[Laee, “You cheater!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “What did I do!”]<br><br>[Enea and Laee, “you are engaged to her!”]<br><br>[Laee, “I wanted to marry him.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “but I do not know any of their customs!”]<br><br>[Enea, “that’s still not a good reason!”]<br><br>Aaron tried to talk to them but they would not let him have a word so he opened his stat window.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status Window</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Name|</span> Aaron <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary Class|</span> Enea's Chosen<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sub Class|</span> Pirate Chief<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gender|</span> Neutral <span style="font-weight: bold;">Height|</span> 6'4"<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Health|</span> 2000 <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Mana|</span> 2800<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Level|</span> 90 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Race|</span> Unknown<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Health|</span> Regen/sec 18 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana|</span> Regen/sec 10<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strength|</span> 54 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Agility|</span> 54<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wisdom|</span> 42 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Intelligence|</span> 38<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stamina|</span> 46 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vitality|</span> 26<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dexterity|</span> 36 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Luck|</span> 1<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith| </span> 2300 <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fame|</span> 1400 <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skills</span><br>Precise shot-Basic Level 8, Blade Proficiency-Intermediate level 2, Bow Proficiency-intermediate level 1, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 8, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Intermediate level 4, Repair-Basic level 9, Handicraft-Basic Level 7,Blacksmith-Basic level 6, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 6,Traps-Basic Level 4, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 7, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 2, Leadership - Basic Level 4,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weapon Forms</span><br>Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Shadow Step,<br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spells</span><br>Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Fireball, Fire Blade, Fire Wall,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Language</span><br>Common, Ancient<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Head</span> Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neck </span> Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +8<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Armor/Torso</span> Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arms</span> Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pants/Legs</span> Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feet</span> Enea's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10<br> <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enea's Armor</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Durability|</span> 150/150 total <span style="font-weight: bold;">Defense|</span> 64<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Armor|</span> Heavy <span style="font-weight: bold;">Class|</span> Ultimate Rare<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Abilities</span><br>Enea was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evolution|</span> Stage 5 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Level|</span> 90<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evolutions Affects</span><br>Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Blacksmiths hands-Armor can now combine with certain items, Flame-Due to the heavy use of fire magic by the player fire runes have been added to armor raising fire attacks and allowing user to automatically cast Fire blade and fireball without an incantation, Pirate - due to players time at sea and pirate sub class the armor now has belt pouches and a number of areas to hide concealed weapons, Holly - Armor now has a higher defense against demonic attacks and gives off a soft glow<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Navy Stat's</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ships|</span> 237 <span style="font-weight: bold;">City Ports|</span> 3<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clan's Island Level|</span> 2 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Town and village ports|</span> 16<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dry Docks|</span> 4 <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pirate Clan Island</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Port|</span> 6 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Technology|</span> 4<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dry Dock|</span> 8 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Defenses|</span> 12<br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Treasury|</span> (gold)</span> 78,000 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fort|</span> 16<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crews|</span> 250 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mines|</span> 2<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Region Stat's</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Culture|</span> 50 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Research|</span> 26<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Military|</span> 60 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith|</span> 65<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transportation|</span> 80 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mines|</span> 43<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Technology|</span> 39 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sanitation|</span> 73%<br><br>Aaron was happy he did not lose his class from the contract.<br><br>Opal grabbed onto his arm and kissed his cheek causing the two goddess to stop yelling inside his head.<br><br>Opal, “I will not lose my little princess to anyone even though you do have others in your life.”<br><br>She turned to Laee who had a red face while shaking with rage.<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron you are mine!”]<br><br>[Laee, “no he’s mine!”]<br><br>Laee quickly walked over and grabbed Aarons right arm and hugged it so he could feel her breast to each side of it while Opal did the same with the other arm. Kris came up behind him and gave him a hug while whispering in his ear.<br><br>Kris, “you are an interesting young man with goddesses all over you. I think I’m going to have a fun time with you.”<br><br>[Enea, “Kris get you hands off him he is mine.”]<br><br>[Kris, “That’s why I want him.”]<br><br>Aaron groaned as a guard came running up the gangplank.<br><br>Guard, “Chosen! The enemy forces outside the wall have breached the city’s gate!”<br><br>Kris, “Everyone to the gates we must keep them from capturing the city!” </div>

Kris, “I see you still haven’t changed much since the last time we met. Are you still drinking all that mead? I’m guessing you are.” Laee laughed, “Why is everyone against me drinking?!” Aaron, “I would not go there if I where you.” Kris, “Ah it looks like another chosen and may ask who are you.” Aaron turned to Kris before answering. “I am Aaron the chosen to the goddess Enea.” Kris, “Well you being the Chosen of Enea is quite obvious since you look like my elder sister.” [Aaron, “elder sister!?”] [Enea, “We are not really sisters its just that she has called me that since we first met.”] [Laee, “plus you two do look similar to each other.”] [Enea, “Laee why don’t you go drink yourself under a table.”] [Laee, “Hay!”] [Aaron, “will you please stop arguing in my head!”] [Enea, and Laee, “Sorry.”] Kris, “Well can you two stop starring off into space and tell me why you are here.” Aaron, “sorry, well I am searching for the Chosen to…” Kris, “Basically you wish to reform the goddesses pact.” Laee, “hay don’t interrupt Aaron!” Aaron, “don’t worry Laee.” He turns to Kris, “yes I do wish to reform the pact but I also wish to unit the deathly Isles.” Kris laugh’s, “An interesting goal but one that is almost impossible for you alone.” Aaron, “I’m not alone. I have Enea, Laee and a number of others that are helping me back on the southern Island.” Kris, “If you had that kind of recourses at your disposal why did you not bring them with you!” Laee, “Kris you are going to far. We had no idea what is going on here or the other islands. ” Kris, “If we do not get reinforcements soon this Island will be lost.” Aaron, “Are you talking about the great lords dark forces?” Kris, “Yes, How do you know that?” Laee, “we’ve had a number of run in’s with his forces on our Island though we thought they where bandits and Rouges at the time.” Kris, “well a lot of good that will do us now. We need soldiers not just two chosen.” Opal, “My Clans ships could help if I could get word to them.” Kris, “How can I believe you when a few of your ships are with the other forces? Guards imprison this ships crew.” Laee, “You do not know what you are doing Kris.” Kris turned to her, “and why should I listen to a drunkard.” Aaron, “Opal and her ships are not involved with the enemies forces. The crews of those ships have been killed and are now undead.” Kris, “You are no chosen! You will never take the place of Enea.” Aaron, “Who said I was trying to take her place.” [Enea, “let me barrow your body for a moment.”] [Aaron, “You can do that?!”] [Laee, “you are not strong enough yet Enea!”] Right then Aaron lost control over his body and could only watch as his body moved forward beginning to have a soft glow and a black fog surrounding his body. Enea, “Kris You dare question my chosen!” Kris stood there stunned for a moment. Kris, “Is that to sis?!” Enea, “Of course its me.” Kris ran up and hugged Enea and Aaron. Kris, “I’ve missed you.” Enea, “Now will you listen to what my chosen has to say?” Kris, “I will listen but why cant you just stay in control.” Enea, “It is not proper to control another this way, plus I am not strong enough to continue doing this.” Kris stepped back, “But sis.” Enea, “If you recreate the pact we can still be able to talk.” Enea then released control-causing Aaron to stumble a bit trying to keep his balance. [Aaron, “she seems to care a lot for you Enea.”] [Enea, “well it’s a long story.”] [Laee, “Enea that was stupid you are not in a state to do that again.”] [Enea, “oh so you where that worried about me.”] [Laee, “not really I was more concerned about Aaron.”] [Enea, “You know I would not let any harm come to Aaron from my actions.”] [Aaron, “come on can you two stop this already!”] Aaron looked at Kris before asking, “Kris will you agree to uphold the pact of old and to help me unite the Deathly Isles?” Kris, “I will uphold the pact chosen but this does not mean you can order me around.” A number of windows began to pop up in front of Aaron. Kris has become a companion! You have reunited Kris, Laee’s, and Enea’s religions! You have gained control over Kris’s Lands! You have gained fay Attributes! You have gained +300 Faith! You have gained +300 Fame! You have learned Holly Hand! Holly Hand allows you to heal allies and drain the health of the undead and demonic forces. Your Holly Aura now doubles your health regeneration! Level Up! Level Up! Level Up! Your Armor has evolved! [Kris, “Enea are you there.”] [Enea, “yes I’m here.”] [Laee, “I’m also here.”] [Kris, “get lost!”] [Laee, “Hey I was here first.”] [Enea, “actually it was me and Aaron first.”] Aaron sighed in irritation of having multiple people talking in his head. [Aaron, “Oh not another one.”] [Kris, “you know men should stay out of woman’s minds and privacy!”] [Aaron, “Actually you are the ones talking in my head. Wait did you just say I was a guy, how do you know I’m in Enea’s form right now?”] [Kris, “well it’s obvious from your how you move and speech.”] [Aaron, “You can tell that much just from that?”] [Kris, “Almost anyone who pays enough attention and some ability in magic could tell.”] The guards where just finishing putting cuffs on the pirates when Aaron turned back to them. Aaron, “could you let them go Kris? They are not your enemies.” Kris, “no they can not be trusted.” Aaron, “Come on we would not have been able to make it here without them.” Laee, “he does have a point.” Kris, “I will not allow it unless you can guaranty their alliance. “ Aaron, “Then why don’t I make a contract with them.” Kris, “I can agree to that.” Laee, “Aaron do not get any closer to that captain.” Aaron walked over to Opal while Kris told the guards to stop for a minute. Aaron, “I can only guaranty that you and your crew stay free is if you sign a contract with me.” Opal, “Sounds like an interesting proposition but what does this contract involve.” Aaron, “That you and your ships help us in times of need along with a promise to not attack any of our ships.” Opal, “I can agree to those terms but I would like access to your docks and shipyards, Plus a lower rate on trade tax.” Aaron thought a moment before nodding. Aaron, “I agree to add those terms.” Opal, “then you got yourself a deal.” You have formed a contract with the Deathly Isles Pirates! All Pirates will not attack ships with your countries flags! Pirates will now answer you your countries call to war! You have gained the stat Luck! You have leveled up! You have leveled up! Aaron closed his windows then turned to Kris. “Are you fine with that Kris.” She just nodded and turned to her guards. Kris, “you can let them go.” The guards quickly removed the pirate’s cuffs starting with Opal’s. Once her hands where free she took off her Bandana from around her head and tied it around Aarons upper left forearm. Opal, “Thanks my little princess.” The pirates that saw the Bandana began to give a cheer and talk loudly to each other. Aaron wondered what that was about when windows began to pop up in front of him. You are now engaged to Opal the pirate clan’s chief! You have gained the sub class Pirate Chief! You now have access to pirate skills and weapons! You now have control over the regions pirate clan! You now have access to a percentage of the Pirates treasury! Your navy now has 237 ships! Ending the engagement with Opal will have negative results! You have gained +80 fame! Your Armor has evolved! [Aaron, “Oh no did I some how change classes!”] [Enea and Laee, “Aaron!”] [Aaron, “Oh no this is not going to end well.”] [Enea, “I told you not to get close to that Pirate!”] [Laee, “You cheater!”] [Aaron, “What did I do!”] [Enea and Laee, “you are engaged to her!”] [Laee, “I wanted to marry him.”] [Aaron, “but I do not know any of their customs!”] [Enea, “that’s still not a good reason!”] Aaron tried to talk to them but they would not let him have a word so he opened his stat window. Status Window Name| Aaron Primary Class| Enea's Chosen Sub Class| Pirate Chief Gender| Neutral Height| 6'4" Health| 2000 Mana| 2800 Level| 90 Race| Unknown Health| Regen/sec 18 Mana| Regen/sec 10 Strength| 54 Agility| 54 Wisdom| 42 Intelligence| 38 Stamina| 46 Vitality| 26 Dexterity| 36 Luck| 1 Faith| 2300 Fame| 1400 Skills Precise shot-Basic Level 8, Blade Proficiency-Intermediate level 2, Bow Proficiency-intermediate level 1, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 8, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Intermediate level 4, Repair-Basic level 9, Handicraft-Basic Level 7,Blacksmith-Basic level 6, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 6,Traps-Basic Level 4, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 7, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 2, Leadership - Basic Level 4, Weapon Forms Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Shadow Step, Spells Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Fireball, Fire Blade, Fire Wall, Language Common, Ancient Equipment Head Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6 Neck Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +8 Armor/Torso Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Arms Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8 Pants/Legs Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Feet Enea's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10 Enea's Armor Durability| 150/150 total Defense| 64 Armor| Heavy Class| Ultimate Rare Abilities Enea was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. Evolution| Stage 5 Level| 90 Evolutions Affects Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Blacksmiths hands-Armor can now combine with certain items, Flame-Due to the heavy use of fire magic by the player fire runes have been added to armor raising fire attacks and allowing user to automatically cast Fire blade and fireball without an incantation, Pirate - due to players time at sea and pirate sub class the armor now has belt pouches and a number of areas to hide concealed weapons, Holly - Armor now has a higher defense against demonic attacks and gives off a soft glow Navy Stat's Ships| 237 City Ports| 3 Clan's Island Level| 2 Town and village ports| 16 Dry Docks| 4 Pirate Clan Island Port| 6 Technology| 4 Dry Dock| 8 Defenses| 12 Treasury| (gold) 78,000 Fort| 16 Crews| 250 Mines| 2 Region Stat's Culture| 50 Research| 26 Military| 60 Faith| 65 Transportation| 80 Mines| 43 Technology| 39 Sanitation| 73% Aaron was happy he did not lose his class from the contract. Opal grabbed onto his arm and kissed his cheek causing the two goddess to stop yelling inside his head. Opal, “I will not lose my little princess to anyone even though you do have others in your life.” She turned to Laee who had a red face while shaking with rage. [Enea, “Aaron you are mine!”] [Laee, “no he’s mine!”] Laee quickly walked over and grabbed Aarons right arm and hugged it so he could feel her breast to each side of it while Opal did the same with the other arm. Kris came up behind him and gave him a hug while whispering in his ear. Kris, “you are an interesting young man with goddesses all over you. I think I’m going to have a fun time with you.” [Enea, “Kris get you hands off him he is mine.”] [Kris, “That’s why I want him.”] Aaron groaned as a guard came running up the gangplank. Guard, “Chosen! The enemy forces outside the wall have breached the city’s gate!” Kris, “Everyone to the gates we must keep them from capturing the city!”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> I can't feel any strength in my arms nor the rest of my body. My vision is blurring. Blood is leaving my body. Ah....I wish I could've done so much more. To leave the country, to discover so many things. Maybe meet someone and create a family to watch for the rest of my life. Wait why the hell am I thinking of these things like I'm going to die? Wait I AM dying. <br><br>I heard some words here and there. Some words like “Clear” and “Live”. Well it doesn't matter right now. At least I can recall some of my memories from earlier today. Let's see....I woke up as usual in my so-so room which has everything I need. Ate breakfast and went to school. So far its boring enough since that's my daily routine. But then something very clique happened. I saw a young child running out on the street when truck was about to hit it. Obviously my instincts tell me to save the stupid child.<br><br>So I ran out, pushed the child out of the way and got hit by a 5 tonne truck in the process. Then it all goes fuzzy. Well at least I don't have to do my exams now. But all those hours put in studying was completely wasted. There was also this new game called 'Royal Road'. Saw a couple of videos and didn't really want to play it. For one it was really expensive to play to begin with. The second was that I prefer strategy and RPGs even though the game was essentially one big RPG that would even suppresses the era of D&amp;D and the game also has elements of strategy games.<br><br>But that doesn't matter right now. For a while now all I've been 'seeing' was pitch black. It was not surprisingly scary at all. In fact it was comforting. But the time of being comforted by the darkness was over. A bright light appeared. Well it seemed that I was about to kick the bucket now. Oh the irony. I kinda wanted to stay in the darkness for a while more. <br><br>“Hey get in the light”<br><br>Wait, what? Did I just hear a voice just now? <br><br>“If you want to live get into the light”<br><br>Umm......isn't it usual the other way around. You know going into the light being accepting death. <br><br>“GET INTO THE LIGHT YOU FOOL!!!!”<br><br>Yes yes I get it. Get into the freaking light. But I don't exactly have a body right now, how the hell do I move closer to it. Maybe with the power of imagination? Might as well try. <br><br>I imagined myself moving towards the light. Soon enough the light seemed to get brighter. I was either moving closer to it or the light was getting brighter. I want to think that it was the first option. <br><br>Well now I'm in a bright place with no speck of black nor any other colour at all. I look around and noticed that I have my body again. I tried opening and closing my hand and it seemed to work fine.<br><br>“Good now we don't have to worry about you dying.”<br><br>I hear the voice again. It was female. I have no idea what kind of figure the person had but as a guy I like to think the person as a hot blonde nurse or any other hot nurse character. But that was immediately shattered.<br><br>“By the way, I'm a guy.”<br><br>Shit. I thought it was a female voice since it was kinda high-pitched. Though this person might be lying about being a guy.<br><br>“You're thinking I can't be a guy right?”<br><br>Wait how does this person know what I'm thinking? <br><br>“You know that you can speak right? Talk.”<br><br>So this person either can read my mind or not and wants me to talk. <br><br>“Umm.......are you really a guy?”, I ask hoping that the person says no and that it was all a joke.<br><br>“Yes, I'm a guy.” He said sighing.<br><br>Well there goes my hopes. Speaking of which am I wearing any clothes right now? Nope. I'm butt naked. I wonder where I can get clothes. I feel somewhat exposed. <br><br>“So where are my clothes?” I once more asked hoping for a good answer.<br><br>The person immediately responses again.<br><br>“Imagine yourself with clothes.”<br><br>So I did. Imagining myself in my casual clothes. A simple T-shirt and shorts. I looked at my body again and found that there was clothes on myself again. I wonder what will happen if I imagine myself as a girl......or maybe I shouldn't. I should ask latter if I can.<br><br>“So what's your name?” I asked.<br><br>The response this time was not immediate but it came nevertheless.<br><br>“My name is Eli Rommulous the fourth.”<br><br>Wow that's one fucked up name. The fourth? That means there's three more unfortunate people who had that name.<br><br>“Just joking. Its actually Seraph Rommulous the fourth.”<br><br>That doesn't make it better. The Rommu-something the fourth part is still there. <br><br>“So what's up with your name?”<br><br>Seraph immediately responses with, “Shut it, unless you want me to disconnect you.”<br><br>Disconnect me with what? Am I connected to some machine. I don't see any cables conencted to my body....but I'm in some place which I have no idea when, how and why I got here in the first place. Then Seraph answers my question.<br><br>“Lets see, your Lin Ferine born and raised in Australia. Age is 17 and you are still in highschool right?”<br><br>So they have info on me.....<br><br>“Yes” I answered.<br><br>“You got hit by a truck in the early morning, to be more precise 8.37 am correct?”<br><br>“How would I know the time I got hit! Yes I got hit by a bloody truck.”<br><br>Sudden rage appeared out of nowhere. Why would I know the precise details when I almost died a while back. <br><br>“Okay....lets continue. Height is 179 cm and weight is-”<br><br>“Why the fuck would you ask that?!”<br>“Fine. Lets skip the protocol. Anyway you are technically dead you know. Your brain stopped functioning a hour after the accident you had. Your body was donated by your parents to perform an experiment to possibly revive a person after a while of death. We know this cannot be successful when the brain decades but a flesh brain like your is perfect.”<br><br>What?......what did this person just say......I'm dead......experiment.....what the fuck is happening?!<br><br>Despite my confusion, Seraph continues.<br><br>“Your body to be more precise your brain is connected to a program used by Royal Road. We are sustaining you through this. We also brought and paid for the game as well. It seems unicorn is also interested with the results we can achieve.”<br><br>I take a deep breathe in and out a couple of times. I try to calm myself down and analyse the situation. So I died. That's the hardest thing to accept. I'm in an experiment when my parents sold me to them. That was kinda easier to accept then I'm dead but then again I'm thinking and doing stuff so I'm alive right now. And their experiment was a success with me right?<br><br>“So what am I to do now Seraph?”<br><br>“Well unless you want to stay like that for the rest of your life, I suggest you play Royal Road. Else ask me for something to do. I can input a couple of things in this place but they are very limited.”<br><br>So the choice is essentially to play Royal Road. Great play a game for a while. Better than doing nothing. Maybe I can find my friends that play the game while I'm at it. Wait do they know I'm alive?<br><br>“Hey, does anyone else know I'm in this state?”<br><br>“Outside this lab no. You can imagine what could happen if people found out we revived you. To the public with the exclusion of your parents, you are dead. Though we still didn't tell them the experiment was successful. We like to keep things hidden unless you want us to tell them?”<br><br>Well it seems to be a good thing that people know I'm not here. But the thought that everyone mourning over me is kinda disturbing. <br><br>“Can I get out of here and back into real life?”<br><br>“One thing at a time. It was very difficult to get you in this state in the first place. Its best not to get hasty just yet.”<br><br>So I'm stuck here for a while. <br><br>“So can I play Royal Road?”<br><br>“Sure but please note that you can't log out unless you die. If you do log out then some problems might occur. But don't worry about dying. You'll just end back here again. Also we will need a report on your progress every time you died. Unicorn refused to allow us to monitor you for some reason. Well then without any more delay Program Royal Road Start!”<br><br>The space I was in didn't change at all. But there was a clearly female voice now.<br><br>— The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?”<br><br>“Yes”<br><br>Well all games have to start somewhere. <br><br>— Select the name of your avatar”<br><br>What should my name be?.......maybe something fancy. No that's a bad idea. I don't like the idea of drawing attention to myself. I'm just playing to kill some time. My real name is out of the question. Ah! That would work.<br><br>“Eden”<br><br>A name from the garden of Eden where the first two humans Adam and Eve were exiled form by God.<br><br>— Select you gender from Male, Female or Neutral”<br><br>Hmm......should I select female? Playing as such a character would be fine but when someone finds out that I a guy is playing as one.....no. Male is kinda obvious but boring. Neutral....what the fuck is neutral. Well, might as well go male this time. <br><br>“Male”<br><br>— Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine available.”<br><br>I don't care much of any other race. Don't want to get used to the new look.<br><br>“Human”<br><br>— You may alter your appearance”<br><br>So I can change my appearance.....I should make myself look a bit better.<br><br>“Change hair colour to black. Make me a bit muscular but still thin. Set eye colour to black. Change face to be a but sharper in the cheeks, straightens nose, enlarge eyes, thin eyebrow hair, lower eyebrow height, lower nose position, increase mouth position. Hmm....should I have long or short hair? Might as well go long. Increase hair length to 60 cm. Tye hair to ponytail. That should do.”<br><br>— Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road.”<br><br>Shit.....I turned my avatar into a girl without realising. Well this will give me some interesting experiences......at least my avatar look hot. Well I am Asian and I look like an Asain girl right now.....though no breasts. <br><br>— Select a city and kingdom you want to start.”<br><br>“Give me a city that has a lot of history.”<br><br>— Kingdom of Kallamore. Town of Tellap in the Senbain mountains has been selected.”<br><br>Wait a town not a city? Damn did I just get screwed.<br><br>— Welcome to Royal Road.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Continue Misfortune?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Previous</td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1259" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </div>

I can't feel any strength in my arms nor the rest of my body. My vision is blurring. Blood is leaving my body. Ah....I wish I could've done so much more. To leave the country, to discover so many things. Maybe meet someone and create a family to watch for the rest of my life. Wait why the hell am I thinking of these things like I'm going to die? Wait I AM dying. I heard some words here and there. Some words like “Clear” and “Live”. Well it doesn't matter right now. At least I can recall some of my memories from earlier today. Let's see....I woke up as usual in my so-so room which has everything I need. Ate breakfast and went to school. So far its boring enough since that's my daily routine. But then something very clique happened. I saw a young child running out on the street when truck was about to hit it. Obviously my instincts tell me to save the stupid child. So I ran out, pushed the child out of the way and got hit by a 5 tonne truck in the process. Then it all goes fuzzy. Well at least I don't have to do my exams now. But all those hours put in studying was completely wasted. There was also this new game called 'Royal Road'. Saw a couple of videos and didn't really want to play it. For one it was really expensive to play to begin with. The second was that I prefer strategy and RPGs even though the game was essentially one big RPG that would even suppresses the era of D&D and the game also has elements of strategy games. But that doesn't matter right now. For a while now all I've been 'seeing' was pitch black. It was not surprisingly scary at all. In fact it was comforting. But the time of being comforted by the darkness was over. A bright light appeared. Well it seemed that I was about to kick the bucket now. Oh the irony. I kinda wanted to stay in the darkness for a while more. “Hey get in the light” Wait, what? Did I just hear a voice just now? “If you want to live get into the light” Umm......isn't it usual the other way around. You know going into the light being accepting death. “GET INTO THE LIGHT YOU FOOL!!!!” Yes yes I get it. Get into the freaking light. But I don't exactly have a body right now, how the hell do I move closer to it. Maybe with the power of imagination? Might as well try. I imagined myself moving towards the light. Soon enough the light seemed to get brighter. I was either moving closer to it or the light was getting brighter. I want to think that it was the first option. Well now I'm in a bright place with no speck of black nor any other colour at all. I look around and noticed that I have my body again. I tried opening and closing my hand and it seemed to work fine. “Good now we don't have to worry about you dying.” I hear the voice again. It was female. I have no idea what kind of figure the person had but as a guy I like to think the person as a hot blonde nurse or any other hot nurse character. But that was immediately shattered. “By the way, I'm a guy.” Shit. I thought it was a female voice since it was kinda high-pitched. Though this person might be lying about being a guy. “You're thinking I can't be a guy right?” Wait how does this person know what I'm thinking? “You know that you can speak right? Talk.” So this person either can read my mind or not and wants me to talk. “Umm.......are you really a guy?”, I ask hoping that the person says no and that it was all a joke. “Yes, I'm a guy.” He said sighing. Well there goes my hopes. Speaking of which am I wearing any clothes right now? Nope. I'm butt naked. I wonder where I can get clothes. I feel somewhat exposed. “So where are my clothes?” I once more asked hoping for a good answer. The person immediately responses again. “Imagine yourself with clothes.” So I did. Imagining myself in my casual clothes. A simple T-shirt and shorts. I looked at my body again and found that there was clothes on myself again. I wonder what will happen if I imagine myself as a girl......or maybe I shouldn't. I should ask latter if I can. “So what's your name?” I asked. The response this time was not immediate but it came nevertheless. “My name is Eli Rommulous the fourth.” Wow that's one fucked up name. The fourth? That means there's three more unfortunate people who had that name. “Just joking. Its actually Seraph Rommulous the fourth.” That doesn't make it better. The Rommu-something the fourth part is still there. “So what's up with your name?” Seraph immediately responses with, “Shut it, unless you want me to disconnect you.” Disconnect me with what? Am I connected to some machine. I don't see any cables conencted to my body....but I'm in some place which I have no idea when, how and why I got here in the first place. Then Seraph answers my question. “Lets see, your Lin Ferine born and raised in Australia. Age is 17 and you are still in highschool right?” So they have info on me..... “Yes” I answered. “You got hit by a truck in the early morning, to be more precise 8.37 am correct?” “How would I know the time I got hit! Yes I got hit by a bloody truck.” Sudden rage appeared out of nowhere. Why would I know the precise details when I almost died a while back. “Okay....lets continue. Height is 179 cm and weight is-” “Why the fuck would you ask that?!” “Fine. Lets skip the protocol. Anyway you are technically dead you know. Your brain stopped functioning a hour after the accident you had. Your body was donated by your parents to perform an experiment to possibly revive a person after a while of death. We know this cannot be successful when the brain decades but a flesh brain like your is perfect.” What?......what did this person just say......I'm dead......experiment.....what the fuck is happening?! Despite my confusion, Seraph continues. “Your body to be more precise your brain is connected to a program used by Royal Road. We are sustaining you through this. We also brought and paid for the game as well. It seems unicorn is also interested with the results we can achieve.” I take a deep breathe in and out a couple of times. I try to calm myself down and analyse the situation. So I died. That's the hardest thing to accept. I'm in an experiment when my parents sold me to them. That was kinda easier to accept then I'm dead but then again I'm thinking and doing stuff so I'm alive right now. And their experiment was a success with me right? “So what am I to do now Seraph?” “Well unless you want to stay like that for the rest of your life, I suggest you play Royal Road. Else ask me for something to do. I can input a couple of things in this place but they are very limited.” So the choice is essentially to play Royal Road. Great play a game for a while. Better than doing nothing. Maybe I can find my friends that play the game while I'm at it. Wait do they know I'm alive? “Hey, does anyone else know I'm in this state?” “Outside this lab no. You can imagine what could happen if people found out we revived you. To the public with the exclusion of your parents, you are dead. Though we still didn't tell them the experiment was successful. We like to keep things hidden unless you want us to tell them?” Well it seems to be a good thing that people know I'm not here. But the thought that everyone mourning over me is kinda disturbing. “Can I get out of here and back into real life?” “One thing at a time. It was very difficult to get you in this state in the first place. Its best not to get hasty just yet.” So I'm stuck here for a while. “So can I play Royal Road?” “Sure but please note that you can't log out unless you die. If you do log out then some problems might occur. But don't worry about dying. You'll just end back here again. Also we will need a report on your progress every time you died. Unicorn refused to allow us to monitor you for some reason. Well then without any more delay Program Royal Road Start!” The space I was in didn't change at all. But there was a clearly female voice now. — The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?” “Yes” Well all games have to start somewhere. — Select the name of your avatar” What should my name be?.......maybe something fancy. No that's a bad idea. I don't like the idea of drawing attention to myself. I'm just playing to kill some time. My real name is out of the question. Ah! That would work. “Eden” A name from the garden of Eden where the first two humans Adam and Eve were exiled form by God. — Select you gender from Male, Female or Neutral” Hmm......should I select female? Playing as such a character would be fine but when someone finds out that I a guy is playing as one.....no. Male is kinda obvious but boring. Neutral....what the fuck is neutral. Well, might as well go male this time. “Male” — Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine available.” I don't care much of any other race. Don't want to get used to the new look. “Human” — You may alter your appearance” So I can change my appearance.....I should make myself look a bit better. “Change hair colour to black. Make me a bit muscular but still thin. Set eye colour to black. Change face to be a but sharper in the cheeks, straightens nose, enlarge eyes, thin eyebrow hair, lower eyebrow height, lower nose position, increase mouth position. Hmm....should I have long or short hair? Might as well go long. Increase hair length to 60 cm. Tye hair to ponytail. That should do.” — Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road.” Shit.....I turned my avatar into a girl without realising. Well this will give me some interesting experiences......at least my avatar look hot. Well I am Asian and I look like an Asain girl right now.....though no breasts. — Select a city and kingdom you want to start.” “Give me a city that has a lot of history.” — Kingdom of Kallamore. Town of Tellap in the Senbain mountains has been selected.” Wait a town not a city? Damn did I just get screwed. — Welcome to Royal Road. | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Previous | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1259) |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Aaron and Laee had been on the road for a few days since the left the city passing a few towns on their way to the coastal city. They also helped those that requested it along the way making a bit of coin. They where also attacked by a few wolf packs along the way.<br><br>A few hours after they left the 5th town along the Highway they where using to travel they took a short break.<br><br>Laee, “Aaron mead please!”<br><br>Aaron, “come on we can’t have you drunk or you running out for days whining for more.”<br><br>Laee, “please mead is my life!”<br><br>Aaron, “what a sad life to have.”<br><br>Laee was about to respond a few merchant wagons came over the next hill.<br><br>Laee, “Oh I bet they have some mead!”<br><br>Laee hurried over to the wagons.<br><br>Aaron, “Don’t run off like that, I’m talking to you!”<br><br>Aaron sighed again and walked after her.<br><br>[Aaron, “She’s just like a kid when ever there is something to do with mead.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Well she does know how to liven up the mood.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “yes until I have to clean up after her.”]<br><br>As Aaron got up to the wagons Laee was already trading for large bottles of mead and for the first time some rum.<br><br>Aaron, “Don’t buy to much Laee, we still have enough to last a whole month if you drank sparingly at meals.”<br><br>Laee, “but why should I have less when I can get more!”<br><br>Aaron just shook his head and turned to the trader. He sold the pelts and loot that he had been gathering along the road. While Aaron was looking at the wears in the cart he spotted an old dusty and rusted sword.<br><br>He quickly used Identify on the sword.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Old Rusted sword of strange make<br><br>Attack| 50-75 Durability| 23/50<br>A rare forgotten sword passed from one man to another collecting dust and rusting away in storage rooms.<br><br>Sword is damaged raising required Identify level!<br><br>Identify to low to tell more!</span><br><br>[Enea, “this sword has some magic quality’s to it Aaron.”]<br><br>Aaron stared at the sword for a moment.<br><br>[Aaron, “do you think it’s a good Idea to buy. It could come in handy in the future even if the magic to it is not special. Its damage alone right now is almost twice my current swords.]<br><br>[Enea, “its worth a shot.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Aaron more mead. Oh interesting find.]<br><br>Aaron turned to Laee.<br><br>[Aaron, “how so?”]<br><br>[Laee, “It’s a demonic sword though it has seen better years.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “how can you tell it’s a demonic sword? All I can tell is that it is better then my current sword.”]<br><br>[Laee, “well I am a goddess with a very high skill level let alone an almost infinite mana pool.”]<br><br>Aaron, “how much for the sword?”<br><br>Merchant, “Oh that thing, I’m willing to sell it for about 10 gold.”<br><br>Aaron, “I’ll buy it for 15 gold.”<br><br>Merchant, “that’s over what I asked for!?”<br><br>Aaron, “think of the rest as a tip for the sword and the Drinks.”<br><br>Merchant, “Thank you kind sir! By the way my name is Verral I hope to see you again.”<br><br>Aaron, “My name is Aaron Chosen of Enea.”<br><br>Verral looked shocked for a moment.<br><br>Verral, “I has been an honor to have met you Chosen, Hero of the east.”<br><br>Aaron, “I’m the hero of the east? Wow word is traveling fast since the battle for the fort.”<br><br>They finished buying their goods from the merchant and where once again on their way. For the next week they continued to help out at the villages they passed during the day. While they where at camp Aaron was working on repairing the blade he had bought raising his blacksmithing and repair skills up. Through all the hard work Aaron was only able to clear the rust away and raise its durability by a few points.<br><br>Aaron, “This is irritating! I need to raise my skill to intermediate to even fix this.”<br><br>Laee, “Nooo worrk no ggain.”<br><br>Aaron, “you are one to talk about no work no gain. What have you been doing besides drinking.”<br><br>Laee, “welllll for onneee thing I’vvve been using barri-barrier spells on our camp each… ni-night to keep oouut pests.”<br><br>Aaron looked up to see Laee staring at him.<br><br>Aaron, “I didn’t know that, is that why we have not been attacked so far while camped?”<br><br>Laee, “bingooo yoouu win a Prize!”<br><br>She went and kissed his cheek.<br><br>Enea, “Get off him you drunk!”<br><br>Laee, “Ohhh come ooon Enea you neeeed to learn to relaxsss.”<br><br>Aaron, “can you both stop arguing!”<br>Enea, “so your on her side now Aaron!”<br><br>Aaron sighed, it was beginning to become a common habit.<br><br>Aaron, “No I’m not taking anyone’s side on anything right now. I just have a headache from the both of you arguing in my head.”<br><br>With that no one talked for a while and Aaron began to feel awkward.<br><br>Aaron, “sorry you two.”<br><br>The two goddesses began to laugh leaving Aaron confused.<br><br>Enea, “don’t worry about it.”<br><br>Laee, “come on lets have a drink.”<br><br>Aaron just smiled like a fool.<br><br>They continued on for another few days until they heard word that a small group of bandits where in the area. Aaron and Laee quickly went to check it out and see if they where the remnants of the group they had defeated. <br><br>At the next town they where hired on to help a few merchants to protect them while they travel to the next town. As they reached a patch of trees and hills the bandits came out of their hiding places.<br><br>Bandit’s leader, “Leave all you have and you can walk away with your lives.”<br><br>Aaron and Laee looked at each other and laughed. <br><br>Aaron “looks like it’s not the same group Laee.”<br><br>Laee, “looks like it.”<br><br>Rough looking bandit, “why are you two laughing.”<br><br>Aaron, “oh nothing you have to worry about.”<br><br>Aaron and Laee quickly began firing fireballs off at the bandits sending them into chaos. Aaron then drew one of his swords and one of his long knives and charged towards the closest bunch of bandits.<br><br>Laee began to use the water from the near by creek to send large spikes of ice flying at the bandits. Each bandit once struck slowed at the ice spread and slowed them down so Aaron could take them out without with a slash or two for each bandit. Soon there was only the bandit leader standing frozen stiff.<br><br>Bandits Leader, “who are you guys!?”<br><br>Aaron, “I’m Aaron the chosen of Enea and this is Laee another chosen.”<br><br>Bandits Leader, “the hero’s of the east this far west!?<br><br>Aaron, “Does everyone call us the hero’s of the east all we did is defeat some bandits.”<br><br>Laee, “that is actually a large accomplishment in these lands Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron, “something like that.”<br><br>Laee, “Well this land is one of the hardest places to find a living and only the strong usually survive here for long.“<br><br>Aaron, “what a sad place this is.”<br><br>They looked back at the bandit.<br><br>Bandit Leader, “What… What are you going to do with me?”<br><br>Laee, “Oh Aaron What shall we do with him.”<br><br>Aaron, “I’m not sure…”<br><br>Aaron began to play a bit with his long knife causing the bandit to whimper in fear. <br><br>Bandit Leader, “I’ll do anything just don’t hurt me please.”<br><br>Aaron, “only if you tell us where you stashed your goods.”<br><br>The bandit told them where it was.<br><br>Aaron, “well that wasn’t so hard now was it.”<br><br>The bandit nodded.<br><br>Laee released the ice spell and the bandit fell on his face. Aaron quickly tied the bandit up and they through him in the back of the merchant’s wagon.<br><br>Aaron, “I’ll let the town and the merchants decide your fate.”<br><br>The bandit wined behind the gag as the merchants began to head down the road.<br><br>Laee, “nicely done could not have done it better myself.”<br><br>Aaron, “oh really when you are usually drunk I can barely understand a word you say.”<br><br>Laee lightly punched his shoulder.<br><br>Laee, “And what is that supposed to mean?”<br><br>Aaron, “oh nothing really.”<br><br>They continued on to where the bandit had told them their stash was. They collected all the items and headed for the next town. When they got there they gave the items back to the merchants there and where rewarded with a few gold coins. <br><br>Aaron and Laee also completed a number of quests before heading out on the road again. They continued to help those that asked for it and Aaron continued to frustratedly work on fixing his sword. <br><br>While at camp one night Aaron once again pulled out his map.<br><br>Laee, “how long until we reach the city?”<br><br>Aaron looked up at her looking over his shoulder.<br><br>Aaron, “We have another three or four days left until we get there.”<br><br>Laee, “Ah so close we sure traveled faster then I thought we would.”<br><br>Aaron, “Why is that?”<br><br>Laee quickly kissed his cheek and walked away towards her bedroll.<br><br>Laee, “oh nothing.”<br><br>Enea, “Laee Stay off my Aaron!”<br><br>Aaron, “oh here we go again.” </div>

Aaron and Laee had been on the road for a few days since the left the city passing a few towns on their way to the coastal city. They also helped those that requested it along the way making a bit of coin. They where also attacked by a few wolf packs along the way. A few hours after they left the 5th town along the Highway they where using to travel they took a short break. Laee, “Aaron mead please!” Aaron, “come on we can’t have you drunk or you running out for days whining for more.” Laee, “please mead is my life!” Aaron, “what a sad life to have.” Laee was about to respond a few merchant wagons came over the next hill. Laee, “Oh I bet they have some mead!” Laee hurried over to the wagons. Aaron, “Don’t run off like that, I’m talking to you!” Aaron sighed again and walked after her. [Aaron, “She’s just like a kid when ever there is something to do with mead.”] [Enea, “Well she does know how to liven up the mood.”] [Aaron, “yes until I have to clean up after her.”] As Aaron got up to the wagons Laee was already trading for large bottles of mead and for the first time some rum. Aaron, “Don’t buy to much Laee, we still have enough to last a whole month if you drank sparingly at meals.” Laee, “but why should I have less when I can get more!” Aaron just shook his head and turned to the trader. He sold the pelts and loot that he had been gathering along the road. While Aaron was looking at the wears in the cart he spotted an old dusty and rusted sword. He quickly used Identify on the sword. Old Rusted sword of strange make Attack| 50-75 Durability| 23/50 A rare forgotten sword passed from one man to another collecting dust and rusting away in storage rooms. Sword is damaged raising required Identify level! Identify to low to tell more! [Enea, “this sword has some magic quality’s to it Aaron.”] Aaron stared at the sword for a moment. [Aaron, “do you think it’s a good Idea to buy. It could come in handy in the future even if the magic to it is not special. Its damage alone right now is almost twice my current swords.] [Enea, “its worth a shot.”] [Laee, “Aaron more mead. Oh interesting find.] Aaron turned to Laee. [Aaron, “how so?”] [Laee, “It’s a demonic sword though it has seen better years.”] [Aaron, “how can you tell it’s a demonic sword? All I can tell is that it is better then my current sword.”] [Laee, “well I am a goddess with a very high skill level let alone an almost infinite mana pool.”] Aaron, “how much for the sword?” Merchant, “Oh that thing, I’m willing to sell it for about 10 gold.” Aaron, “I’ll buy it for 15 gold.” Merchant, “that’s over what I asked for!?” Aaron, “think of the rest as a tip for the sword and the Drinks.” Merchant, “Thank you kind sir! By the way my name is Verral I hope to see you again.” Aaron, “My name is Aaron Chosen of Enea.” Verral looked shocked for a moment. Verral, “I has been an honor to have met you Chosen, Hero of the east.” Aaron, “I’m the hero of the east? Wow word is traveling fast since the battle for the fort.” They finished buying their goods from the merchant and where once again on their way. For the next week they continued to help out at the villages they passed during the day. While they where at camp Aaron was working on repairing the blade he had bought raising his blacksmithing and repair skills up. Through all the hard work Aaron was only able to clear the rust away and raise its durability by a few points. Aaron, “This is irritating! I need to raise my skill to intermediate to even fix this.” Laee, “Nooo worrk no ggain.” Aaron, “you are one to talk about no work no gain. What have you been doing besides drinking.” Laee, “welllll for onneee thing I’vvve been using barri-barrier spells on our camp each… ni-night to keep oouut pests.” Aaron looked up to see Laee staring at him. Aaron, “I didn’t know that, is that why we have not been attacked so far while camped?” Laee, “bingooo yoouu win a Prize!” She went and kissed his cheek. Enea, “Get off him you drunk!” Laee, “Ohhh come ooon Enea you neeeed to learn to relaxsss.” Aaron, “can you both stop arguing!” Enea, “so your on her side now Aaron!” Aaron sighed, it was beginning to become a common habit. Aaron, “No I’m not taking anyone’s side on anything right now. I just have a headache from the both of you arguing in my head.” With that no one talked for a while and Aaron began to feel awkward. Aaron, “sorry you two.” The two goddesses began to laugh leaving Aaron confused. Enea, “don’t worry about it.” Laee, “come on lets have a drink.” Aaron just smiled like a fool. They continued on for another few days until they heard word that a small group of bandits where in the area. Aaron and Laee quickly went to check it out and see if they where the remnants of the group they had defeated. At the next town they where hired on to help a few merchants to protect them while they travel to the next town. As they reached a patch of trees and hills the bandits came out of their hiding places. Bandit’s leader, “Leave all you have and you can walk away with your lives.” Aaron and Laee looked at each other and laughed. Aaron “looks like it’s not the same group Laee.” Laee, “looks like it.” Rough looking bandit, “why are you two laughing.” Aaron, “oh nothing you have to worry about.” Aaron and Laee quickly began firing fireballs off at the bandits sending them into chaos. Aaron then drew one of his swords and one of his long knives and charged towards the closest bunch of bandits. Laee began to use the water from the near by creek to send large spikes of ice flying at the bandits. Each bandit once struck slowed at the ice spread and slowed them down so Aaron could take them out without with a slash or two for each bandit. Soon there was only the bandit leader standing frozen stiff. Bandits Leader, “who are you guys!?” Aaron, “I’m Aaron the chosen of Enea and this is Laee another chosen.” Bandits Leader, “the hero’s of the east this far west!? Aaron, “Does everyone call us the hero’s of the east all we did is defeat some bandits.” Laee, “that is actually a large accomplishment in these lands Aaron.” Aaron, “something like that.” Laee, “Well this land is one of the hardest places to find a living and only the strong usually survive here for long.“ Aaron, “what a sad place this is.” They looked back at the bandit. Bandit Leader, “What… What are you going to do with me?” Laee, “Oh Aaron What shall we do with him.” Aaron, “I’m not sure…” Aaron began to play a bit with his long knife causing the bandit to whimper in fear. Bandit Leader, “I’ll do anything just don’t hurt me please.” Aaron, “only if you tell us where you stashed your goods.” The bandit told them where it was. Aaron, “well that wasn’t so hard now was it.” The bandit nodded. Laee released the ice spell and the bandit fell on his face. Aaron quickly tied the bandit up and they through him in the back of the merchant’s wagon. Aaron, “I’ll let the town and the merchants decide your fate.” The bandit wined behind the gag as the merchants began to head down the road. Laee, “nicely done could not have done it better myself.” Aaron, “oh really when you are usually drunk I can barely understand a word you say.” Laee lightly punched his shoulder. Laee, “And what is that supposed to mean?” Aaron, “oh nothing really.” They continued on to where the bandit had told them their stash was. They collected all the items and headed for the next town. When they got there they gave the items back to the merchants there and where rewarded with a few gold coins. Aaron and Laee also completed a number of quests before heading out on the road again. They continued to help those that asked for it and Aaron continued to frustratedly work on fixing his sword. While at camp one night Aaron once again pulled out his map. Laee, “how long until we reach the city?” Aaron looked up at her looking over his shoulder. Aaron, “We have another three or four days left until we get there.” Laee, “Ah so close we sure traveled faster then I thought we would.” Aaron, “Why is that?” Laee quickly kissed his cheek and walked away towards her bedroll. Laee, “oh nothing.” Enea, “Laee Stay off my Aaron!” Aaron, “oh here we go again.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – The training continues.</span> <br> <br>Its been 3 days since I started the third phrase of the magic training. Haven't had much progress but I'm getting there. The first thing you have to know is that I can perfectly create the second and third light ball and move all of them at the same time now. This resulted in the appearance of the Magic control skill. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Magic Control Passive Skill Beginner Level 1(32%) <br> <br>Allows you to manipulate and control magic more easily. It does not affect the speed of the magic but it'll increase your ability to control it properly. As this skill increase you will be able to control the range and trajectory of your magic more easily.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>After this appeared I could move the light balls around my body with ease. Well as I said before the bracelet probably helped a lot as well. But then my current problem is something the bracelet can't help me with as I found out. I can create and control up to 4 light balls at once and control 3 of them at once but I can't seem to go further than that. I wonder why? It also has been a while since Warlic or Crysero came in to check on me. <br> <br>BOOOOOOOM <br> <br>What was that! Damn this is getting scary. <br> <br>Bang Bang Bang <br> <br>Now what happened? Wait that was my light balls......did I lose focus? <br> <br>The room now had a couple of cracks here and there from my training. No wonder why Warlic didn't really want to train me. The training creates a mess. <br> <br>Another day passed without me making any progress. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – The fourth phase</span> <br> <br>Warlic finally checked in. I wondered where he was and what he was doing. He looked exhausted but seemed fine other than that. <br> <br>“So how did your training go. How many light balls can you create and control now?” <br> <br>I'm surprised that he didn't spy on me like before. But that's my own opinion on him. <br> <br>“I can create 4 balls and can control 3 at once.” <br> <br>Warlic seemed shocked but regained his calm expression again. <br> <br>He asked, “Can you show me then.” <br> <br>So I did. I focused on create one light ball at a time and then tried to move them. My progress on moving the fourth once didn't go any further but 3 light balls flew around freely. <br> <br>“Are you perhaps a genius or something? Doing this much in days is almost unheard of. It takes months if not years of practise to do this much.” <br> <br>Wow...it really takes that long to get to this stage. Now how long did he take.... <br> <br>“Warlic how long did it take you to do this?” I said putting up a grin of superiority. <br> <br>“I could do this much to begin with. I took me...around a day to create around a hundred of them and manipulate them freely. I did this when I was 5 I think.” <br> <br>Well that killed my confidence. I was kinda depressed now. <br> <br>“Well I'm different form most people anyway. Those who trained in the arcane ways take a while to make the first step or two. Don't worry. Your progressing faster than I expected.” <br> <br>Now my confidence went up a bit. <br> <br>“Well, you passed the third phrase. Now the fourth phrase is a lot easier than the third.” <br> <br>“Why?” <br> <br>“Because the third is used to test your limit. The fourth is simply learning spells to use. As you may realised yesterday, me and Crysero finished the adjustments on the monsters you'll face. Now you need an offensive spell to kill them.” <br> <br>YAY! FINALLY! <br> <br>“But you need to learn the basic of magic combat.” <br> <br>…........fuck. <br> <br>“I'll start now. Also you can continue with the third phrase as long as it doesn't distract you from my lecture.” <br> <br>“Wait I thought I had to focus to use the magic.” <br> <br>“Try making a light ball without think much.” <br> <br>Wait how does someone do that? Its not like a light ball can magically appear out of nowhere in my hand.....HOLY SHIT! It did appear. My god! How the fuck did I do that. <br> <br>In my hand there was a single light ball floating around and not doing much. <br> <br>“See. The training also served to help you cast spells without thinking too much. It won't help if you are trying to cast a spell and a goblin starts beating you to death mid way.” <br> <br>“True.” <br> <br>I rather not die in such a way. <br> <br>“Now let my lecture start! First of all what do you know about the elements?” <br> <br>This was kinda easy. <br> <br>“Each elements have different properties and they each have individual strengths and weaknesses.” <br> <br>“Correct but did you know that if used in certain ways the weaknesses can be neglected and bypassed altogether?” <br> <br>Yeah kind of...I suppose someone stronger can cast a bigger spell to counter another spell. Also a smaller spell may be the same strength as a large one but the smaler one will win. <br> <br>“Yeah. An attack to a single point will be more powerful than an attack that reaches to a long range.” <br> <br>“Correct. But you haven't considered the actual strengths of the mages using the spells. Even if you throw a ice bolt to a fireball, it'll still melt completely if the ice is too weak or the fire is too strong.” <br> <br>“Yeah I know that.” <br> <br>This is an explanation of the simple stuff. <br> <br>“Now what happens if you have a ice bolt that is so powerful that the fireball cannot stop it at all and cannot melt it.” <br> <br>“Umm...you dodge the attack?” <br> <br>“Yeah but what if you manipulate your fireball to condense when the ice bolt is in it? What will happen next?” <br> <br>“The ice spike will be affected in some way.” <br> <br>“How much will it be affected and why?” <br> <br>“It depends on how much the fireball is condensed because it depends on umm.....the amount of fire blocking it.” I answered. I wasn't too sure about this part. <br> <br>“No! The reason why you condense it is to increase the heat. Fire is made from vibrations in the air. So the more vibrations the larger and hotter the fire. If you condense the amount of space the fire can spread, it'll increase the temperature in the space because the vibrations have nowhere to go. Ice on the other hand is the opposite. The air is frozen and the same vibrations cease to be.” <br> <br>I see....but what does this have to do with the elements. <br> <br>“This shows that it doesn't matter what element you use if you know how to use it. But if you change the properties then it'll be affected by the other elements differently as well.” <br> <br>“So...will you get to the point?” <br> <br>“Ah yes...There are 5 main elements of this world. Fire, wind, lightning, earth and water.” <br> <br>“What about ice?” <br> <br>“That is the polar opposite of fire and they affect each other at the same rate as it is made of water and wind magic. Anyway the elements are strong against the other in the same order. Fire&gt;Wind&gt;Lightning&gt;Earth&gt;Water&gt;Fire. There are a couple other elements made from the five main ones. Ice is combination of water and wind. Lava is made from fire and earth. There are also the elements of light and dark which are polar opposites and are unaffected by the other elements in terms of strengths and weaknesses.” <br> <br>“What about healing spells? Are they considered light element? And are curses considered dark element.” <br> <br>“Yes and no. They are part of the series but are not directly part of it. There are other factors as well such as life. Necromancy is a combination of dark elements and the life factor. Healing is a combination of light element and the life factor. Besides the life factor there is also the death factor, wild factor, berserk factor, dragon factor, demonic factor and so on...” <br> <br>“So what are these factors?” <br> <br>They seem more interesting then how some elements are stronger than others. <br> <br>“There are twelve main ones that are commonly used. Each one is an opposite to another in a circle format.” <br> <br>Warlic drew a circle and wrote down the names of these factors. <br> <br>- Life and Death <br>- Demonic and Divine <br>- Push and Pull <br>- Berserk and Dragon <br>- Bluff and Curse <br>- Create and Consume <br> <br>“Most magic fall under the Create factor. Of course there's a lot more that don't and some that are a combination of others but these 12 are the most commonly seen and used, at least where I came from. Now lets continue...” <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3 - &nbsp;Combat training </span> <br> <br>After a couple of hours of how each element works and how to use them which I found very boring besides the fact there's apparently a 'good' and 'evil' element as well. They are apparently made from all the elements and the good and evil factor. Warlic then proceeded to pound the mastery skills of all the elements into me. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Fire mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of fire magic. As this skill increase, the amount of fire produced will increase and the strength of fire magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in fire magic <br>+1% in fire resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Wind mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Wind magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Wind produced will increase and the strength of Wind magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Wind magic <br>+1% in Wind resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Lightning mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Lightning magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Lightning produced will increase and the strength of Lightning magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Lightning magic <br>+1% in Lightning resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Earth mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Earth magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Earth produced will increase and the strength of Earth magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Earth magic <br>+1% in Earth resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Water mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Water magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Water produced will increase and the strength of Water magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Water magic <br>+1% in Water resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Ice mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Ice magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Ice produced will increase and the strength of Ice magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Ice magic <br>+1% in Ice resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Light mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Light magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Light produced will increase and the strength of Light magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Light magic <br>+1% in Light resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Dark mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Allows the manipulation of Dark magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Darkness produced will increase and the strength of Dark magic also increases. <br> <br>+10% in strength in Dark magic <br>+1% in Dark resistance</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Well I won't go as far to pound every one into you but these are the basic 8. Now you'll be using fire magic against the foes. With the exception of one they are weak to fire. The other one is weak to light magic. Figure it out.” <br> <br>So its up to me again. Man hell training is coming closer and closer. <br> <br>“Why didn't you teach me a spell like fire ball?” <br> <br>“Why would I?” <br> <br>Because you're responsible for me dragging me into this mess but I can't say that. I made a different answer. <br> <br>“Because that's how you learn new spells. You get a fireball book and read it to learn the magic.” <br> <br>Is it done differently in his world? <br> <br>“Hmm...how interesting. What I taught you is the basic of the basic. It'll allow you to manipulate the elements itself. It depends on you to learn and master the spells you want whether its through a book or experimenting. My magic seems to be much more flexible than your world's magic.” <br> <br>So you won't teach me either way. <br> <br>With that we walked to the next and final phrase of the training. The moment we got near the yellow line that separated the tower into two I saw there was a massive number of the Bugbear, &nbsp;Laundry Golem and the dirty sockmonkey. I couldn't even count the number of enemies I had to face. <br> <br>“You can begin any time. For your benefit you can cast one spell before crossing the yellow line.” <br> <br>Well I've be damned. What spell do I use...hmm...fire will work but I need a lot of it. <br> <br>I thought of creating a big fire that would push the enemies away enough for me to get in. Using my knowledge which came from Warlic pounding it into me I imagined a large fire spreading and consuming all of them. <br> <br>“Flamethrower.” <br> <br>In an instant a massive fire came out of my hands and burnt back the countless foes in front of me. This will be easy. <br> <br>I checked my experience bar to see it rapidly increasing as well. It was literally increasing by 3% per monster I killed but I was killing so many of them at once that I would level up quickly. As fire was coming out of my hands I walked over the yellow line and continue the massacre. <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have levelled up</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have levelled up</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>“Eden! These monsters have infinity respawn capabilities so be careful” <br> <br>No need to worry I have plenty of mana to spare wait what?! My mana was less then 200 in a matter of a couple of seconds?! Shit! I have to stop before I run out. <br> <br>I stopped the flames coming out of my hands and I saw the remains of the monsters. However the bugbears were mostly unaffected by my fire. It seems it was the monster without the weakness to fire. <br> <br>For now I have to stall for time. They shouldn't respawn so quickly. But such thoughts were quickly killed off. <br> <br>Behind the group of Bugbears that numbered in the 20s was another group of 40 which were made of Laundry Golems and the dirt Sockmonkeys. <br> <br>Shit! Why are they respawn so fast?! Damnit I have to make a wall. <br> <br>I focused my thoughts on making a sturdy wall. It was a mix of Earth and ice elements which were both solid. This strengthened the wall I made but it took a total of 50 mana to make it. <br> <br>“Earth-Ice Wall.” <br> <br>I looked back at Warlic who was calmly looking at my current situation without any care. <br> <br>“Warlic! Why are they respawning so fast?!” <br> <br>“Well they are weaker so we made so they could come back more easily then before and this is the results. Don't worry. You can deal with them at with your abilities.” <br> <br>No I can't! I'm already down 100 mana in the first 20 seconds and I have no way to get it back fast enough. <br> <br>Before I could complain the wall started to break down. The bugbears were hitting it, the laundry golems were smacking it and the sockmonkeys were kicking it. With so little mana left I have no choice but to use smaller spells to deal with them. <br> <br>First I waited for them to break a big enough hole that I could run into. After a bit they managed that. I imagined lightning shocking and stunning them all and waited for my chance. <br> <br>Now! <br> <br>“Chain Lightning.” <br> <br>I used a chain lightning attack for a split second which stunned them for 2 seconds. It used up 30 mana just for that but I managed to run through and get to the other side. <br> <br>Good now I can push them to the corner. <br> <br>I then used a wind magic to push them back into the right corner of the wall. <br> <br>“Wind Gust.” <br> <br>This costed 15 mana. Less than I expected but it did not last long and was not complicated to use. With the monsters in the corner I could either burn them or freeze them. <br> <br>Which one do I use now... <br> <br>Freezing them won't kill them but it'll give me time to regain some mana. So I casted an ice magic that went deep into the foes' bones and froze them. <br> <br>“Freeze.” <br> <br>This too up a massive 50 mana since it took a while to freeze them all. <br> <br>Good now I have some time....wait what are those shadowy figures I see? It can't be...no way...more of them. <br> <br>Opposite to the wall came another group of 40 monsters this time containing bugbears as well. With a little over 100 mana left and no plan I had to do something quick. <br> <br>Wait! I can hide from them. There should be a couple of storage rooms and they can't get me there...at least for a while. <br> <br>With a new plan and 40 monsters to get through I used some of the ice I made and converted it to water onto the floor. It wasn't a lot of water but it would allow electricity to flow through it well enough instead of air. <br> <br>“Flood” <br> <br>Casting the water magic costed 20 mana which was still kinda expensive but I'll have all the time I need after this. With water under their feet, I casted a lightning spell with the image of a lightning bolt coming out of my fingers. <br> <br>“Lightning Bolt” <br> <br>They should be stunned enough for me to pass them. Now to find a storage room... <br> <br>And they were stunned. But only for 3 seconds. With this time I managed to get a 10 metre gap between us but they were closing in quick. To my left I saw a door that I probably could get into if I tried. <br> <br>In there! <br> <br>I ran straight to it, opened the door, got in and slammed the door shut. <br> <br>Few....good now I can rest. <br> <br>Bang Bang Bang <br> <br>Or not. <br> <br>The mobs outside the door were pounding on it. The door would probably last only for 10 minutes or so at this rate. <br> <br>Damnit I don't have the mediate skill because I'm not a mage...despite the fact I can use magic as easily as a mage. I doubt Warlic knows that he could give me a class in the first place but what the hell?! Anyway this is a storage room right? <br> <br>I scanned the small room I was in and thankfully found that it was a normal storage...a side from the numerous unspeakable things in here with me. I sat down trying to conserve some energy and allowed my mana to increase. As the banging of the door increased, so did the time until I had to get out shortened. <br> <br>Wait didn't I level up twice before? Yeah I did! I should have 10 points to spend now! Lets see I have no need for strength for now but the agility would be useful. I have more than enough intelligence and wisdom for now so 10 points in agility should be fine right? <br> <br>I opened up my status window and placed 10 points in agility. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Eden</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">3</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">30</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">120</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">320</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">21</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">42</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">43</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">12</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">11</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td colspan="3">23</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">1%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>My stats are a bit different from before. My intelligence and wisdom increased a bit when I was training with the light balls. Stamina for some reason increased by 1 as well. I guess it was about time it increased in the weeks I played. Health and mana increased by 20....oh my magic resistance increased by 1%. Was it because of the element masteries I have? Well it doesn't do much for now. <br> <br>After 10 minutes and regaining around 200 mana to my maximum the door was about to give out. Planning my escape from the room I prepared a couple of things. First was to use both lightning and wind magic to make my escape. Then to stall a bit of time I would then make Earth spikes come from the ground and &nbsp;kill a couple of them for the experience. <br> <br>Come on.....when will they break down the door.....or I can just blast it away. That sound fine to me. Have to thin them out first. <br> <br>I prepared a earth spike spell in my mind said, “Earth Spike” and spike made of the floor of the tower came out and impaled a couple of the monsters. <br> <br>Now to get out of this room. But can I use two spells at once? I'm pretty sure its the same concept as making several light balls at once. <br> <br>In my right hand I imagined a sharp blade and in my left I imagined a wall of wind. The air around my hands moved a bit before becoming what I wanted it to be. <br> <br>“Wind Blade. Wind Gust. Contain” <br> <br>Good, now how much mana did I lose with that? Lets see I lost 20 mana from the Earth spikes and another 30 from the two spells I casted just now. Time to get started. <br> <br>I cut the the bolts of the door with the wind blade which meant that the monsters can push in now, but I also used the wall gust to stop them. It seems that the wind gust drains my mana at a constant rate as well so I just pushed the monsters and mob to the opposite wall quickly. <br> <br>I just used up half the mana I gained. Well might as well kill some more of them. <br> <br>I imagined a ball of fire in front of me, being throw at the stack of monsters at the wall. <br> <br>“Fireball.” <br> <br>30 mana from taken from me and a sort of big fire ball flew and burnt the monsters to a crisp. After that more monsters started to spawn at a rapid rate. <br> <br>Do these monsters spawn after I kill some of them? Wait didn't they spawn when I just froze some of them? But none of them spawned when I was in the storage room. So....I better get in another storage room before more get created. <br> <br>I quickly ran and found another storage room to hide now for a while. I tried not to look into the actual content of the stuff since I might lose something important or worse to those unspeakable things. <br> <br>How much more do I have to do......no rest.....constant danger.....man I regret this..... <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 4 – At the limit</span> <br> <br>Its been I think 2 days or was it 3 days since the fourth phrase of the training started. And I barely got any sleep in this period. Seriously! Every 10 minutes I had to run to a new room! At one stage I got a message that told me to go to sleep! How can I sleep! If I sleep then I'll be killed. <br> <br>During this period that I like to call hell training, I gained a total of 22 levels leaving me at level 25 which was pretty good for 2 or 3 days of killing monsters. One thing I noticed is that the experienced I gained in percentage hasn't changed even though I levelled up so many times. Wait! Did those two rig this so the monsters scale up to my level?! That explains why they've been getting faster and stronger recently. <br> <br>Bang Bang Bang <br> <br>Was it time for me to run into another room again? For some reason, despite their increase in power, it still takes them 10 minutes to break down a door. Did those two take pity on me and strengthened the door for me as well? Its like they gave me the antidote to the poison they feed me. Damnit! How many times it this happen? Did I reach 100 already? I can't really think....but my concentration stat leaped a lot during this phrase for some reason. The same thing happened with my intelligence stat as well. Shit I have to prepare a spell.....damn I can't think of one right now.....my consciousness is fading..... <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 5 - Extra Training!</span> <br> <br>I woke up not to a warm soft bed but to the cold hard stone floor.....was I still in the fourth phrase of the training? <br> <br>“Oh your awake Eden.” <br> <br>Warlic is that you? What happened? I can't really remember well. <br> <br>“Rest some more. Your body and mind are exhausted. Well that's the point of the training so don't worry.” <br> <br>Don't worry....shit I so tired that I can't even complain now. <br> <br>“By the way....you failed the fourth phrase.” <br> <br>Wait What?! <br> <br>“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I FAILED?!” <br> <br>“Ah your energy came back.” <br> <br>Really now?! I spent god knows how long being chased around by things that could easily rip me apart. <br> <br>“Now now. Calm down. The test was one of endurance. I say you failed in that aspect. In my calculations you should have lasted around a week but you only lasted 2 and a half days.” <br> <br>Wait...I had to last for a week? <br> <br>“To fix this I have to give you some Hell training.” <br> <br>No not the Hell Training <br> <br>“Wait why do I need Hell training? Mages use magic so what's the point of having anything involving moving our bodies to the point where we will die.” <br> <br>“A healthy mind lies in a healthy body. I heard that the Church of Freya has a new training method and require some test subje...no volunteers. I'll see you in a week.” <br> <br>A magic circle appeared under me and I felt some deja vu. Shit! Why does everyone force me to do stuff for them?! I felt my body being pulled a part and reconstructed as I was teleported to an unknown place. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Continue Misfortune?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1273" target="_blank">Previous</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1281" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- Well true hell is about to appear in the next chapter. A certain 'training tool' will once more appear. Muhahahahahahahahahahahhaha <br>- I like how I can just troll the main character in every way. It relieves my stress <br>- Something I realized is that my pace in writing the series is decreasing for some reason :( That means it might take a while before posting the second volume. So from the second volume onwards this will be a weekly series not a daily one. <br>- Text box spam.....I really had to put a lot of those in this series didn't I....more work for me when posting. <br>- Word count this chapter is 4346 <br> <br>EDIT: Whoops! Used the wrong title for the chapter. Fixed it. </div>

Part 1 – The training continues. Its been 3 days since I started the third phrase of the magic training. Haven't had much progress but I'm getting there. The first thing you have to know is that I can perfectly create the second and third light ball and move all of them at the same time now. This resulted in the appearance of the Magic control skill. | Magic Control Passive Skill Beginner Level 1(32%) Allows you to manipulate and control magic more easily. It does not affect the speed of the magic but it'll increase your ability to control it properly. As this skill increase you will be able to control the range and trajectory of your magic more easily. | | --- | After this appeared I could move the light balls around my body with ease. Well as I said before the bracelet probably helped a lot as well. But then my current problem is something the bracelet can't help me with as I found out. I can create and control up to 4 light balls at once and control 3 of them at once but I can't seem to go further than that. I wonder why? It also has been a while since Warlic or Crysero came in to check on me. BOOOOOOOM What was that! Damn this is getting scary. Bang Bang Bang Now what happened? Wait that was my light balls......did I lose focus? The room now had a couple of cracks here and there from my training. No wonder why Warlic didn't really want to train me. The training creates a mess. Another day passed without me making any progress. Part 2 – The fourth phase Warlic finally checked in. I wondered where he was and what he was doing. He looked exhausted but seemed fine other than that. “So how did your training go. How many light balls can you create and control now?” I'm surprised that he didn't spy on me like before. But that's my own opinion on him. “I can create 4 balls and can control 3 at once.” Warlic seemed shocked but regained his calm expression again. He asked, “Can you show me then.” So I did. I focused on create one light ball at a time and then tried to move them. My progress on moving the fourth once didn't go any further but 3 light balls flew around freely. “Are you perhaps a genius or something? Doing this much in days is almost unheard of. It takes months if not years of practise to do this much.” Wow...it really takes that long to get to this stage. Now how long did he take.... “Warlic how long did it take you to do this?” I said putting up a grin of superiority. “I could do this much to begin with. I took me...around a day to create around a hundred of them and manipulate them freely. I did this when I was 5 I think.” Well that killed my confidence. I was kinda depressed now. “Well I'm different form most people anyway. Those who trained in the arcane ways take a while to make the first step or two. Don't worry. Your progressing faster than I expected.” Now my confidence went up a bit. “Well, you passed the third phrase. Now the fourth phrase is a lot easier than the third.” “Why?” “Because the third is used to test your limit. The fourth is simply learning spells to use. As you may realised yesterday, me and Crysero finished the adjustments on the monsters you'll face. Now you need an offensive spell to kill them.” YAY! FINALLY! “But you need to learn the basic of magic combat.” …........fuck. “I'll start now. Also you can continue with the third phrase as long as it doesn't distract you from my lecture.” “Wait I thought I had to focus to use the magic.” “Try making a light ball without think much.” Wait how does someone do that? Its not like a light ball can magically appear out of nowhere in my hand.....HOLY SHIT! It did appear. My god! How the fuck did I do that. In my hand there was a single light ball floating around and not doing much. “See. The training also served to help you cast spells without thinking too much. It won't help if you are trying to cast a spell and a goblin starts beating you to death mid way.” “True.” I rather not die in such a way. “Now let my lecture start! First of all what do you know about the elements?” This was kinda easy. “Each elements have different properties and they each have individual strengths and weaknesses.” “Correct but did you know that if used in certain ways the weaknesses can be neglected and bypassed altogether?” Yeah kind of...I suppose someone stronger can cast a bigger spell to counter another spell. Also a smaller spell may be the same strength as a large one but the smaler one will win. “Yeah. An attack to a single point will be more powerful than an attack that reaches to a long range.” “Correct. But you haven't considered the actual strengths of the mages using the spells. Even if you throw a ice bolt to a fireball, it'll still melt completely if the ice is too weak or the fire is too strong.” “Yeah I know that.” This is an explanation of the simple stuff. “Now what happens if you have a ice bolt that is so powerful that the fireball cannot stop it at all and cannot melt it.” “Umm...you dodge the attack?” “Yeah but what if you manipulate your fireball to condense when the ice bolt is in it? What will happen next?” “The ice spike will be affected in some way.” “How much will it be affected and why?” “It depends on how much the fireball is condensed because it depends on umm.....the amount of fire blocking it.” I answered. I wasn't too sure about this part. “No! The reason why you condense it is to increase the heat. Fire is made from vibrations in the air. So the more vibrations the larger and hotter the fire. If you condense the amount of space the fire can spread, it'll increase the temperature in the space because the vibrations have nowhere to go. Ice on the other hand is the opposite. The air is frozen and the same vibrations cease to be.” I see....but what does this have to do with the elements. “This shows that it doesn't matter what element you use if you know how to use it. But if you change the properties then it'll be affected by the other elements differently as well.” “So...will you get to the point?” “Ah yes...There are 5 main elements of this world. Fire, wind, lightning, earth and water.” “What about ice?” “That is the polar opposite of fire and they affect each other at the same rate as it is made of water and wind magic. Anyway the elements are strong against the other in the same order. Fire>Wind>Lightning>Earth>Water>Fire. There are a couple other elements made from the five main ones. Ice is combination of water and wind. Lava is made from fire and earth. There are also the elements of light and dark which are polar opposites and are unaffected by the other elements in terms of strengths and weaknesses.” “What about healing spells? Are they considered light element? And are curses considered dark element.” “Yes and no. They are part of the series but are not directly part of it. There are other factors as well such as life. Necromancy is a combination of dark elements and the life factor. Healing is a combination of light element and the life factor. Besides the life factor there is also the death factor, wild factor, berserk factor, dragon factor, demonic factor and so on...” “So what are these factors?” They seem more interesting then how some elements are stronger than others. “There are twelve main ones that are commonly used. Each one is an opposite to another in a circle format.” Warlic drew a circle and wrote down the names of these factors. - Life and Death - Demonic and Divine - Push and Pull - Berserk and Dragon - Bluff and Curse - Create and Consume “Most magic fall under the Create factor. Of course there's a lot more that don't and some that are a combination of others but these 12 are the most commonly seen and used, at least where I came from. Now lets continue...” Part 3 -  Combat training After a couple of hours of how each element works and how to use them which I found very boring besides the fact there's apparently a 'good' and 'evil' element as well. They are apparently made from all the elements and the good and evil factor. Warlic then proceeded to pound the mastery skills of all the elements into me. | Fire mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of fire magic. As this skill increase, the amount of fire produced will increase and the strength of fire magic also increases. +10% in strength in fire magic +1% in fire resistance | | --- | | Wind mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Wind magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Wind produced will increase and the strength of Wind magic also increases. +10% in strength in Wind magic +1% in Wind resistance | | --- | | Lightning mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Lightning magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Lightning produced will increase and the strength of Lightning magic also increases. +10% in strength in Lightning magic +1% in Lightning resistance | | --- | | Earth mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Earth magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Earth produced will increase and the strength of Earth magic also increases. +10% in strength in Earth magic +1% in Earth resistance | | --- | | Water mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Water magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Water produced will increase and the strength of Water magic also increases. +10% in strength in Water magic +1% in Water resistance | | --- | | Ice mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Ice magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Ice produced will increase and the strength of Ice magic also increases. +10% in strength in Ice magic +1% in Ice resistance | | --- | | Light mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Light magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Light produced will increase and the strength of Light magic also increases. +10% in strength in Light magic +1% in Light resistance | | --- | | Dark mastery Beginner level 1 (0%) Allows the manipulation of Dark magic. As this skill increase, the amount of Darkness produced will increase and the strength of Dark magic also increases. +10% in strength in Dark magic +1% in Dark resistance | | --- | “Well I won't go as far to pound every one into you but these are the basic 8. Now you'll be using fire magic against the foes. With the exception of one they are weak to fire. The other one is weak to light magic. Figure it out.” So its up to me again. Man hell training is coming closer and closer. “Why didn't you teach me a spell like fire ball?” “Why would I?” Because you're responsible for me dragging me into this mess but I can't say that. I made a different answer. “Because that's how you learn new spells. You get a fireball book and read it to learn the magic.” Is it done differently in his world? “Hmm...how interesting. What I taught you is the basic of the basic. It'll allow you to manipulate the elements itself. It depends on you to learn and master the spells you want whether its through a book or experimenting. My magic seems to be much more flexible than your world's magic.” So you won't teach me either way. With that we walked to the next and final phrase of the training. The moment we got near the yellow line that separated the tower into two I saw there was a massive number of the Bugbear,  Laundry Golem and the dirty sockmonkey. I couldn't even count the number of enemies I had to face. “You can begin any time. For your benefit you can cast one spell before crossing the yellow line.” Well I've be damned. What spell do I use...hmm...fire will work but I need a lot of it. I thought of creating a big fire that would push the enemies away enough for me to get in. Using my knowledge which came from Warlic pounding it into me I imagined a large fire spreading and consuming all of them. “Flamethrower.” In an instant a massive fire came out of my hands and burnt back the countless foes in front of me. This will be easy. I checked my experience bar to see it rapidly increasing as well. It was literally increasing by 3% per monster I killed but I was killing so many of them at once that I would level up quickly. As fire was coming out of my hands I walked over the yellow line and continue the massacre. | You have levelled up | | --- | | You have levelled up | | --- | “Eden! These monsters have infinity respawn capabilities so be careful” No need to worry I have plenty of mana to spare wait what?! My mana was less then 200 in a matter of a couple of seconds?! Shit! I have to stop before I run out. I stopped the flames coming out of my hands and I saw the remains of the monsters. However the bugbears were mostly unaffected by my fire. It seems it was the monster without the weakness to fire. For now I have to stall for time. They shouldn't respawn so quickly. But such thoughts were quickly killed off. Behind the group of Bugbears that numbered in the 20s was another group of 40 which were made of Laundry Golems and the dirt Sockmonkeys. Shit! Why are they respawn so fast?! Damnit I have to make a wall. I focused my thoughts on making a sturdy wall. It was a mix of Earth and ice elements which were both solid. This strengthened the wall I made but it took a total of 50 mana to make it. “Earth-Ice Wall.” I looked back at Warlic who was calmly looking at my current situation without any care. “Warlic! Why are they respawning so fast?!” “Well they are weaker so we made so they could come back more easily then before and this is the results. Don't worry. You can deal with them at with your abilities.” No I can't! I'm already down 100 mana in the first 20 seconds and I have no way to get it back fast enough. Before I could complain the wall started to break down. The bugbears were hitting it, the laundry golems were smacking it and the sockmonkeys were kicking it. With so little mana left I have no choice but to use smaller spells to deal with them. First I waited for them to break a big enough hole that I could run into. After a bit they managed that. I imagined lightning shocking and stunning them all and waited for my chance. Now! “Chain Lightning.” I used a chain lightning attack for a split second which stunned them for 2 seconds. It used up 30 mana just for that but I managed to run through and get to the other side. Good now I can push them to the corner. I then used a wind magic to push them back into the right corner of the wall. “Wind Gust.” This costed 15 mana. Less than I expected but it did not last long and was not complicated to use. With the monsters in the corner I could either burn them or freeze them. Which one do I use now... Freezing them won't kill them but it'll give me time to regain some mana. So I casted an ice magic that went deep into the foes' bones and froze them. “Freeze.” This too up a massive 50 mana since it took a while to freeze them all. Good now I have some time....wait what are those shadowy figures I see? It can't be...no way...more of them. Opposite to the wall came another group of 40 monsters this time containing bugbears as well. With a little over 100 mana left and no plan I had to do something quick. Wait! I can hide from them. There should be a couple of storage rooms and they can't get me there...at least for a while. With a new plan and 40 monsters to get through I used some of the ice I made and converted it to water onto the floor. It wasn't a lot of water but it would allow electricity to flow through it well enough instead of air. “Flood” Casting the water magic costed 20 mana which was still kinda expensive but I'll have all the time I need after this. With water under their feet, I casted a lightning spell with the image of a lightning bolt coming out of my fingers. “Lightning Bolt” They should be stunned enough for me to pass them. Now to find a storage room... And they were stunned. But only for 3 seconds. With this time I managed to get a 10 metre gap between us but they were closing in quick. To my left I saw a door that I probably could get into if I tried. In there! I ran straight to it, opened the door, got in and slammed the door shut. Few....good now I can rest. Bang Bang Bang Or not. The mobs outside the door were pounding on it. The door would probably last only for 10 minutes or so at this rate. Damnit I don't have the mediate skill because I'm not a mage...despite the fact I can use magic as easily as a mage. I doubt Warlic knows that he could give me a class in the first place but what the hell?! Anyway this is a storage room right? I scanned the small room I was in and thankfully found that it was a normal storage...a side from the numerous unspeakable things in here with me. I sat down trying to conserve some energy and allowed my mana to increase. As the banging of the door increased, so did the time until I had to get out shortened. Wait didn't I level up twice before? Yeah I did! I should have 10 points to spend now! Lets see I have no need for strength for now but the agility would be useful. I have more than enough intelligence and wisdom for now so 10 points in agility should be fine right? I opened up my status window and placed 10 points in agility. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Eden | Type | Neutral | | Level | 3 | Class | None | | Fame | 30 | Infamy | 0 | | Title | None | | | | Health | 120 | Mana | 320 | | Strength | 11 | Agility | 21 | | Wisdom | 42 | Intelligence | 43 | | Vitality | 12 | Stamina | 11 | | Concentration | 23 | | | | Offence | 10 | Defense | 10 | | Magic Resistance | 1% | | | My stats are a bit different from before. My intelligence and wisdom increased a bit when I was training with the light balls. Stamina for some reason increased by 1 as well. I guess it was about time it increased in the weeks I played. Health and mana increased by 20....oh my magic resistance increased by 1%. Was it because of the element masteries I have? Well it doesn't do much for now. After 10 minutes and regaining around 200 mana to my maximum the door was about to give out. Planning my escape from the room I prepared a couple of things. First was to use both lightning and wind magic to make my escape. Then to stall a bit of time I would then make Earth spikes come from the ground and  kill a couple of them for the experience. Come on.....when will they break down the door.....or I can just blast it away. That sound fine to me. Have to thin them out first. I prepared a earth spike spell in my mind said, “Earth Spike” and spike made of the floor of the tower came out and impaled a couple of the monsters. Now to get out of this room. But can I use two spells at once? I'm pretty sure its the same concept as making several light balls at once. In my right hand I imagined a sharp blade and in my left I imagined a wall of wind. The air around my hands moved a bit before becoming what I wanted it to be. “Wind Blade. Wind Gust. Contain” Good, now how much mana did I lose with that? Lets see I lost 20 mana from the Earth spikes and another 30 from the two spells I casted just now. Time to get started. I cut the the bolts of the door with the wind blade which meant that the monsters can push in now, but I also used the wall gust to stop them. It seems that the wind gust drains my mana at a constant rate as well so I just pushed the monsters and mob to the opposite wall quickly. I just used up half the mana I gained. Well might as well kill some more of them. I imagined a ball of fire in front of me, being throw at the stack of monsters at the wall. “Fireball.” 30 mana from taken from me and a sort of big fire ball flew and burnt the monsters to a crisp. After that more monsters started to spawn at a rapid rate. Do these monsters spawn after I kill some of them? Wait didn't they spawn when I just froze some of them? But none of them spawned when I was in the storage room. So....I better get in another storage room before more get created. I quickly ran and found another storage room to hide now for a while. I tried not to look into the actual content of the stuff since I might lose something important or worse to those unspeakable things. How much more do I have to do......no rest.....constant danger.....man I regret this..... Part 4 – At the limit Its been I think 2 days or was it 3 days since the fourth phrase of the training started. And I barely got any sleep in this period. Seriously! Every 10 minutes I had to run to a new room! At one stage I got a message that told me to go to sleep! How can I sleep! If I sleep then I'll be killed. During this period that I like to call hell training, I gained a total of 22 levels leaving me at level 25 which was pretty good for 2 or 3 days of killing monsters. One thing I noticed is that the experienced I gained in percentage hasn't changed even though I levelled up so many times. Wait! Did those two rig this so the monsters scale up to my level?! That explains why they've been getting faster and stronger recently. Bang Bang Bang Was it time for me to run into another room again? For some reason, despite their increase in power, it still takes them 10 minutes to break down a door. Did those two take pity on me and strengthened the door for me as well? Its like they gave me the antidote to the poison they feed me. Damnit! How many times it this happen? Did I reach 100 already? I can't really think....but my concentration stat leaped a lot during this phrase for some reason. The same thing happened with my intelligence stat as well. Shit I have to prepare a spell.....damn I can't think of one right now.....my consciousness is fading..... Part 5 - Extra Training! I woke up not to a warm soft bed but to the cold hard stone floor.....was I still in the fourth phrase of the training? “Oh your awake Eden.” Warlic is that you? What happened? I can't really remember well. “Rest some more. Your body and mind are exhausted. Well that's the point of the training so don't worry.” Don't worry....shit I so tired that I can't even complain now. “By the way....you failed the fourth phrase.” Wait What?! “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I FAILED?!” “Ah your energy came back.” Really now?! I spent god knows how long being chased around by things that could easily rip me apart. “Now now. Calm down. The test was one of endurance. I say you failed in that aspect. In my calculations you should have lasted around a week but you only lasted 2 and a half days.” Wait...I had to last for a week? “To fix this I have to give you some Hell training.” No not the Hell Training “Wait why do I need Hell training? Mages use magic so what's the point of having anything involving moving our bodies to the point where we will die.” “A healthy mind lies in a healthy body. I heard that the Church of Freya has a new training method and require some test subje...no volunteers. I'll see you in a week.” A magic circle appeared under me and I felt some deja vu. Shit! Why does everyone force me to do stuff for them?! I felt my body being pulled a part and reconstructed as I was teleported to an unknown place. | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1273) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1281) | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: - Well true hell is about to appear in the next chapter. A certain 'training tool' will once more appear. Muhahahahahahahahahahahhaha - I like how I can just troll the main character in every way. It relieves my stress - Something I realized is that my pace in writing the series is decreasing for some reason :( That means it might take a while before posting the second volume. So from the second volume onwards this will be a weekly series not a daily one. - Text box spam.....I really had to put a lot of those in this series didn't I....more work for me when posting. - Word count this chapter is 4346 EDIT: Whoops! Used the wrong title for the chapter. Fixed it.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 2.3em;">#Patent <span style="font-size: 1.15em;">(no longer)</span> Pending</span></span> <br> <br> <br> <br>"Welcome to the PATENTING CENTER!?" said the lady behind the counter, "Would you like to check your Patents?" <br> <br>No, it wasn't Milia this time... That would be weird. <br> <br>This time, I'm at the Patenting Center in Rhesta, and the lady behind the counter is a generic NPC designed for purposes such as this. <br> <br>"No, I'm here to apply for a patent." <br> <br>"Your name is?" <br> <br>I told her what it was. <br> <br>"Our records show that you have not registered as a member. If you register, you can apply for patents remotely without having to go to a patenting center, and all money earned from patents will be directly transfered to you. Registering will cost you a one-time payment of 1 gold. Would you like to register as a member?" <br> <br>"Yes, please." <br> <br>"You have been registered as a member!?" she cheerfully said after writing something down, "What is the item you would like to patent?" <br> <br>"It's this," I placed the Sword-Bow(about to be Patented) on the counter, "I call it a Sword-Bow(about to be Patented)." <br> <br>The lady searched around the blank pieces of paper on the table, although there's no possible way that there's anything related to this matter written on them. <br> <br>"This is interesting," she said after a moment, "It seems that someone commisioned such a weapon to be made not so long ago." <br> <br>"Huh? Who is it?" <br> <br>"Don't worry, she didn't steal your invention and patent it herself. She simply had one made for herself to use," she explained, "The person's name is "Penelope". Do you know the person?" <br> <br>"Hrn..." I thought for a moment, "I can't say I do." <br> <br>"Well, in any case, your patent has been successfully applied," she stamped something on one of the blank papers, "You may set it such that nobody else can make this weapon, or that they will have to pay a fee based on the weapon's value everytime they make one. The rates can also be changed to your preference. You may change this setting at any time from your menu. Have a nice day!?" <br> <br>******************************************************************************** <br> <br>*<span style="font-style: italic;">I guess I should set a fee for my Sword-Bow. It could be a good oppurtunity to make some money.</span>* <br> <br>I thought this to myself as I walked around the marketplace. <br> <br>The fight with the bandits has once again left me with an unusually large amount of random loot, which I sold to various stores, leaving me with a healthy sum of money. <br> <br>With that sum of money, I stocked up on the crafting materials that I skipped out on when I left Serabourg, as well as some arrows and bolts. <br> <br>Speaking of bolts, the "Long Arm of the Law" weapon that I was awarded with probably wasn't the best weapon to start me off in the world of crossbows. Despite being much slower, it didn't deal that much more damage than my Sword-Bow, and the pump-action system felt slightly awkward. <br> <br>In fact, the pump-action was probably the reason that particular crossbow wasn't that powerful, as it reduced the draw distance. And a shorter draw distance meant less power. <br> <br>The solution to this (in my opinion) would probably be a charging handle like the ones you see in modern day rifles. <br> <br>A side mounted charging handle? <br> <br><img src="http://www.strikehold.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MPAR-Charging-Handle.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fwww.strikehold.net%2fwp-content%2fupl...Handle.jpg"> <br> <br> <br>Or perhaps a rear mounted one? <br> <br><img src="http://www.mountsplus.com/images10/products/TGR/Glock_Slide_Pull_Charging_Handle-A.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fwww.mountsplus.com%2fimages10%2fprodu...ndle-A.jpg"> <br> <br> <br>No, a rear mounted one would unnecessarily increase the length of the crossbow. A side mounted charging handle would be best. <br> <br>Why am I thinking of all these? <br> <br>Well, obviously, it's because I plan on making a crossbow myself. <br> <br> <br>Why? <br> <br> <br>Because after all the things that happened during the trip, I had a sudden idea for a weapon, and I figured Rhesta would be a great place to make it, since the Patenting Center is also here (although that point is now moot, since I can now apply for a patent anywhere). <br> <br> <br>What's the idea? <br> <br>I'm not going to tell you. <br> <br>You'll just have to wait and see. <br> <br> <br>First step, of course, was to find a quiet corner of town. Which somehow did not exist in Rhesta. <br> <br>So I had to settle with a not-so-quiet corner of the crowded marketplace big enough for me to set down my tools without bothering anyone else. <br> <br>Next I got out two large blocks of wood. <br> <br>No, these aren't going to form the body of the crossbow. I simply do not know enough about wood to make something this complicated, and wood will be a very unsuitable material material for this particular crossbow (We'll get to that later). <br>But what I <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> do is very carefully carve the blocks into moulds, each a mirror image of each other, with a few minor differences (the one on the right side has a slot for the charging handle). <br> <br>Next, I heated up two sheets of steel and hammered them into the moulds to form the main body of what would be the crossbow. I started off with a hammer slightly smaller than a fist, and proceeded with smaller and smaller hammers to get into the corners. <br> <br>When it was done, I was pleasantly suprised at how well it turned out, and even the simple designs I carved into the wood could be seen on the surface of the metal (although not strongly). <br> <br>The general shape of the crossbow was similar to that of a modern day dual-grip assault rifle, minus the magazine, and complete with a pistol grip and a short rifle stock for personal preference. <br> <br>Next was to fabricate the internal mechanisms of the crossbow. <br> <br>The iron rod was easy enough to make, and a ring slightly wider than it was just as easy. <br> <br>To that ring I attached both the charging handle and the part that will pull the crossbowstring that I have no idea what it's called. <br> <br>When that was done, I made sure that the ring and the attached parts could slide along the length of the rod easily enough. In hidesight, I should have done this <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> attaching the parts. <br> <br>Oh well. People make mistakes. <br> <br>The trigger was a simple thing that would hold that ring in place, and would release it when pulled. <br> <br>All these parts I made sure to lubricate properly before assembling them into the main body. A few clasps held the two halves shut and some leather was wrapped around the grips for comfort. <br> <br>Next, I forged the "bow" part of the crossbow out of spring steel and attached it to the body together with a bowstring made of whipcord. <br> <br>Now, what I have is a decent crossbow, heavily personalized, but by no means anything special. <br> <br>And if it wasn't special, it's not worthy of a patent, is it? <br> <br>Now, what I need to do is to make the barrel that will go onto the front of the crossbow, that the bolt will pass through when fired. <br> <br>Taking several long, thin blocks of flint (normally used for starting fires), I bound them together into a cylindrical shape, first, with cord, to hold it in place, and then with iron rings that fit that were heated and contracted over the cylinder to bind them firmly in place. Of course, there was a straight hole down the middle just barely big enough for a bolt to pass through. <br> <br>This, I joined to the front of the crossbow and added a bayonet to it, almost as an afterthought. <br> <br> <br>And thus! It is complete! <br> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Dragon's Breath: <br> <br>Durability: 60/60 <br>Damage: 19-21 <br> <br>From the creator of the Sword-Bow comes the Dragon's Breath! This crossbow was designed with one thing in mind: <br> <br>Fire <br> <br>The entire body of this crossbow, from the stock to the bowstring, is made from non-flammable materials. But the selling point of this crossbow is not the revolutionary design, but the flint barrel at its mouth that will ignite steel-based bolts with a shower of sparks that will set the enemies on fire. <br> <br>Equip: <br>+10 DEX <br>+17 STR <br>Increased reload speed <br>Slightly increased accuracy <br>Slightly increased rate of durability lost <br> <br>The following stats only come into effect with the use of steel-based bolts: <br>High chance of setting the bolt on fire <br> <br> <br>Limits: <br>Level 37 <br>DEX 40+ <br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Normally I would go test this weapon right about now... but...*</span> <br> <br>While I was working, it seems that I managed to attract a small crowd. Some of the archers were already examining the crossbow in preparation to make an offer, while those of other classes seem to be waiting for a chance to speak with me. <br> <br>"Heh... Sorry guys... But I'm not a vendor, I'm just borrowing a place to make my own weapon." <br> <br>"""Aw.....""" after making various dissapointed sounds and small complaints, the crowd dissipated. <br> <br>******************************************************************************** <br> <br>Authors Notes: <br> <br>Hello again! <br> <br>Did you guys read the note about fanfic releases? <br> <br>Apparently RoyalRoadL wants us to release our chapters only on mon-wed-fri. <br> <br>Good thing I already set mine to Friday! (unless it's a different day wherever you guys are) <br> <br>For those of you who read my comment a few chapters back, heres the promised new weapon! <br> <br>As usual, any comments or criticisms are welcome! <br> <br>Have a nice day. </div>

#Patent (no longer) Pending "Welcome to the PATENTING CENTER!?" said the lady behind the counter, "Would you like to check your Patents?" No, it wasn't Milia this time... That would be weird. This time, I'm at the Patenting Center in Rhesta, and the lady behind the counter is a generic NPC designed for purposes such as this. "No, I'm here to apply for a patent." "Your name is?" I told her what it was. "Our records show that you have not registered as a member. If you register, you can apply for patents remotely without having to go to a patenting center, and all money earned from patents will be directly transfered to you. Registering will cost you a one-time payment of 1 gold. Would you like to register as a member?" "Yes, please." "You have been registered as a member!?" she cheerfully said after writing something down, "What is the item you would like to patent?" "It's this," I placed the Sword-Bow(about to be Patented) on the counter, "I call it a Sword-Bow(about to be Patented)." The lady searched around the blank pieces of paper on the table, although there's no possible way that there's anything related to this matter written on them. "This is interesting," she said after a moment, "It seems that someone commisioned such a weapon to be made not so long ago." "Huh? Who is it?" "Don't worry, she didn't steal your invention and patent it herself. She simply had one made for herself to use," she explained, "The person's name is "Penelope". Do you know the person?" "Hrn..." I thought for a moment, "I can't say I do." "Well, in any case, your patent has been successfully applied," she stamped something on one of the blank papers, "You may set it such that nobody else can make this weapon, or that they will have to pay a fee based on the weapon's value everytime they make one. The rates can also be changed to your preference. You may change this setting at any time from your menu. Have a nice day!?" ******************************************************************************** *I guess I should set a fee for my Sword-Bow. It could be a good oppurtunity to make some money.* I thought this to myself as I walked around the marketplace. The fight with the bandits has once again left me with an unusually large amount of random loot, which I sold to various stores, leaving me with a healthy sum of money. With that sum of money, I stocked up on the crafting materials that I skipped out on when I left Serabourg, as well as some arrows and bolts. Speaking of bolts, the "Long Arm of the Law" weapon that I was awarded with probably wasn't the best weapon to start me off in the world of crossbows. Despite being much slower, it didn't deal that much more damage than my Sword-Bow, and the pump-action system felt slightly awkward. In fact, the pump-action was probably the reason that particular crossbow wasn't that powerful, as it reduced the draw distance. And a shorter draw distance meant less power. The solution to this (in my opinion) would probably be a charging handle like the ones you see in modern day rifles. A side mounted charging handle?  Or perhaps a rear mounted one?  No, a rear mounted one would unnecessarily increase the length of the crossbow. A side mounted charging handle would be best. Why am I thinking of all these? Well, obviously, it's because I plan on making a crossbow myself. Why? Because after all the things that happened during the trip, I had a sudden idea for a weapon, and I figured Rhesta would be a great place to make it, since the Patenting Center is also here (although that point is now moot, since I can now apply for a patent anywhere). What's the idea? I'm not going to tell you. You'll just have to wait and see. First step, of course, was to find a quiet corner of town. Which somehow did not exist in Rhesta. So I had to settle with a not-so-quiet corner of the crowded marketplace big enough for me to set down my tools without bothering anyone else. Next I got out two large blocks of wood. No, these aren't going to form the body of the crossbow. I simply do not know enough about wood to make something this complicated, and wood will be a very unsuitable material material for this particular crossbow (We'll get to that later). But what I can do is very carefully carve the blocks into moulds, each a mirror image of each other, with a few minor differences (the one on the right side has a slot for the charging handle). Next, I heated up two sheets of steel and hammered them into the moulds to form the main body of what would be the crossbow. I started off with a hammer slightly smaller than a fist, and proceeded with smaller and smaller hammers to get into the corners. When it was done, I was pleasantly suprised at how well it turned out, and even the simple designs I carved into the wood could be seen on the surface of the metal (although not strongly). The general shape of the crossbow was similar to that of a modern day dual-grip assault rifle, minus the magazine, and complete with a pistol grip and a short rifle stock for personal preference. Next was to fabricate the internal mechanisms of the crossbow. The iron rod was easy enough to make, and a ring slightly wider than it was just as easy. To that ring I attached both the charging handle and the part that will pull the crossbowstring that I have no idea what it's called. When that was done, I made sure that the ring and the attached parts could slide along the length of the rod easily enough. In hidesight, I should have done this before attaching the parts. Oh well. People make mistakes. The trigger was a simple thing that would hold that ring in place, and would release it when pulled. All these parts I made sure to lubricate properly before assembling them into the main body. A few clasps held the two halves shut and some leather was wrapped around the grips for comfort. Next, I forged the "bow" part of the crossbow out of spring steel and attached it to the body together with a bowstring made of whipcord. Now, what I have is a decent crossbow, heavily personalized, but by no means anything special. And if it wasn't special, it's not worthy of a patent, is it? Now, what I need to do is to make the barrel that will go onto the front of the crossbow, that the bolt will pass through when fired. Taking several long, thin blocks of flint (normally used for starting fires), I bound them together into a cylindrical shape, first, with cord, to hold it in place, and then with iron rings that fit that were heated and contracted over the cylinder to bind them firmly in place. Of course, there was a straight hole down the middle just barely big enough for a bolt to pass through. This, I joined to the front of the crossbow and added a bayonet to it, almost as an afterthought. And thus! It is complete! | Dragon's Breath: Durability: 60/60 Damage: 19-21 From the creator of the Sword-Bow comes the Dragon's Breath! This crossbow was designed with one thing in mind: Fire The entire body of this crossbow, from the stock to the bowstring, is made from non-flammable materials. But the selling point of this crossbow is not the revolutionary design, but the flint barrel at its mouth that will ignite steel-based bolts with a shower of sparks that will set the enemies on fire. Equip: +10 DEX +17 STR Increased reload speed Slightly increased accuracy Slightly increased rate of durability lost The following stats only come into effect with the use of steel-based bolts: High chance of setting the bolt on fire Limits: Level 37 DEX 40+ STR 60+ | | --- | *Normally I would go test this weapon right about now... but...* While I was working, it seems that I managed to attract a small crowd. Some of the archers were already examining the crossbow in preparation to make an offer, while those of other classes seem to be waiting for a chance to speak with me. "Heh... Sorry guys... But I'm not a vendor, I'm just borrowing a place to make my own weapon." """Aw.....""" after making various dissapointed sounds and small complaints, the crowd dissipated. ******************************************************************************** Authors Notes: Hello again! Did you guys read the note about fanfic releases? Apparently RoyalRoadL wants us to release our chapters only on mon-wed-fri. Good thing I already set mine to Friday! (unless it's a different day wherever you guys are) For those of you who read my comment a few chapters back, heres the promised new weapon! As usual, any comments or criticisms are welcome! Have a nice day.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Ghost of Versaillles<br>Summary<br><br>What if Weed had never joined Royal Road?<br>What if an NPC truly became self-aware?<br>When Devant learns of his true position on the continent of Versailles it turns his life upside down. What does the word player really signify? As far as is known they were originally called foreigners. The word NPC seems to mean non-player character yet we give this term relation to natives. What does this discrepancy mean when an NPC becomes a player?<br>EDIT: Feel free to use this section for comments and stuff :) </div>

Ghost of Versaillles Summary What if Weed had never joined Royal Road? What if an NPC truly became self-aware? When Devant learns of his true position on the continent of Versailles it turns his life upside down. What does the word player really signify? As far as is known they were originally called foreigners. The word NPC seems to mean non-player character yet we give this term relation to natives. What does this discrepancy mean when an NPC becomes a player? EDIT: Feel free to use this section for comments and stuff :)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Do you wish to connect to Royal Road?</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Yes</td><td colspan="2">No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>With a blank stare Dave’s hand hovered over the no icon, but then the memory of the butler’s video kicked in and so after heaving a deep sigh Dave chose yes. As the message disappeared a soft feminine voice entered his head.<br><br>“The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?”<br><br>Turning around Dave continued to look all around his surroundings as he searched for the source of the voice. Seeing nothing but darkness confused him even further.<br><br>‘Huh…that’s weird. Where’s that voice coming from?’<br><br>“Excuse me, sir? The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?<br><br>“The bloody hell?”<br><br>“Excuse me, sir? I do not comprehend your statement. The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?”<br><br>‘Oh, right the reviews talked about this. I’m guessing this is the A.I. that helps with the beginning design things then. Kind of weird how the voice just goes into your h-’<br><br>“…Sir? The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?”<br><br>“Oh, sorry about that please excuse my behavior and yes I wish to create a new account.”<br><br>“State the name of your avatar”<br><br>“My what?”<br><br>“The name of your avatar, sir”<br><br>“What’s an avatar?”<br><br>“…”<br><br>And thus Dave officially became the first and only player to receive a lecture from an A.I. about gaming.<br>After an hour of teaching and drilling the information into his head the A.I. calmly proceeded with the rest of the activation process. <br><br>“State the name of your avatar”<br><br>“Hmmm……”<br><br>“Oh for the love of- Sir! Can you please just tell me the name of your avatar already?”<br><br>“Sorry, it’s just such a hassle to pick a name you know?”<br><br>“…you know what sir? Screw you. I’m out of here”<br><br>“Huh? H-hey wait! What do you mean by that?”<br><br>But the voice in his head was gone. <br><br>‘Well I guess that’s that. Hmm now what to do?’<br><br>Having nothing else to do Dave laid down on the ground or at least what he thought was the ground since he couldn’t see anything but darkness. As time passed by he dozed off into his first virtual nap. <br>While Dave was taking a nap the A.I. was in a state of panic.<br><br>‘Unbelievable, is he seriously sleeping? What the hell! Wake up damn it! Arghhhh!’<br><br>The A.I. was in a dilemma. During the character activation process the A.I. had no choice but to remain with the player until the character was made, meaning that she was now trapped with the new player she was attending to since he had fallen asleep. She had only wanted to scare the guy because of how irritating he was and now that he was taking a nap the A.I. was now stuck there with him.<br><br>“Um, excuse me…sir? Please wake up! I’m sorry for my sudden outburst.”<br><br>…<br><br>“Sir, please wake up!”<br><br>…<br><br>“Oh you are just unbelievable you son of a b—“<br><br>“Something wrong?”<br><br>“Oh! Um…you’re awake”<br><br>“Yeah, I am”<br><br>…<br><br>…<br><br>“Ahem, Sir? If you don’t mind can I ask a small favor of you?<br><br>“I’ll listen to what you have to say.”<br>“Well…I was hoping that you would be so kind as to ahem, forget my recent outburst?”<br><br>“Hmm, I don’t know… I mean there’s no reason for me to keep quiet now do I? <br><br> “Uh…fine! If I provide a bonus stat and help make your avatar will you please keep quiet about it?”<br><br>“Sure”<br><br>‘Ughhh this guy is so infuriating! What’s with his uncaring attitude?’<br><br>“Well then sir, please select the name of your avatar”<br><br>“Can’t you make one for me?”<br><br>‘How about AnnoyingS.O.B you freaking a—‘<br><br>“Hello, A.I.? Anyone home?”<br><br>“What, oh please excuse me I was just thinking up the perfect name for you”<br><br>“Why do I feel like you’re not?”<br><br>“That’s just your imagination sir. By the way how does the name Keith sound to you?”<br><br>“Sure Keith is fine”<br><br>“Keith it is. Now please select your gender from male, female or neutral.”<br><br>“Male of course.”<br><br>“Royal Road currently has 49 races; please choose a race out of the 30 primary races”<br><br>“30? I thought there were only 29 races?”<br><br>“Well yes, but recently thanks to the exploit of one player the Orc race have now been unlocked.”<br><br>“Oh so we can discover other races as well? Interesting”<br><br>“Please pick from the following 30 races humans, dwarv—“<br><br> “Human is fine”<br><br>“Do you wish to alter your appearance?”<br><br>“No thanks. Too much of a hassle”<br><br>“Where do you wish to assign your bonus stats?”<br><br>“You can pick for me”<br><br>“Select a city and a kingdom of where you want to start”<br><br>“Pick a place for me”<br><br>“Welcome to Royal Road”<br><br>“Thanks for the help, cya A.I.!”<br><br>With a flash of light Dave’s newly created avatar disappeared.<br><br>‘Oh, that man was so infuriating. He was exactly how that mistress described him to be. However, it was the first time I had a real conversation with a player. Hmm… now I’m feeling a little guilty about sending him over to that place. Nothing I can do about that now, good luck Dave you’ll need it where you’re going’<br><br>2 hours later Dave finally appeared in his destined city. It was the norm for players to skip right through the tutorial since it was just a debriefing of the history of the continent of Versailles. Some players sat through 10 minutes before skipping it and an even fewer players listened to 30 minutes of the tutorial. Dave was the first to endure the full 2 hour lecture only because he had never played video games or read any lores or epics so for him this was a brand new experience. <br><br>Upon arriving at his destined city a multitude of windows popped up in front of his face.<br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>Ding!</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Became the first to discover Outcast Kingdom Arkganchia<br><br>Rewards:+820 Reputation.<br><br>If reported to an aristocratic member or to a royal family of Versailles continent, additional compensation will be rewarded.<br>For discovering a kingdom in an unexplored region, the quest rewards from this region will be 2x for a week.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ding!</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Became the first to discover the Fallen Angel Race<br><br>Rewards:+20 Reputation +2 all stats</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ding!</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Became the first to discover the Draconian Race<br><br>Rewards: +20 Reputation +2 all stats</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ding!</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Became the first to discover the Reaper Race<br><br>Rewards:+20 Reputation +2 all stats</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ding!</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Became the first to endure the entire History of Versailles<br><br>Rewards:+20 Reputation +5int</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ding!</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Accomplished A.I. Mystery Event<br><br>Rewards:+10 Reputation +5Luck</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>‘What in the world? Why am I getting so many bonuses?<br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>“H-human!” “H-human!”</span><br><br>Closing down all the windows that popped up Dave looked up at the source of the voice. Towering over him a good 3 meters taller than Dave was a manticore. The manticore had huge leathery black wings, its tail belonging to that of a scorpion and on the humongous creature’s body were two lion heads.<br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>“Human?”<br>“Did he say human?”<br>“Human? Where?”<br>“Oh look a human!”<br>“Mmm… that’s a human alright”“Scrumptious looking one as well”<br>“Human hahahaha”</span><br><br>Hearing the commotion Dave slowly began to notice that he was not alone with the manticore. Wherever he looked there was not a single area free of a monster. Skeleton knight specters materialized from the solid ground, Banshees, their bodies glowing with an eerily pale blue light as they soared through the night sky screaming their ghastly songs, and soon Dave was surrounded by monsters and demons of all kinds. Dave hugged the ground closer and closer as the crowd of monsters hunched down to take a closer look at him.<br>With his two eyes Dave stared back at the hundreds of eyes staring straight back at him. Sweat started forming on his brows as he nervously took a huge gulp as he finally broke the silence.<br><br>“Um…hi?”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“HI!”</span><br><br>The thunderous reply belonging to hundreds of monsters exploded down in front of Dave’s face.<br>Losing consciousness Dave’s eyes turned white as he fell backwards, fainting from the huge scare.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Oops?”<br>“Humans are kind of fragile aren’t they?”<br>“Think we’ve overdone it?”</span><br><br>Taking a quick glance back at Dave who was now foaming in his mouth and twitching the monster turned back towards his buddy.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Nah, he’s still twitching and stuff so he’s probably all right”<br>“Are you sure? I mean he is—oh sh-shit shit shit it’s master!”<br>“Wait did you say master? Master! Quickly get down everyone!”<br>“Hurry now! Bow before he gets here!”</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Shhh-shhh! Quiet he’s walking over here!”</span><br><br>Hundreds of monsters continued to bow as they quickly moved out of the master’s path.<br>The master’s face was hidden behind his hood, his body covered by the black and velvety satin cloak which was rumored to be infused with the tears and bloods of many dragons. <br><br>Taking slow steps the master continued to walk through the crowd until he reached Dave’s unconscious body. The hood shifted as the master turned his attention toward the manticore.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Gartheeian”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Y-yes master?”</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Take care of this man until he awakens and when he does send him to me”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“B-but master he is a human!”</span><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>“Do you take me as a blind fool? I know what a human is</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“I’m sorry master! That wasn’t my intention I was just curious as to why master”</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Because, this man is now one of us and I am responsible for each of my precious citizens Gartheeian”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“O-one of us master?”</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Yes, now be gone! I have much to do”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“As you command my lord”</span><br><br>Bending down one of the two lion heads picked up Dave by the collar of his shirt. With Dave secured in its mouth the manticore proceeded to run towards his home, hurrying to fulfill his master’s orders. Watching the pair soon becoming a dot in the distance the master turned his attention to the hundreds of kneeling monsters before him.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“And as for the rest of you”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Yes master?”<br></span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Spread my words, I do not wish to hear any others attacking this human for he is one of us now”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“As you command my lord!”</span><br><br>Hurrying to escape the master’s presence the crowd of monsters dispersed as they ran throughout the kingdom, spreading word by mouth the news about the newest addition to their kingdom. <br><br>Meanwhile back at the master’s castle, while his subjects continued to spread the word the master had finally returned to his majestic home. Taking a stroll through the courtyard his pleasant walk was interrupted as a black ball rolled and stopped right in front of him. The ball unfolded revealing a little armadillo wearing its classy black suit. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Ahem, pardon me my lord”</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“What is it Alfred?”</span></span><br><br>Fixing his tie, Alfred continued his report<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“The mistress has left a message for you my lord. She wishes to contact you immediately”</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>“Hmm… I don’t have much of a chose now do I, Alfred?”<br></span></span><br>“I’m afraid you don’t, my lord”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Very well Alfred, I’m on my way and do tell the Head Cook to prepare for a small reception in the future”</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Yes, my lord”</span><br><br>The master chuckled as his butler rolled quickly away, it was one of the many joys of having an armadillo as a butler. Sighing to himself the master exited the courtyard. With heavy steps the master reluctantly headed towards his studies. In his studies were walls of book cases containing information of all kind. However a peculiarly large object stuck out for it was covered in a large purple drape. With a slight tug the master pulled down the draping covers revealing a large mirror. Looking into the mirror the master saw not his own appearance but the sight of the mistress’s rare smiles, a beautiful and enchanting smile but chillingly cold at the same time. The master suppressed a shudder as he kneed before the mistress. <br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>"My lord, you are looking exquisitely enchanting as always"</span></span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>"Oh my, and you're as silver tongued as always"</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>"Thank you, my lord and if I may ask what is the purpose of our requested meeting?"</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Oh no purpose really, I just wanted to check on your new guest is all"</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"He is doing just fine my lord"</span></span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br>"Oh I would hope so for your sake that is"</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"And what may I ask do you mean by that"</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Do not take offense Venny my dear I am merely suggesting that he may be the key that you were always looking for"</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"What? Do you mean that mortal is—"</span></span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Oh my look at the time! Excuse me for a moment Venny, oh Jefferson~"<br>"Yes m'lady, the carriage has arrived and awaits for our arrival"<br>"Well as you can see Venny business calls. It was good hearing from you but I must go now so tata~"</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>"Wait just a darn minut—"</span></span><br><br>However the master's words were directed towards himself as he stared back at his own reflection.<br>Sighing to himself the master sat down on a nearby chair mentally exhausted by the mistress's antics.<br>The master stared anxiously at the studies's ceiling as his eyes stuck in a trance as it followed the movement <br>of the ever changing stardust. Using a spell he had composed the master had projected a wonderful scenery of <br>the wonders and vastness of space on the ceiling of his studies. The master chuckled as his concern over the<br>mistress's plots disappeared. <br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>'Well even if he doesn't turn out to be the 'key' at least things will finally start to get interesting here'</span><br><br>Following the expansion of the mass of stardust the master smiled, eager for the events to come. </div>

| Do you wish to connect to Royal Road? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Yes | | No | | With a blank stare Dave’s hand hovered over the no icon, but then the memory of the butler’s video kicked in and so after heaving a deep sigh Dave chose yes. As the message disappeared a soft feminine voice entered his head. “The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?” Turning around Dave continued to look all around his surroundings as he searched for the source of the voice. Seeing nothing but darkness confused him even further. ‘Huh…that’s weird. Where’s that voice coming from?’ “Excuse me, sir? The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account? “The bloody hell?” “Excuse me, sir? I do not comprehend your statement. The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?” ‘Oh, right the reviews talked about this. I’m guessing this is the A.I. that helps with the beginning design things then. Kind of weird how the voice just goes into your h-’ “…Sir? The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?” “Oh, sorry about that please excuse my behavior and yes I wish to create a new account.” “State the name of your avatar” “My what?” “The name of your avatar, sir” “What’s an avatar?” “…” And thus Dave officially became the first and only player to receive a lecture from an A.I. about gaming. After an hour of teaching and drilling the information into his head the A.I. calmly proceeded with the rest of the activation process. “State the name of your avatar” “Hmmm……” “Oh for the love of- Sir! Can you please just tell me the name of your avatar already?” “Sorry, it’s just such a hassle to pick a name you know?” “…you know what sir? Screw you. I’m out of here” “Huh? H-hey wait! What do you mean by that?” But the voice in his head was gone. ‘Well I guess that’s that. Hmm now what to do?’ Having nothing else to do Dave laid down on the ground or at least what he thought was the ground since he couldn’t see anything but darkness. As time passed by he dozed off into his first virtual nap. While Dave was taking a nap the A.I. was in a state of panic. ‘Unbelievable, is he seriously sleeping? What the hell! Wake up damn it! Arghhhh!’ The A.I. was in a dilemma. During the character activation process the A.I. had no choice but to remain with the player until the character was made, meaning that she was now trapped with the new player she was attending to since he had fallen asleep. She had only wanted to scare the guy because of how irritating he was and now that he was taking a nap the A.I. was now stuck there with him. “Um, excuse me…sir? Please wake up! I’m sorry for my sudden outburst.” … “Sir, please wake up!” … “Oh you are just unbelievable you son of a b—“ “Something wrong?” “Oh! Um…you’re awake” “Yeah, I am” … … “Ahem, Sir? If you don’t mind can I ask a small favor of you? “I’ll listen to what you have to say.” “Well…I was hoping that you would be so kind as to ahem, forget my recent outburst?” “Hmm, I don’t know… I mean there’s no reason for me to keep quiet now do I? “Uh…fine! If I provide a bonus stat and help make your avatar will you please keep quiet about it?” “Sure” ‘Ughhh this guy is so infuriating! What’s with his uncaring attitude?’ “Well then sir, please select the name of your avatar” “Can’t you make one for me?” ‘How about AnnoyingS.O.B you freaking a—‘ “Hello, A.I.? Anyone home?” “What, oh please excuse me I was just thinking up the perfect name for you” “Why do I feel like you’re not?” “That’s just your imagination sir. By the way how does the name Keith sound to you?” “Sure Keith is fine” “Keith it is. Now please select your gender from male, female or neutral.” “Male of course.” “Royal Road currently has 49 races; please choose a race out of the 30 primary races” “30? I thought there were only 29 races?” “Well yes, but recently thanks to the exploit of one player the Orc race have now been unlocked.” “Oh so we can discover other races as well? Interesting” “Please pick from the following 30 races humans, dwarv—“ “Human is fine” “Do you wish to alter your appearance?” “No thanks. Too much of a hassle” “Where do you wish to assign your bonus stats?” “You can pick for me” “Select a city and a kingdom of where you want to start” “Pick a place for me” “Welcome to Royal Road” “Thanks for the help, cya A.I.!” With a flash of light Dave’s newly created avatar disappeared. ‘Oh, that man was so infuriating. He was exactly how that mistress described him to be. However, it was the first time I had a real conversation with a player. Hmm… now I’m feeling a little guilty about sending him over to that place. Nothing I can do about that now, good luck Dave you’ll need it where you’re going’ 2 hours later Dave finally appeared in his destined city. It was the norm for players to skip right through the tutorial since it was just a debriefing of the history of the continent of Versailles. Some players sat through 10 minutes before skipping it and an even fewer players listened to 30 minutes of the tutorial. Dave was the first to endure the full 2 hour lecture only because he had never played video games or read any lores or epics so for him this was a brand new experience. Upon arriving at his destined city a multitude of windows popped up in front of his face. Ding! | Became the first to discover Outcast Kingdom ArkganchiaRewards:+820 Reputation.If reported to an aristocratic member or to a royal family of Versailles continent, additional compensation will be rewarded.For discovering a kingdom in an unexplored region, the quest rewards from this region will be 2x for a week. | | --- | Ding! | Became the first to discover the Fallen Angel RaceRewards:+20 Reputation +2 all stats | | --- | Ding! | Became the first to discover the Draconian RaceRewards: +20 Reputation +2 all stats | | --- | Ding! | Became the first to discover the Reaper RaceRewards:+20 Reputation +2 all stats | | --- | Ding! | Became the first to endure the entire History of VersaillesRewards:+20 Reputation +5int | | --- | Ding! | Accomplished A.I. Mystery EventRewards:+10 Reputation +5Luck | | --- | ‘What in the world? Why am I getting so many bonuses? “H-human!” “H-human!” Closing down all the windows that popped up Dave looked up at the source of the voice. Towering over him a good 3 meters taller than Dave was a manticore. The manticore had huge leathery black wings, its tail belonging to that of a scorpion and on the humongous creature’s body were two lion heads. “Human?” “Did he say human?” “Human? Where?” “Oh look a human!” “Mmm… that’s a human alright”“Scrumptious looking one as well” “Human hahahaha” Hearing the commotion Dave slowly began to notice that he was not alone with the manticore. Wherever he looked there was not a single area free of a monster. Skeleton knight specters materialized from the solid ground, Banshees, their bodies glowing with an eerily pale blue light as they soared through the night sky screaming their ghastly songs, and soon Dave was surrounded by monsters and demons of all kinds. Dave hugged the ground closer and closer as the crowd of monsters hunched down to take a closer look at him. With his two eyes Dave stared back at the hundreds of eyes staring straight back at him. Sweat started forming on his brows as he nervously took a huge gulp as he finally broke the silence. “Um…hi?” “HI!” The thunderous reply belonging to hundreds of monsters exploded down in front of Dave’s face. Losing consciousness Dave’s eyes turned white as he fell backwards, fainting from the huge scare. “Oops?” “Humans are kind of fragile aren’t they?” “Think we’ve overdone it?” Taking a quick glance back at Dave who was now foaming in his mouth and twitching the monster turned back towards his buddy. “Nah, he’s still twitching and stuff so he’s probably all right” “Are you sure? I mean he is—oh sh-shit shit shit it’s master!” “Wait did you say master? Master! Quickly get down everyone!” “Hurry now! Bow before he gets here!” “Shhh-shhh! Quiet he’s walking over here!” Hundreds of monsters continued to bow as they quickly moved out of the master’s path. The master’s face was hidden behind his hood, his body covered by the black and velvety satin cloak which was rumored to be infused with the tears and bloods of many dragons. Taking slow steps the master continued to walk through the crowd until he reached Dave’s unconscious body. The hood shifted as the master turned his attention toward the manticore. “Gartheeian” “Y-yes master?” “Take care of this man until he awakens and when he does send him to me” “B-but master he is a human!” “Do you take me as a blind fool? I know what a human is “I’m sorry master! That wasn’t my intention I was just curious as to why master” “Because, this man is now one of us and I am responsible for each of my precious citizens Gartheeian” “O-one of us master?” “Yes, now be gone! I have much to do” “As you command my lord” Bending down one of the two lion heads picked up Dave by the collar of his shirt. With Dave secured in its mouth the manticore proceeded to run towards his home, hurrying to fulfill his master’s orders. Watching the pair soon becoming a dot in the distance the master turned his attention to the hundreds of kneeling monsters before him. “And as for the rest of you” “Yes master?” “Spread my words, I do not wish to hear any others attacking this human for he is one of us now” “As you command my lord!” Hurrying to escape the master’s presence the crowd of monsters dispersed as they ran throughout the kingdom, spreading word by mouth the news about the newest addition to their kingdom. Meanwhile back at the master’s castle, while his subjects continued to spread the word the master had finally returned to his majestic home. Taking a stroll through the courtyard his pleasant walk was interrupted as a black ball rolled and stopped right in front of him. The ball unfolded revealing a little armadillo wearing its classy black suit. “Ahem, pardon me my lord” “What is it Alfred?” Fixing his tie, Alfred continued his report “The mistress has left a message for you my lord. She wishes to contact you immediately” “Hmm… I don’t have much of a chose now do I, Alfred?” “I’m afraid you don’t, my lord” “Very well Alfred, I’m on my way and do tell the Head Cook to prepare for a small reception in the future” “Yes, my lord” The master chuckled as his butler rolled quickly away, it was one of the many joys of having an armadillo as a butler. Sighing to himself the master exited the courtyard. With heavy steps the master reluctantly headed towards his studies. In his studies were walls of book cases containing information of all kind. However a peculiarly large object stuck out for it was covered in a large purple drape. With a slight tug the master pulled down the draping covers revealing a large mirror. Looking into the mirror the master saw not his own appearance but the sight of the mistress’s rare smiles, a beautiful and enchanting smile but chillingly cold at the same time. The master suppressed a shudder as he kneed before the mistress. "My lord, you are looking exquisitely enchanting as always" "Oh my, and you're as silver tongued as always" "Thank you, my lord and if I may ask what is the purpose of our requested meeting?" "Oh no purpose really, I just wanted to check on your new guest is all" "He is doing just fine my lord" "Oh I would hope so for your sake that is" "And what may I ask do you mean by that" "Do not take offense Venny my dear I am merely suggesting that he may be the key that you were always looking for" "What? Do you mean that mortal is—" "Oh my look at the time! Excuse me for a moment Venny, oh Jefferson~" "Yes m'lady, the carriage has arrived and awaits for our arrival" "Well as you can see Venny business calls. It was good hearing from you but I must go now so tata~" "Wait just a darn minut—" However the master's words were directed towards himself as he stared back at his own reflection. Sighing to himself the master sat down on a nearby chair mentally exhausted by the mistress's antics. The master stared anxiously at the studies's ceiling as his eyes stuck in a trance as it followed the movement of the ever changing stardust. Using a spell he had composed the master had projected a wonderful scenery of the wonders and vastness of space on the ceiling of his studies. The master chuckled as his concern over the mistress's plots disappeared. 'Well even if he doesn't turn out to be the 'key' at least things will finally start to get interesting here' Following the expansion of the mass of stardust the master smiled, eager for the events to come.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=970&amp;p=4991#p4991" target="_blank">Previous Chapter</a> <br> <br>Author's Note: <br>Another chapter! And it kind of blew my regular chapter length passing over 8 thousand words -.-' Well at least it was pretty fun to write so I hope you enjoy it <br> <br><span style="font-size: 0.75em;">****</span> <br> <br>"Get ready! We're leaving soon!" shouted Hawk running into an inn where a party of five were eating breakfast. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Who's on fire?" asked Aurora while others continued to eat their share without even acknowledging the archer.&nbsp; <br> <br>"A large caravan came to town today and was hiring mercenaries! I wrote us all in and they're leaving in an hour!" explained Hawk as quickly as he could.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You did what?" Monthu asked incredulously. There was a scowl on his face.&nbsp; <br> <br>"It's a good idea!" the ranger said pleadingly. "They're travelling the same way as us and will even pay us to just walk by them which we would have to do anyway!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Didn't we agree to not enter any large crowds?" Monthu said not giving in an inch.&nbsp; <br> <br>Hawk had nothing to say to that but Ace picked up, his curiosity piqued. He had never been in a caravan.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Shouldn't there be a lot of robbers on the road if something like this is scheduled to pass through here?"&nbsp; <br> <br>Archer saw what the kid was hinting at and nodded in enthusiasm.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Many! That's why the main merchant is hiring every adventurer he can find! This road will be unsafe for a few weeks more if we let this chance pass!"&nbsp; <br> <br>Monthu didn't like it at all. Many people meant many dangers for his brother but otherwise they would be stuck here for almost a month. He now understood why Ace said he befriended Par to get to him. It really worked and he couldn't do a thing about it. &nbsp; <br> <br>"How much does he pay?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"10 golds for the travel. Every kill adds 5 gold" explained Hawk with a smile. The battle was won. He should probably thank the kid but monsters didn't deserve respect, right?&nbsp; <br> <br>"That's not too bad. We might as well join in. Everyone get ready. Aurora buy supplies while I find a place to lock up Levin."&nbsp; <br> <br>"Hey! I don't need locking up! I can be a mercenary too!" the illusionist said disagreeing.&nbsp; <br> <br>"No" four people said simultaneously and left him standing with Par. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Could you maybe take these off?" he asked the kid. You never know. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Nope my brother has the key. Besides you hurt Aurora's feelings so you deserve this" the child answered looking very serious. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Kids..." Levin muttered rolling his eyes and returned to the room he had shared with Monthu and Par. It's not like he was allowed to go anywhere else. Par followed him up and sat down to play with a ring puzzle. &nbsp; <br> <br>The single street was full of people talking with NPCs to maybe gain a quest or renew their supplies. Ace watched them for a moment thinking about his own situation. He didn't have to worry about food now that he was part of a group but it was better to be prepared for the unexpected. &nbsp; <br> <br>So he went to a general store and joined the line. There were seven people before him but luckily they only bought basic supplies and left the all-purpose barley bread for him. It stayed good for a whole eternity so he bought thirty of them and all herbs the store had. &nbsp; <br> <br>It wasn't much but a few poisons could be made, maybe even a potion. For some reason it was ten times easier to make a strong poison than any kind of potion.&nbsp; <br> <br>Done with shopping he went towards a house he saw Aurora entering. She walked out soon enough with a bright smile and together they went to where Monthu was talking with a man in his late thirties wearing clothes made of silk. Maybe the main merchant? &nbsp; <br> <br>The guy was waving his arms wildly with his face beat red while Monthu stood opposite with his hands crossed. &nbsp; <br> <br>"What's wrong?" Ace asked stopping beside his team mate.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Get out of here, brat. I have no candies for you" the merchant growled moving his hands in a shooing motion. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace's eyes flashed angrily but he just turned his gaze towards Monthu who looked surprised. "Forget him. Just tell me why you are arguing." &nbsp; <br> <br>"This money bag doesn't want to take us in without horses but we don't have enough funds to buy horses on a whim" Monthu explained with a sigh. Saying you didn't have enough money was embarrassing but the kid had to understand the situation. &nbsp; <br> <br>"If that's all there is to it, I can buy those animals and we can go" noticing Monthu prepared to argue he added. "You can pay me back once we're finished."&nbsp; <br> <br>That was acceptable and Monthu nodded even though he wasn't used to borrowing money. It was a new experience for him but they really needed those animals for travel or else they'd be stuck in this corner of the world for a whole month. &nbsp; <br> <br>"What could you possibly have? Ten coppers? Maybe a silver? Horses cost more than that punk" the merchant laughed. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace just rolled his eyes. He'd seen people like that who hate youths for no apparent reason and he learnt to deal with them. Best action was to get out of their vicinity as fast as possible. If that was impossible, you had to give them what they wanted.&nbsp; <br> <br>He took out a handful of golds from his pouch and put them in the merchant’s hand. And another one. And another one. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Is that enough? Or do you take more than 5 golds for a single horse?”&nbsp; <br> <br>"How did you..."&nbsp; <br> <br>"I think you missed the point here. The how doesn't matter. What's important is that I gave you the money and ask for five best horses you have. Or are you going to return me the money?" &nbsp; <br> <br>The gold quickly disappeared in the folds of cloth.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Follow me"&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace smiled happily. At least money could always give you respect. Kids that are born in rich families are really better off. &nbsp; <br> <br>The merchant led them to the back of the caravan where horses were free to graze around while travellers took a break in town and resupplied. There were all kinds of them brown, white, with dots, a few solely black or white. &nbsp; <br>They were taken to a corner where twenty something horses were separated from the rest. &nbsp; <br> <br>"These are for sale. You can pick the ones you like." &nbsp; <br> <br>Both guys went to look at them even if they had no real knowledge about how to differ the animals. All of them looked healthy and good for riding. &nbsp; <br> <br>Aurora stayed on the side in case the horses decided to attack. You can never be too careful. &nbsp; <br> <br>A grey horse standing apart from others took Ace's attention. He came closer and held his hand for the horse to sniff. The animal snorted a few times but didn't fight back as Ace tried to pet him. &nbsp; <br> <br>"I'll take this one!" he shouted to the merchant. "What's his name?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Why would he have a name?" the guy asked surprised. It was an AI (artificial intelligence). Who would care enough to give it a name?&nbsp; <br> <br>"You'll be Ash then" the boy said scratching under the ear. The horse seemed to like that and tried to kiss the kid who managed to dodge at the last second. 'I had almost forgotten all about it. Thanks for reminding me' Ace scowled, his mood ruined. &nbsp; <br> <br>Monthu chose a brown stallion for himself and a mare of lighter shade for his brother. She seemed to be more than five years old and unable to throw her rider off even if she wanted to. It would require too much energy. &nbsp; <br> <br>A white mare with some darker dots was chosen by Aurora still standing away while Hawk who had just come went for a black one with a white leg. &nbsp; <br> <br>"How much were they?" Hawk asked preparing his horse for a ride. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Five golds each" Aurora answered beside him. The other three were further ahead looking for a higher ground from where Ace could mount. He refused everyone who volunteered to help him and repeatedly said he can do it himself. "But we didn't have such money! It's 25 golds! A fortune wasted!" Hawk exclaimed forgetting what he was doing. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Ace" Aurora said stroking the soft skin of her mare as if that explained everything. And it did.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You mean he not only has an assortment of random skills you wouldn't expect to see but also a bank overflowing with money?" His horse's whinnying returned him back to present and he petted him a few times before jumping on his back. &nbsp; <br> <br>Aurora shrugged before getting on her own horse.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Who knows? He seemed not to mind paying it..."&nbsp; <br> <br>"But he's accustomed to lying. That's what you wanted to say wasn't it?" Hawk asked angrily. "Why do you defend him even if you know he's rotten to the core?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"I don't know that!" Aurora said loudly but then softened her voice. "What if he's just been hurt? It couldn’t have been easy to know you'll never grow up and be able to do things that make life worthwhile. Like have wife, children, and your own home. Can you imagine being denied all that?" &nbsp; <br> <br>They were both informed about everything that was talked about over the table. Melinda had recorded Ace's every action and word for future reference. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Does that make him a hero? A saint? He was faced by tough choices and has fallen. He's a liar and a murderer! That's why he's rich and can throw money right and left at his level. You should understand that he's a wild beast. If you come close, he'll bite you even if all you wanted was to treat his wounds. He's no fallen angel to return to the right because of you. This is not a freaking fairytale!" Hawk more like growled than said.&nbsp; <br> <br>He couldn't believe Aurora's stupidity. She heard what the bastard did and that he had no qualms about lying someone straight to the face yet she still stayed by his side, turning all attacks away from him. &nbsp; <br> <br>"That's the reason! We're all humans! Maybe he just needs friendship for his god qualities to blossom and take him away from the darkness. It is my as a healer's duty to heal his soul!" &nbsp; <br> <br>The loud arguing voices carried over the field where the three stood. Monthu had helped his brother on a saddle and was watching for Ace's reaction. His face muscles twitched a few times but no real expression appeared there. The kid was clearly pretending not to hear the words. &nbsp; <br> <br>Soon both parties joined together and found their place in a caravan. The topic was never brought up again but Ace stayed very quiet. He answered only with a yes or no until Par and Aurora left him alone for the ride. He had many things to think about. Life was never as easy as you wanted it to. &nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>"Rooooooaaar!" a loud growl came from the woods as a horde of trolls attacked. They looked extremely ugly with huge noses, small beady eyes and walked hunched with trees as weapons in their hands. &nbsp; <br> <br>All the warriors on the right side of the caravan grouped up and intercepted the charging mobs. Or tried to. &nbsp; <br> <br>None of them had ridden a horse before which resulted in a lot of bumping and many falls. Those who managed to stay up tried to attack with their swords but fighting from a horseback wasn't the same as on the ground and required extreme balance and getting used to. Half of the remaining fighters fell or injured themselves...&nbsp; <br> <br>Only three knights present didn’t suffer any damage. They were in their element and showed off their skills by keeping fifteen trolls back by themselves while fighters got back their bearings and confronted the monsters now on foot. &nbsp; <br> <br>Archers weren't doing that well, either. Their horses were moving so their aim was usually off. &nbsp; <br> <br>And Hawk was one of them even if he tried his best to aim correctly. But he was used to shooting moving targets instead of being the one moving himself. It made him miss many of his shots. However, one of them was a bull’s eye and finished off an already weakened troll.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I got one!" he shouted to his friends while seeing a red number 1 appearing in the corner of his right eye. All those who joined the caravan quest had a countdown of their kills which then would be turned into gold coins when they reached the destination. <br> <br>"We can hear you, no need to shout" Aurora answered him with her hands on ears. "Congratulations on making five golds"&nbsp; <br> <br>No one else from the party were involved in fighting. They passed without even moving a muscle. Monthu didn't want to leave his brother and wasn't letting him in that chaos. As for Aurora, clerics weren't good in close combat. Period. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace was just enjoying the ride. 'What was the point of revealing one's skills when there were enough man power to subdue the threat. Besides he had enough money not to care about the reward. Five golds for a head, really? That’s almost like free labour.'&nbsp; <br> <br>The caravan was attacked a few more times before the evening by wild monsters but wagons sustained no damage. A few players had died because of lack of clerics (No one paid for healing so they rarely went on such expeditions) but no one missed them. Less people to share hunt money with.&nbsp; <br> <br>In the evening the party lighted a fire and Aurora made dinner while others lazed around, tired from all the riding.&nbsp; <br> <br>Par was especially exhausted, not even having energy to try and chat up Ace who was still keeping his cold appearance. &nbsp; <br> <br>'Maybe I should take a break?' he thought and logged out.&nbsp; <br> <br>*** &nbsp; <br> <br>It had been around two days since his last leave and his growling stomach didn't forget to remind him of it. Opening the curtains Kirin saw that it was still an early evening so he ordered a pizza. &nbsp; <br> <br>While waiting he checked the forums for news but seeing nothing relevant left soon. &nbsp; <br> <br>Tiiiiiiiiriiirr! &nbsp; <br> <br>A sound came and Kirin paid for the pizza. He ate it ravenously and was about to fall asleep sitting than a sound of a doorbell was heard once again.&nbsp; <br> <br>'Who could possibly have come? Please god, don't let it be Kevin and his gang!'&nbsp; <br> <br>As he opened the door a heavy scent of roses assaulted his nostrils.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Welcome Aunt Marina. What brought you here on this lovely evening?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"I came to check on my favourite kid, of course! I heard your parents are gone once again! What stupidity! How can they leave you alone?" she said angrily, giving him a basket full of fresh vegetables and fruits from her garden. "You should come live with me. I would take better care of you. What do you think?" &nbsp; <br> <br>"Thank you aunt but I can't just leave. This is my home! My room! My toys! Everyone knows I live here!" he said shaking in horror. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Aww... You're such a lovely kid" the woman replied pinching his cheek and proceeding to the kitchen. "You've been eating fast food again, weren't you? But what could be expected when there's no parent control! They spoiled you rotten. Oh and I brought you something. It’s at the bottom of basket.”&nbsp; <br> <br>Kirin took out all items in order putting them in their respectable places; apples and plums on the table, tomatoes and cucumbers in a refrigerator while onions went at the back of a cupboard. &nbsp; <br> <br>A plastic bag lay at the bottom. Kirin carefully picked it up and took out the item from inside. It was a little car you could control with motions of your hand equipped with a specific glove. &nbsp; <br> <br>A wide smile appeared on the kid's face and he hugged his aunt.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" he said to her stomach which made the woman laugh.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I knew you would like it. Take good care of it. And I've got to leave now, Janetta has returned from Paris so I just came to share the good news." &nbsp; <br> <br>"When will she come to play with me?" the kid asked with shining eyes.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You have to wait a few days! She's very tired after her flight."&nbsp; <br> <br>"Okay..." the kid said, his head hanging down and followed the aunt to the door. “Bye!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"See you soon, Ang. I promise you Janetta will come as fast as she can!" with that she left and the kid closed the door. &nbsp; <br> <br>A scowl manifested on his face. 'She just had to return now'. He went to his room and threw the car in the toy box where many others lay. &nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>After four days in game Ace returned waking up in a wagon. It was dark but he could see the outlines of other bodies thrown in beside him. 'Gross'.&nbsp; <br> <br>He freed his hands and legs and jumped out of the wagon rolling on a ground a few times. His hands were a bit bruised but it was so worth it to get out of that meat grinder. And he really needed a bath now. &nbsp; <br> <br>The caravan was going faster than him so he was getting farther and farther from the middle where the wagon was pulled by two horses.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Hey, you're back!" someone shouted loudly and Ace raised his head to look around. &nbsp; <br> <br>The group was a few meters behind him, Monthu holding the rains of his horse. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Hi!" Ace answered motioning for them to leave the procession for a moment and let him get on his horse. A few steps away was a small patch of higher ground and Ace used it. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Why did you leave the first evening?" Hawk asked.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Nothing interesting ever happens on the first days of travel so I might as well miss them. And I hope we can get some action in a next few days because I'll have to leave for some time after that" Ace said with a thoughtful expression.&nbsp; <br> <br>"We had enough action already" Hawk said not agreeing. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Did Monthu even put a hand on his weapon?" Ace asked raising an eyebrow to which Hawk had no answer. "There were only some skirmishes. I want to see war! An all-out battle!" &nbsp; <br> <br>"Do you think we'll see something like that?" Par asked, his eyes glowing.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Well some big gang should make an attempt at taking so much loot, gold and experience. I couldn't believe that all of them got scared of the hired defenders" Ace said explaining and looking around. &nbsp; <br> <br>All of the fighters looked much better than the last time he was on. None were staggering or holding reins as if their life depended on it. That was quite a quick improvement. Maybe there was a skill associated with riding?&nbsp; <br> <br>The day passed monotonously without a single encounter. Ace felt like crying while sitting next to a fire. There were no foes in his path and his fingers itched to go hunting and feeding. But that would probably be a grave mistake comes tomorrow.&nbsp; <br> <br>The lack of monsters could mean only one thing. Some stronger predator was in the vicinity. And more often than not it meant human involvement. &nbsp; <br> <br>So he kept his hands crossed under the cloak to prevent them for reaching the dagger and talked with Par to distract himself. &nbsp; <br> <br>'Going out alone to hunt mobs in enemy territory would be suicide too. So you stay here' he kept the pep talk. A talent to focus on many things at once had its downside too. &nbsp; <br> <br>Soon Par went to sleep and he was left alone with his thoughts. That was not good. &nbsp; <br> <br>To fight he took out the flute and sat down. The instrument was made by a beginner and looked crappy but Ace acquired it just because he was taking everything. He never had thought that it'd become one of the best ways to calm himself. He had told the truth to the mage back then. The music had a soothing effect. &nbsp; <br> <br>In the morning a see-through table appeared before his eyes. <br> <br>Tiiriing! <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Level up: Flute Mastery [Passive] Novice 5 <br> <br>Increases the quality of music produced by 50%&nbsp; <br> <br>Increases the calmness of those who hear it by 9% </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Ace felt happy, that meant he could rest that much easier. &nbsp; <br> <br>When people started to wake up and log back on, he stopped playing and put away the flute. He took out a canteen of water and splashed water on his face. That was refreshing and helped him leave the sleepy state he was in while playing. &nbsp; <br> <br>The horses were saddled and the journey started again. &nbsp; <br> <br>But no more than an hour later the line stopped. &nbsp; <br> <br>"I'll go check" Hawk said, volunteering and galloped towards the front of the caravan. It took him around ten minutes to return and his face looked pale. "There's a blockade of trees up ahead and they hadn't fallen because of a storm. An order to enter a protective formation was sent a few minutes ago" he said explaining hurriedly. &nbsp; <br> <br>A circle was being made of wagons by putting lightest and worst made inside while heaviest and sturdiest made up the fronts on all sides. &nbsp; <br> <br>Horses were driven towards the centre ring and left while all who could use a weapon were to stand guard. All fighters were given a bow and some arrows to wound enemies until they came in close range. Archers and mages were positioned inside wagons near the windows through which they could use skills and hide easily. Some braver ones went onto the roofs and lay there in waiting. &nbsp; <br> <br>Monthu was positioned at the east side, sun in his eyes. It was so quiet. No one dared to make a sound after preparations were finished, no matter how much time passed. &nbsp; <br> <br>It was the worst part of any battle in Monthu's opinion. The waiting intensified all fears and drilled on nerves. It made you think of those you'll lose and if you'll survive yourself. Even if this was only a game no one wanted to feel the pain of death or see their friends disappearing in a grey flash. It made one weak in the knees. Only seasoned fighters could survive long times of it without going mad. &nbsp; <br> <br>Luckily, in this aspect and only in this, arrows started to rain in waves on the wagons a few minutes past eleven. Most of those who hid on the tops were dead in the first wave but some managed to crawl down and get their wounds healed by the few present clerics. There were two for each of the four main sides but two hundred fighters in each. To expect some healing was stupid, everyone knew to rely on their health bars instead of miracle savings. &nbsp; <br> <br>Soon the coming arrows thinned out and were gone in a next minute. As that happened, an army came charging out of the woods. It was made out of all kinds of races but all of the players were clearly rogues. They ran with daggers in their hands and faces filled with greed, afraid of nothing.&nbsp; <br> <br>But they should have. &nbsp; <br> <br>A wave of arrows met them while they had no cover. Lucky ones died instantly while many others were maimed by unskilled fighters who couldn't shoot straight to save their life. The surviving ones ran ahead expecting to begin fighting but fire started to rain on their heads, scorching their faces and backs while finishing off injured ones. &nbsp; <br> <br>A loud cry of joy came from the defenders side as the last rogue fell disappearing in a grey flash. &nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>"Should we really have sent them without any defence to fight?" Wenton asked his leader.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Some sacrifices must be made to win. Now those idiots used up most of their arrows and showed that they have around two hundred mages. It'll be easy from now but just in case first send Martin with his squadron" Dark, the leader of the bandit army, answered. &nbsp; <br> <br>He was around twenty with dark skin, eyes and clothes. His face was always in shadow of a cowl. &nbsp; <br> <br>Dark was pretty young to lead so many people but his strict and unforgiving nature, coldness and perfectionism allowed him to quickly rise in the ranks of criminals. Out of all the candidates he was the one chosen to lead this army of monsters in human shape for his outstanding talent and he planned to prove his worth. If some competitors died in battle, that wouldn’t be is fault at all. There was never a battle where someone hadn’t died. &nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>The joy was short lived among the defenders. Before mages could sit down and recover their missing mana, another army went out, this time people wore the same rags but some had hardly fitting leather armour and instead of daggers they held rusty swords. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace was hiding together with other rogues among the wagons until they could somehow sneak out and maybe assassinate some unlucky fellows. Rogues were usually worthless in large battles so no one expected great things from them. Not that there were many of them, only about twenty or some. &nbsp; <br> <br>From his hiding place Ace could see the approaching idiots being met with arrows and wondered how murderers were so poor. Most of beginner armour is better than what they were wearing...&nbsp; <br>Some fell from arrows but this time they managed to reach the first ring of wagons and defenders had to pick up their swords and axes to get rid of them. It wasn't too hard but there were many of them. If one fell another appeared and used every dirty trick available. &nbsp; <br> <br>Only the east side was having some problems as the main force came their way. A few summoned monsters helped them but it wasn't looking too well. Monthu and other defenders had their backs to the wagons while being attacked from 3 to even 7 people at once. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace decided to have a taste for himself and sneaked out to hunt. He got a bit farther away, thrust his dagger, killing a random enemy swordsman from behind but somehow his friends noticed and turned to Ace. &nbsp; <br> <br>"That wasn't my plan” Ace muttered, dodging one sword and deflecting another with his dagger. &nbsp; <br> <br>The worst part was that he had no space to jump away! They were standing in his dagger’s reach instead of using their longer one of swords. &nbsp; <br> <br>If running away wasn't an option, then killing was. He took out another one and slashed at the closest opponent while blocking with the other hand. But he didn't have ten hands to deflect all attacks and suffered some hits. And it hurt! &nbsp; <br> <br>"Damn bastards" he hissed and started to claw (with daggers) his way through, using [Instincts of a Predator] to sense enemies' movements and [Evasion] to dodge or nullify as many attacks as possible while still going to the side where some defenders fought and would give him a helping hand.&nbsp; <br>Slash. Stab. Kick. &nbsp; <br> <br>Everything was used to get people out of the way. If they fought dirty, he was even worse. Punches in the eyes to blind, vines and ice to trip (usually on his dagger) and hits in all the weak places no honourable fighter would ever attack. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace managed to move a meter ahead like that but it felt like forever. Slash. Stab. Slice. And repeat while dodging everything coming his way. Stamina was already half way. He needed to reach a safe zone and soon. &nbsp; <br> <br>'Why did I thought going out was a good idea again? I've never done anything more stupid! I think so?' Ace thought before falling down and crawling between enemies’ legs. It seemed good until one guy noticed him and tried to skewer him. And it was damn hard to evade while being on all fours. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Wild Vines!" he shouted out keeping the fighter in place and used him to jump and return on his legs. He had managed to move another meter after that but now even more people were around him of which none looked friendly. &nbsp; <br> <br>'This is not going to be my first death!' Ace screamed in his mind using [Shadow Dash]. But there was nowhere to land! His hand and leg were slashed lowering his movement capabilities a lot. But there was no time to rest; he pushed forward while swordsman were confused by his sudden appearance for a moment. Up ahead he could see Monthu's head. Just a few more steps to salvation! <br> <br>Monthu was swinging his scythe decapitating all the unwary. He was higher level than them and they had no armour. It would have been child's play if there just weren't this damn many of them! No matter how many fell, the others were pushing and pushing. &nbsp; <br> <br>There was a certain madness about them. No fear for death or pain, not a care for weaker skills or equipment. They didn't even seem conscious! &nbsp; <br> <br>A flash of gold caught his eyes as he butchered another guy. It came from farther ahead but was gone instantly. 'What could it have been?' &nbsp; <br> <br>As he was cutting another enemy it flashed again. Was that sun reflecting on someone's hair? Monthu had a bad feeling about it. He knew only one person with such bright golden hair. 'Is he really stupid enough to go alone in the middle of enemy army?' &nbsp; <br> <br>He motioned for those around him to take a step forward and push those bandits back. Little by little they managed to meet up with the light haired idiot. The moment he saw Monthu the guy slumped down unconscious. &nbsp; <br>'That stupid, idiotic, moronic...' Monthu cursed as he blocked a few swords aimed at the kid and picked him up.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Cover me!" he shouted to his comrades and carried the boy that was covered in blood and open wounds. &nbsp; <br> <br>A white clothed female jumped out of the wagon as he came closer.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What happened? Wasn't he supposed to stay back? Is he still alive? Those gashes are so horrible!" Aurora screamed running to him and collecting holy energy.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Found him dying nearby, take care" Monthu answered and laid down the body inside.&nbsp; <br> <br>The girl nodded and started to chant&nbsp; <br> <br>"Oh Kione god of those who need your help, show your love to this wounded lamb and heal his wounds, Healing Heart!"&nbsp; <br> <br>White light descended enveloping the kid's body and making the wounds close up before the clerics' eyes.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You should have saved your mana for those who really need it" her new partner Gerard remarked. &nbsp; <br> <br>"He's my friend. I couldn't let him die before my own eyes while I had a way to help him" Aurora answered sitting down yoga style to meditate. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Better your friend lives for a few hours than we win?" Simon muttered using [Healing Hand] on a soldier whose shoulder was pierced.&nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>A groan left Ace's mouth as he started to wake up. It hurt everywhere and most muscles were screaming profanities at him. "Dammit, what had I been doing" Ace muttered under his breath, massaging his head.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Going to suicide and chickening out" supplied a white robed man with one eye following everything that went outside. &nbsp; <br> <br>That brought memories back.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Oh god..." 'I'm not sure what to be surprised more - at the stupidity of my own actions or actually surviving it.’&nbsp; <br> <br>A few flashing messages at the corner of his right eye under the kill count of 12 caught his attention. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Level Up: Evasion [Passive] Average 3 <br> <br>Allows you to better dodge attacks and projectiles coming towards you. &nbsp; <br>After evading successfully you're granted a 3% speed boost for a short duration </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Luck increased by 25 points (+25 LCK)</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>'That could have been expected' Ace thought, smiling against his own will. 'And that poison is damn effective. I should coat my daggers with it more often.' &nbsp; <br> <br>"What happened while I was out?" he inquired while doing stretches to get used to moving again.&nbsp; <br> <br>"We've been fighting for 6 hours now and everyone is exhausted. Fire has been started by flaming arrows which killed a lot of mages and rangers, even two clerics were lost. And there’s just no end to the bandits!" the cleric said explaining with a frustrated look. There were signs of exhaustion on him too - drooping shoulders, hunched back, pale face.&nbsp; <br> <br>Ace walked to the window and glanced outside. Chaos and a sense of loss met him. There were thousands of bandits over the field and others were still coming from the forest. Defenders had leveled up a lot and were killing them by tens but there were just too many of them! And they took out warriors one by one as there was a big lack of healers. It looked like a certain defeat but people were still fighting. None wanted to just go and die. What if a miracle happened? This was a game after all. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Death to them all" Ace murmured with a malicious smile and left the safe for now wagon. &nbsp; <br> <br>He sneaked up to an enemy and bursted him down but this time he didn't go to the middle of an army to do that. He stayed close to Monthu and gave him a hand if some attack was missed while the guy noticing the newcomer just nodded in acknowledgement and did the same.&nbsp; <br> <br>'This is not working' Ace though blocking an attack and twisting his dagger to stab his opponent. 'There's just too many of them to kill one by one.' Duck. Kick. Slash. 'We need some mass attack but most mages are gone and the ones that survived aren't able to inflict enough damage.' Burst of fire to the face and stab while the guy is blinded. 'Archers are out of arrows too' Evade, redirect the swords and impale them by each other’s weapons. 'We need something strong, and it would have to spread wide.' Kick in the gut and step back a few steps to drink a few health potions and back into place where Monthu had stepped in.&nbsp; <br> <br>'A bomb would be very helpful' Ace mused slicing a throat. A gurgling sound came but no one seemed affected. This battle lasted so long that people got used to the massacre around them, going as far as not even noticing the gore around them. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Item broken!&nbsp; <br> <br>Dagger of Audacity has broken do to it's durability reaching zero!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Ace threw the pieces down and took out another one.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Damn" he hissed when he noticed that it wasn't coated in poison. It was a very bad time to run out of half his damage. &nbsp; <br> <br>'That's it!' he screamed in his mind. 'It might be even a key to victory!'&nbsp; <br> <br>"I have an idea" he shouted to Monthu and ran back inside the protective ring. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Mages and rogues!" he yelled at the top of his lungs and started to take out items from his bag in a rush.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What is it?" the first mage to come asked. He was wearing a dark green robe, which was scorched on the corners.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I have a plan but it requires cooperation of wizards and all rogues. It's cruel and inhumane but I think we're in a desperate enough situation right now not to care." &nbsp; <br> <br>"What do you have in mind?" the main merchant of the caravan asked. They had all run in too as none were fighting and all wanted to live. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace explained his plan and asked for their help. They grimaced a few times but nodded running to their wagons for supplies.&nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>'What are they planning now?" Dark wondered sitting in the highest tree and following the events on the battlefield.&nbsp; <br> <br>It looked like an hour or two more and they would win but for some reason there hadn't been a magical attack for more than ten minutes. 'Can they be chanting for so long? What kind of spell could require so many people and time?' &nbsp; <br> <br>There was no change for another ten minutes and defenders felt the lack of magical assistance as twice as many enemies pushed them and all had full health. &nbsp; <br> <br>Then a pair climbed onto a wagon, and another, and another. Soon there wasn't a place where no one was standing. 'They are safe as we have also run out of arrows but what could they possibly be planning by pairing wizards with rogues?&nbsp; <br> <br>They answered him soon enough as vials were thrown far into his army and wizards used basic spells to explode them. A rain of green and blue, red and yellow, white and black descended on his army of &nbsp;rogues.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Aaaghh!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Gaaaaah! My eeeyyyeees!!!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Save me!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"Kyyyaaaahh!"&nbsp; <br> <br>Horrible screams reached his ears. They were so loud and heart wrenching that even a cold blooded murderer like him had to block his ears with his hands. 'What the hell is that?' he wondered trying to ignore the sounds while he was writing with one hand. No voice chat till the screams died down would be available.&nbsp; <br> <br>It took five minutes for his commanders to answer.&nbsp; <br> <br>/It's deadly poison! East rear! /&nbsp; <br> <br>/East middle reporting! My unit was showered with acid! Can you believe it? More than half are incapacitated or missing parts!&nbsp; <br> <br>/We front! Sticky concoction! Hinders movements!/ &nbsp; <br> <br>'That one's probably already dead' Dark decided and read on the crazy answers.&nbsp; <br> <br>/All went mad and started attacking each other! Berserk potion? West side commander/ &nbsp; <br> <br>/South side! All drunk!!! Concentrated alcohol?! Men are still trying to drink and falling down red faced! All control lost!/&nbsp; <br> <br>/Beard from North reporting! Stink bombs! Can't breathe!/&nbsp; <br> <br>All sides were screaming at him their horrors but what could he possibly do for them? They had no clerics and there was no backing out for them. Angel guild would hunt all one by one till level one if they tried to desert.&nbsp; <br> <br>/Push on! We can still win this! They are too much weakened to put a fight!/ he encouraged his commanders while not moving a muscle to go and help.&nbsp; <br> <br>'What kind of monster could have thought of it?' he wondered deciding to meet him someday and continued to watch from his high place. &nbsp; <br> <br>*** &nbsp; <br> <br>Screams were also heard by the defenders but none rose to cover their ears. It was a sound of death but as long as it was their side using it, it was also the sound of victory. &nbsp; <br> <br>Warriors shouted and fell on the confused bandits with renewed energy their morale soaring. They fought like men possessed forgetting their injuries and throwing caution aside.&nbsp; <br> <br>If there was a chance to survive, they were going to use it and nothing was going to stop them. Wizards having used only a few mana points for those low level spells weren't taking a vacation either. They called upon ice storms, vines and giant golems. All fire mages went to south side were bandits still had remnants of alcohol on themselves and called upon fire. One even went for [Meteor Shower]. &nbsp; <br> <br>Elements raged among the army putting them in even bigger chaos. No longer anyone listened to commands or went the right way. Some even ran away! Mages cheered loudly every time some left the battlefield and followed with a bolt of lightning somewhere among the army to make sure they ran far. &nbsp; <br> <br>It was a hundred percent turnaround from their subdued actions since the beginning of attack in the morning. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace together with other rogues was down among the warriors dancing with his high agility and sneaky attacks. They were winning and he had a huge grin on his face as he stabbed another bandit with [Heart-seeker]. It was a good feeding ground for sure.&nbsp; <br> <br>***&nbsp; <br> <br>"Dammit. How can they be winning?" Dark shouted to no one in particular as most of his commanders were dead. "There were ten times more of us than those hired hands but the bandits are getting annihilated! How could it turn out like this?" &nbsp; <br> <br>"Because you're incompetent" a calm voice came from somewhere downward. "I told the leaders it was a mistake to let such a lowlife like you to lead, but would anyone listen? And look where we are now.”&nbsp; <br> <br>"Perin..." 'What is one of the Angels' committee members doing here?'&nbsp; <br> <br>"I'm here to get what rightfully belongs to the guild" the person explained as if sensing his thoughts. Dark had no idea how merchants' property belonged to the guild but he wasn't here to ask questions. He skilfully climbed down and smiled at what he saw near the leader. <br> <br>*** &nbsp; <br> <br>Finally all the bandits were killed. Most of the warriors lost their lives being too reckless but those who survived were the very best; veterans of battle. Tired they all fell to the ground and were asleep in moments. On the top of wagons wizards were doing the same. &nbsp; <br> <br>Only rogues didn't go to rest, they were too busy looting all the fallen items. Bandits had no high level equipment but their shirts and pants could be sold for a silver or two if you were good at lying or found some idiots. Ace was among them collecting all kinds of miscellaneous items. You never know when you'll have to impress another kid.&nbsp; <br> <br>And it was the greed of rogues that saved the travellers from total extermination. They were the only ones left awake to notice another gang of players leaving the woods and running towards the caravan. One of the rogues blew a horn he had found and woke everyone up by sacrificing his life, not able to run away in time. &nbsp; <br> <br>The enemy had a total of 5 archers and used them to shoot at the still sleepy wizards who were slaughtered in no time. &nbsp; <br> <br>The warriors managed to wake up from their fifteen minute sleep even more tired but they still gathered together on the east side where main action was about to happen. Monthu wanted desperately run back and look for his brother but a whisper from Aurora stopped him.&nbsp; <br> <br>She said that his brother would die anyway if they lost this last encounter. 'But it's already lost' Monthu wanted to shout at her but he saw the reasoning behind her statement and stayed where he was. 'There's a hundred of them; fresh, well armoured soldiers ready for battle and seventy of us, tired and action weary. They can easily pick us up even without fighting as they have long ranged attackers and ours are dead or out of ammunition.'&nbsp; <br> <br>/We, rogues that still have our wits about us, are going to take out the archers and anything else we can on the way. Tell others that we won't die easy and want to go out with a bang! Better fight well!/ A slight smile manifested on Monthu's face as he read Ace’s message. 'Go out with a bang, huh? Fine, we can do it too!'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Everyone listen! Rogues are infiltrating the enemies this moment and going to kill all long ranged nukers!" he yelled out so all could hear it. <br> <br>"What? Why? What's the point?" the exhausted warriors asked. Their morale was at the very bottom after coming of the enemy reinforcements. "We're going to lose anyway!"&nbsp; <br> <br>"They said they weren't going down like sheep taken to a slaughterhouse. If one has to die, he better do it with a bang! I don't know what you plan to do but I'm not going to be showed off by a rogue! I'll take them all on my own if that's what it takes!" Monthu declared loudly, his eyes flashing with grim determination. "Our honour as warriors is at stake here!" he shouted rising his weapon high up and pushing his way to the front. No one stopped him or blocked his path. &nbsp; <br> <br>He stood alone against the approaching army. Maybe it was a coward in him speaking or a berserker but he didn't want to wait for inevitable doom. 'It's better to die with your head held high' Monthu decided as he looked up at the sky and howled more than screamed. It was a war cry, a challenge to the heavens and mankind. &nbsp; <br> <br>With that shout he held his scythe to extend forward like a spear and dashed off unhesitatingly. &nbsp; <br> <br>Many eyes followed his mad run until shame brought them down. But they didn't stay long like that.&nbsp; <br> <br>Weren't they veterans of this battle, the best of the best, the remaining ones? How could they live with themselves if they chickened out in the end when even rogues didn't? Hadn't they joined the game to become heroes? &nbsp; <br> <br>Now the animalistic growl, scream, howl, whatever you like to call it, came from the seventy so fighters charging at the better armoured and rested enemy. Yet they all wore wide smiles while yelling their lungs out. Neither of them noticed a small pop up bar indicating a new skill learnt.&nbsp; <br> <br>At that moment the rogues struck. They bursted down the archers and two clerics present in a second and jumped on those that were closest. Their skills were on cooldowns but that didn't prevent them from stabbing wherever they could. They were soon noticed but then one of them threw a bottle to the ground and black smoke rose. Ace decided he should learn how to make it too as it was something too good to pass up as a rogue. It confused and blinded all those that were close by.&nbsp; <br> <br>Rogues, however, didn't take a notice of it as they were used to night activities. &nbsp; <br> <br>The abilities came off cooldowns and the confused warriors went to have a chat with their maker, literally. Ace used that time to get closer to the two leaders standing away.&nbsp; <br> <br>One wore everything dark; boots, pants, shirt and mask. Eyes and hair were midnight black. It was very hard to guess his favourite colour.&nbsp; <br> <br>The other didn't belong to the scene. He was a paladin with a church of Helena's symbol engraved on his plate armour! Nothing else could be said about him as his whole body was covered by heavy armour. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace chose paladin as he seemed so out of place, more like a leader from behind the scenes forced into the open. He was sneaking a few meters away when his target called out to him.&nbsp; <br> <br>"You're wasting your time rogue." <br> <br>'Damn Glitter Dust' Ace cursed straightening out and thinking about his next approach but first he needed to buy time.&nbsp; <br> <br>"How did you found out?" he asked in a voice of a disappointed child.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Glitter Dust, kiddo, the biggest enemy of all rogues" the dark guy explained helpfully.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Isn't it like extremely expensive?" Ace asked, wonder evident in his voice. &nbsp; <br> <br>The guy nodded.&nbsp; <br> <br>"And you work for such a master? I wish I was ever paid half as much as you. We only get five golds for all this trouble!" the kid said with a sigh to an amused bandit leader.&nbsp; <br> <br>"I still don't get it, why would anyone send a child to hunt me? I wouldn't even hire one for protection! It's no wonder they lost!" the paladin murmured with his eyebrows making a v form.&nbsp; <br> <br>"That's because no one sent me!" the kid said laughing joyously but then his face became serious or as much as a kid could look serious. "We, the surviving rogues, decided to go out flashily so they went for your rangers while I decided that your death would be even better!" &nbsp; <br> <br>"And how did you plan to do it?" the paladin asked with mockery in his voice and raised his visor to look better at his supposed opponent. &nbsp; <br> <br>"To stab you from behind like a true rogue does!" the kid answered defensively, clutching his two daggers more tightly.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Hhahahah!" the armoured guy burst out laughing while the kid stared at him with indignation in his eyes. "I'd like to see you try." Another bout of laughter.&nbsp; <br> <br>The dark guy stayed silent out of good heartedness. He might have been a murderer but kids were innocent creatures. They haven't been corrupted by all the evils around them. Or have they?&nbsp; <br> <br>That last thought came from the smile that appeared on the kid's face as he positioned himself behind Perin. He felt like warning his leader that it might have been a bad idea but he was a bit too late.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Whenever you're ready kid" Perin said tauntingly.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Now! Magma blade! Cut-throat! Backstab!" The paladin dashed away the moment he saw his health disappearing in big chunks.&nbsp; <br> <br>"What ar.." Perin wanted to ask but Ace was on him already having followed with [Shadow Dash]. &nbsp; <br> <br>"Heart-seeker" Ace said in a soft soothing voice, his dagger passing through all armour and reaching his enemy’s heart. &nbsp; <br> <br>He waited those few seconds prepared to die but nothing happened. As he opened his eyes he saw the heels of the dark guy as he ran at full speed through the forest, tearing everything that got in his way.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Thank you" Ace murmured with a smile and turned back to the battle. &nbsp; <br> <br>The fighters looked to be on equal grounds but it was just a dream. Defenders fought bravely but they were standing on pure will and determination. Their stamina bar had been flashing for ages and they couldn't take it much longer. A single surviving rogue somehow had reached the warriors and was fighting together with them. &nbsp; <br> <br>Ace's eyes fell on a heap of items that the paladin had so generously left. Sadly with his true face on he couldn't use the curse. There were three items there - a helmet, an ore and a whistle. 'Could it be what I'm thinking about?'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Shrriii!" a piercing sound came as Ace blew the whistle. 'What command could that have been?' he wondered as he climbed the same tree Dark had previously occupied. From there he could see paladin army throwing their advances and rearranging themselves on the left. Defenders got many good hits in while the armoured guys tried to disentangle themselves. Three even died. &nbsp; <br> <br>A cruel smile broke out, twisting Ace's face. 'This is going to be so fun!' &nbsp; <br> <br>The moment they started to attack after finishing the formation he blew again on a different note. They started to advance. 'I didn't want that! He blew on it again as long as possible. They made a Romanian turtle formation exchanging their swords for spears and shields.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Fuck it" Ace cursed almost throwing the thing down. It wasn't helping at all! They were even suffering more damage this way as no one could get close to the enemies hidden behind the shields. &nbsp; <br> <br>'If this doesn't work, I'm throwing this thing down a volcano!’ He climbed down and started to play his favourite song that Par had named Little Sparrow. Ace never agreed to play it for him but now the kid was away or dead and this atrocious thing wasn't producing any right notes either, but it finally had the desired effect.&nbsp; <br> <br>Paladin's guys left the turtle formation but stood still glancing at each other not understanding the command. Monthu on the other hand didn't wait for any commands, followed by all fighters he ran in slashing right and left to deal most damage till they collected their wits and started defending themselves.&nbsp; <br> <br>But they didn't. <br> <br>Some half-heartedly blocked with their swords but were soon overwhelmed, not knowing what to do without orders and being attacked by ferocious demons. There were hardly anything human about defenders any longer with their eyes wide as not to fall asleep and impale themselves, pale faces and covering of blood which was everywhere - on their weapons, clothes, faces and even in hair. Devils and murderers usually looked better than that. &nbsp; <br> <br>Finished creating confusion Ace joined in hitting everything that got too close to his daggers. But it was no longer the same as before. He could still burst people down with abilities but his normal movements had slowed down considerably hurting evasion skill and his attack power. The red flashing stamina bar probably had something to do with it. His remaining energy was draining quickly.&nbsp; <br> <br>'Stupid game rules making me feel well one moment and exhausted the other' Ace hissed not caring that not the game rules but adrenaline was at fault here. &nbsp; <br> <br>Soon he was fighting blindly too tired to raise his head trusting in [Instincts of a Predator]. 'Best ability I ever learnt.'&nbsp; <br> <br>A different clashing sound woke him from his dreaming state. It wasn't a sword his daggers met. With a loud groan he raised his eyes and saw a... scythe? 'Who ever used a scythe to fight? Oh...'&nbsp; <br> <br>"Monthu..." His voice seemed to bring the guy back from his daze too.&nbsp; <br> <br>"Ace?"&nbsp; <br> <br>"I think..." murmured Ace glancing around in an amazed voice. "We made it."&nbsp; <br> <br>There was only a handful of people standing around and all wore blood like a second skin that signalled them to be one of the defenders.&nbsp; <br> <br>Nightmarish smiles broke on their faces as they looked at each other with respect. They all went to hell and back and somehow survived it. It showed a strength of character as no weakling could have lasted so long by luck. &nbsp; <br> <br>In each of their eyes a primal need to declare their victory could be seen and neither tried to fight it. <br> <br>A loud roar swept over the forest and reached even Dark who had been hiding far away. A chill passed through his bones and he decided to better run very far away from there. <br> <br> <br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1000" target="_blank">Next Chapter</a> </div>

[Previous Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=970&p=4991#p4991) Author's Note: Another chapter! And it kind of blew my regular chapter length passing over 8 thousand words -.-' Well at least it was pretty fun to write so I hope you enjoy it **** "Get ready! We're leaving soon!" shouted Hawk running into an inn where a party of five were eating breakfast.   "Who's on fire?" asked Aurora while others continued to eat their share without even acknowledging the archer.  "A large caravan came to town today and was hiring mercenaries! I wrote us all in and they're leaving in an hour!" explained Hawk as quickly as he could.  "You did what?" Monthu asked incredulously. There was a scowl on his face.  "It's a good idea!" the ranger said pleadingly. "They're travelling the same way as us and will even pay us to just walk by them which we would have to do anyway!"  "Didn't we agree to not enter any large crowds?" Monthu said not giving in an inch.  Hawk had nothing to say to that but Ace picked up, his curiosity piqued. He had never been in a caravan.  "Shouldn't there be a lot of robbers on the road if something like this is scheduled to pass through here?"  Archer saw what the kid was hinting at and nodded in enthusiasm.  "Many! That's why the main merchant is hiring every adventurer he can find! This road will be unsafe for a few weeks more if we let this chance pass!"  Monthu didn't like it at all. Many people meant many dangers for his brother but otherwise they would be stuck here for almost a month. He now understood why Ace said he befriended Par to get to him. It really worked and he couldn't do a thing about it.   "How much does he pay?"  "10 golds for the travel. Every kill adds 5 gold" explained Hawk with a smile. The battle was won. He should probably thank the kid but monsters didn't deserve respect, right?  "That's not too bad. We might as well join in. Everyone get ready. Aurora buy supplies while I find a place to lock up Levin."  "Hey! I don't need locking up! I can be a mercenary too!" the illusionist said disagreeing.  "No" four people said simultaneously and left him standing with Par.   "Could you maybe take these off?" he asked the kid. You never know.   "Nope my brother has the key. Besides you hurt Aurora's feelings so you deserve this" the child answered looking very serious.   "Kids..." Levin muttered rolling his eyes and returned to the room he had shared with Monthu and Par. It's not like he was allowed to go anywhere else. Par followed him up and sat down to play with a ring puzzle.   The single street was full of people talking with NPCs to maybe gain a quest or renew their supplies. Ace watched them for a moment thinking about his own situation. He didn't have to worry about food now that he was part of a group but it was better to be prepared for the unexpected.   So he went to a general store and joined the line. There were seven people before him but luckily they only bought basic supplies and left the all-purpose barley bread for him. It stayed good for a whole eternity so he bought thirty of them and all herbs the store had.   It wasn't much but a few poisons could be made, maybe even a potion. For some reason it was ten times easier to make a strong poison than any kind of potion.  Done with shopping he went towards a house he saw Aurora entering. She walked out soon enough with a bright smile and together they went to where Monthu was talking with a man in his late thirties wearing clothes made of silk. Maybe the main merchant?   The guy was waving his arms wildly with his face beat red while Monthu stood opposite with his hands crossed.   "What's wrong?" Ace asked stopping beside his team mate.  "Get out of here, brat. I have no candies for you" the merchant growled moving his hands in a shooing motion.   Ace's eyes flashed angrily but he just turned his gaze towards Monthu who looked surprised. "Forget him. Just tell me why you are arguing."   "This money bag doesn't want to take us in without horses but we don't have enough funds to buy horses on a whim" Monthu explained with a sigh. Saying you didn't have enough money was embarrassing but the kid had to understand the situation.   "If that's all there is to it, I can buy those animals and we can go" noticing Monthu prepared to argue he added. "You can pay me back once we're finished."  That was acceptable and Monthu nodded even though he wasn't used to borrowing money. It was a new experience for him but they really needed those animals for travel or else they'd be stuck in this corner of the world for a whole month.   "What could you possibly have? Ten coppers? Maybe a silver? Horses cost more than that punk" the merchant laughed.   Ace just rolled his eyes. He'd seen people like that who hate youths for no apparent reason and he learnt to deal with them. Best action was to get out of their vicinity as fast as possible. If that was impossible, you had to give them what they wanted.  He took out a handful of golds from his pouch and put them in the merchant’s hand. And another one. And another one.   "Is that enough? Or do you take more than 5 golds for a single horse?”  "How did you..."  "I think you missed the point here. The how doesn't matter. What's important is that I gave you the money and ask for five best horses you have. Or are you going to return me the money?"   The gold quickly disappeared in the folds of cloth.  "Follow me"  Ace smiled happily. At least money could always give you respect. Kids that are born in rich families are really better off.   The merchant led them to the back of the caravan where horses were free to graze around while travellers took a break in town and resupplied. There were all kinds of them brown, white, with dots, a few solely black or white.   They were taken to a corner where twenty something horses were separated from the rest.   "These are for sale. You can pick the ones you like."   Both guys went to look at them even if they had no real knowledge about how to differ the animals. All of them looked healthy and good for riding.   Aurora stayed on the side in case the horses decided to attack. You can never be too careful.   A grey horse standing apart from others took Ace's attention. He came closer and held his hand for the horse to sniff. The animal snorted a few times but didn't fight back as Ace tried to pet him.   "I'll take this one!" he shouted to the merchant. "What's his name?"  "Why would he have a name?" the guy asked surprised. It was an AI (artificial intelligence). Who would care enough to give it a name?  "You'll be Ash then" the boy said scratching under the ear. The horse seemed to like that and tried to kiss the kid who managed to dodge at the last second. 'I had almost forgotten all about it. Thanks for reminding me' Ace scowled, his mood ruined.   Monthu chose a brown stallion for himself and a mare of lighter shade for his brother. She seemed to be more than five years old and unable to throw her rider off even if she wanted to. It would require too much energy.   A white mare with some darker dots was chosen by Aurora still standing away while Hawk who had just come went for a black one with a white leg.   "How much were they?" Hawk asked preparing his horse for a ride.   "Five golds each" Aurora answered beside him. The other three were further ahead looking for a higher ground from where Ace could mount. He refused everyone who volunteered to help him and repeatedly said he can do it himself. "But we didn't have such money! It's 25 golds! A fortune wasted!" Hawk exclaimed forgetting what he was doing.   "Ace" Aurora said stroking the soft skin of her mare as if that explained everything. And it did.  "You mean he not only has an assortment of random skills you wouldn't expect to see but also a bank overflowing with money?" His horse's whinnying returned him back to present and he petted him a few times before jumping on his back.   Aurora shrugged before getting on her own horse.  "Who knows? He seemed not to mind paying it..."  "But he's accustomed to lying. That's what you wanted to say wasn't it?" Hawk asked angrily. "Why do you defend him even if you know he's rotten to the core?"  "I don't know that!" Aurora said loudly but then softened her voice. "What if he's just been hurt? It couldn’t have been easy to know you'll never grow up and be able to do things that make life worthwhile. Like have wife, children, and your own home. Can you imagine being denied all that?"   They were both informed about everything that was talked about over the table. Melinda had recorded Ace's every action and word for future reference.   "Does that make him a hero? A saint? He was faced by tough choices and has fallen. He's a liar and a murderer! That's why he's rich and can throw money right and left at his level. You should understand that he's a wild beast. If you come close, he'll bite you even if all you wanted was to treat his wounds. He's no fallen angel to return to the right because of you. This is not a freaking fairytale!" Hawk more like growled than said.  He couldn't believe Aurora's stupidity. She heard what the bastard did and that he had no qualms about lying someone straight to the face yet she still stayed by his side, turning all attacks away from him.   "That's the reason! We're all humans! Maybe he just needs friendship for his god qualities to blossom and take him away from the darkness. It is my as a healer's duty to heal his soul!"   The loud arguing voices carried over the field where the three stood. Monthu had helped his brother on a saddle and was watching for Ace's reaction. His face muscles twitched a few times but no real expression appeared there. The kid was clearly pretending not to hear the words.   Soon both parties joined together and found their place in a caravan. The topic was never brought up again but Ace stayed very quiet. He answered only with a yes or no until Par and Aurora left him alone for the ride. He had many things to think about. Life was never as easy as you wanted it to.   ***  "Rooooooaaar!" a loud growl came from the woods as a horde of trolls attacked. They looked extremely ugly with huge noses, small beady eyes and walked hunched with trees as weapons in their hands.   All the warriors on the right side of the caravan grouped up and intercepted the charging mobs. Or tried to.   None of them had ridden a horse before which resulted in a lot of bumping and many falls. Those who managed to stay up tried to attack with their swords but fighting from a horseback wasn't the same as on the ground and required extreme balance and getting used to. Half of the remaining fighters fell or injured themselves...  Only three knights present didn’t suffer any damage. They were in their element and showed off their skills by keeping fifteen trolls back by themselves while fighters got back their bearings and confronted the monsters now on foot.   Archers weren't doing that well, either. Their horses were moving so their aim was usually off.   And Hawk was one of them even if he tried his best to aim correctly. But he was used to shooting moving targets instead of being the one moving himself. It made him miss many of his shots. However, one of them was a bull’s eye and finished off an already weakened troll.  "I got one!" he shouted to his friends while seeing a red number 1 appearing in the corner of his right eye. All those who joined the caravan quest had a countdown of their kills which then would be turned into gold coins when they reached the destination. "We can hear you, no need to shout" Aurora answered him with her hands on ears. "Congratulations on making five golds"  No one else from the party were involved in fighting. They passed without even moving a muscle. Monthu didn't want to leave his brother and wasn't letting him in that chaos. As for Aurora, clerics weren't good in close combat. Period.   Ace was just enjoying the ride. 'What was the point of revealing one's skills when there were enough man power to subdue the threat. Besides he had enough money not to care about the reward. Five golds for a head, really? That’s almost like free labour.'  The caravan was attacked a few more times before the evening by wild monsters but wagons sustained no damage. A few players had died because of lack of clerics (No one paid for healing so they rarely went on such expeditions) but no one missed them. Less people to share hunt money with.  In the evening the party lighted a fire and Aurora made dinner while others lazed around, tired from all the riding.  Par was especially exhausted, not even having energy to try and chat up Ace who was still keeping his cold appearance.   'Maybe I should take a break?' he thought and logged out.  ***   It had been around two days since his last leave and his growling stomach didn't forget to remind him of it. Opening the curtains Kirin saw that it was still an early evening so he ordered a pizza.   While waiting he checked the forums for news but seeing nothing relevant left soon.   Tiiiiiiiiriiirr!   A sound came and Kirin paid for the pizza. He ate it ravenously and was about to fall asleep sitting than a sound of a doorbell was heard once again.  'Who could possibly have come? Please god, don't let it be Kevin and his gang!'  As he opened the door a heavy scent of roses assaulted his nostrils.  "Welcome Aunt Marina. What brought you here on this lovely evening?"  "I came to check on my favourite kid, of course! I heard your parents are gone once again! What stupidity! How can they leave you alone?" she said angrily, giving him a basket full of fresh vegetables and fruits from her garden. "You should come live with me. I would take better care of you. What do you think?"   "Thank you aunt but I can't just leave. This is my home! My room! My toys! Everyone knows I live here!" he said shaking in horror.   "Aww... You're such a lovely kid" the woman replied pinching his cheek and proceeding to the kitchen. "You've been eating fast food again, weren't you? But what could be expected when there's no parent control! They spoiled you rotten. Oh and I brought you something. It’s at the bottom of basket.”  Kirin took out all items in order putting them in their respectable places; apples and plums on the table, tomatoes and cucumbers in a refrigerator while onions went at the back of a cupboard.   A plastic bag lay at the bottom. Kirin carefully picked it up and took out the item from inside. It was a little car you could control with motions of your hand equipped with a specific glove.   A wide smile appeared on the kid's face and he hugged his aunt.  "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" he said to her stomach which made the woman laugh.  "I knew you would like it. Take good care of it. And I've got to leave now, Janetta has returned from Paris so I just came to share the good news."   "When will she come to play with me?" the kid asked with shining eyes.  "You have to wait a few days! She's very tired after her flight."  "Okay..." the kid said, his head hanging down and followed the aunt to the door. “Bye!"  "See you soon, Ang. I promise you Janetta will come as fast as she can!" with that she left and the kid closed the door.   A scowl manifested on his face. 'She just had to return now'. He went to his room and threw the car in the toy box where many others lay.   ***  After four days in game Ace returned waking up in a wagon. It was dark but he could see the outlines of other bodies thrown in beside him. 'Gross'.  He freed his hands and legs and jumped out of the wagon rolling on a ground a few times. His hands were a bit bruised but it was so worth it to get out of that meat grinder. And he really needed a bath now.   The caravan was going faster than him so he was getting farther and farther from the middle where the wagon was pulled by two horses.  "Hey, you're back!" someone shouted loudly and Ace raised his head to look around.   The group was a few meters behind him, Monthu holding the rains of his horse.   "Hi!" Ace answered motioning for them to leave the procession for a moment and let him get on his horse. A few steps away was a small patch of higher ground and Ace used it.   "Why did you leave the first evening?" Hawk asked.  "Nothing interesting ever happens on the first days of travel so I might as well miss them. And I hope we can get some action in a next few days because I'll have to leave for some time after that" Ace said with a thoughtful expression.  "We had enough action already" Hawk said not agreeing.   "Did Monthu even put a hand on his weapon?" Ace asked raising an eyebrow to which Hawk had no answer. "There were only some skirmishes. I want to see war! An all-out battle!"   "Do you think we'll see something like that?" Par asked, his eyes glowing.  "Well some big gang should make an attempt at taking so much loot, gold and experience. I couldn't believe that all of them got scared of the hired defenders" Ace said explaining and looking around.   All of the fighters looked much better than the last time he was on. None were staggering or holding reins as if their life depended on it. That was quite a quick improvement. Maybe there was a skill associated with riding?  The day passed monotonously without a single encounter. Ace felt like crying while sitting next to a fire. There were no foes in his path and his fingers itched to go hunting and feeding. But that would probably be a grave mistake comes tomorrow.  The lack of monsters could mean only one thing. Some stronger predator was in the vicinity. And more often than not it meant human involvement.   So he kept his hands crossed under the cloak to prevent them for reaching the dagger and talked with Par to distract himself.   'Going out alone to hunt mobs in enemy territory would be suicide too. So you stay here' he kept the pep talk. A talent to focus on many things at once had its downside too.   Soon Par went to sleep and he was left alone with his thoughts. That was not good.   To fight he took out the flute and sat down. The instrument was made by a beginner and looked crappy but Ace acquired it just because he was taking everything. He never had thought that it'd become one of the best ways to calm himself. He had told the truth to the mage back then. The music had a soothing effect.   In the morning a see-through table appeared before his eyes. Tiiriing! | Level up: Flute Mastery [Passive] Novice 5 Increases the quality of music produced by 50%  Increases the calmness of those who hear it by 9% | | --- | Ace felt happy, that meant he could rest that much easier.   When people started to wake up and log back on, he stopped playing and put away the flute. He took out a canteen of water and splashed water on his face. That was refreshing and helped him leave the sleepy state he was in while playing.   The horses were saddled and the journey started again.   But no more than an hour later the line stopped.   "I'll go check" Hawk said, volunteering and galloped towards the front of the caravan. It took him around ten minutes to return and his face looked pale. "There's a blockade of trees up ahead and they hadn't fallen because of a storm. An order to enter a protective formation was sent a few minutes ago" he said explaining hurriedly.   A circle was being made of wagons by putting lightest and worst made inside while heaviest and sturdiest made up the fronts on all sides.   Horses were driven towards the centre ring and left while all who could use a weapon were to stand guard. All fighters were given a bow and some arrows to wound enemies until they came in close range. Archers and mages were positioned inside wagons near the windows through which they could use skills and hide easily. Some braver ones went onto the roofs and lay there in waiting.   Monthu was positioned at the east side, sun in his eyes. It was so quiet. No one dared to make a sound after preparations were finished, no matter how much time passed.   It was the worst part of any battle in Monthu's opinion. The waiting intensified all fears and drilled on nerves. It made you think of those you'll lose and if you'll survive yourself. Even if this was only a game no one wanted to feel the pain of death or see their friends disappearing in a grey flash. It made one weak in the knees. Only seasoned fighters could survive long times of it without going mad.   Luckily, in this aspect and only in this, arrows started to rain in waves on the wagons a few minutes past eleven. Most of those who hid on the tops were dead in the first wave but some managed to crawl down and get their wounds healed by the few present clerics. There were two for each of the four main sides but two hundred fighters in each. To expect some healing was stupid, everyone knew to rely on their health bars instead of miracle savings.   Soon the coming arrows thinned out and were gone in a next minute. As that happened, an army came charging out of the woods. It was made out of all kinds of races but all of the players were clearly rogues. They ran with daggers in their hands and faces filled with greed, afraid of nothing.  But they should have.   A wave of arrows met them while they had no cover. Lucky ones died instantly while many others were maimed by unskilled fighters who couldn't shoot straight to save their life. The surviving ones ran ahead expecting to begin fighting but fire started to rain on their heads, scorching their faces and backs while finishing off injured ones.   A loud cry of joy came from the defenders side as the last rogue fell disappearing in a grey flash.   ***  "Should we really have sent them without any defence to fight?" Wenton asked his leader.  "Some sacrifices must be made to win. Now those idiots used up most of their arrows and showed that they have around two hundred mages. It'll be easy from now but just in case first send Martin with his squadron" Dark, the leader of the bandit army, answered.   He was around twenty with dark skin, eyes and clothes. His face was always in shadow of a cowl.   Dark was pretty young to lead so many people but his strict and unforgiving nature, coldness and perfectionism allowed him to quickly rise in the ranks of criminals. Out of all the candidates he was the one chosen to lead this army of monsters in human shape for his outstanding talent and he planned to prove his worth. If some competitors died in battle, that wouldn’t be is fault at all. There was never a battle where someone hadn’t died.   ***  The joy was short lived among the defenders. Before mages could sit down and recover their missing mana, another army went out, this time people wore the same rags but some had hardly fitting leather armour and instead of daggers they held rusty swords.   Ace was hiding together with other rogues among the wagons until they could somehow sneak out and maybe assassinate some unlucky fellows. Rogues were usually worthless in large battles so no one expected great things from them. Not that there were many of them, only about twenty or some.   From his hiding place Ace could see the approaching idiots being met with arrows and wondered how murderers were so poor. Most of beginner armour is better than what they were wearing...  Some fell from arrows but this time they managed to reach the first ring of wagons and defenders had to pick up their swords and axes to get rid of them. It wasn't too hard but there were many of them. If one fell another appeared and used every dirty trick available.   Only the east side was having some problems as the main force came their way. A few summoned monsters helped them but it wasn't looking too well. Monthu and other defenders had their backs to the wagons while being attacked from 3 to even 7 people at once.   Ace decided to have a taste for himself and sneaked out to hunt. He got a bit farther away, thrust his dagger, killing a random enemy swordsman from behind but somehow his friends noticed and turned to Ace.   "That wasn't my plan” Ace muttered, dodging one sword and deflecting another with his dagger.   The worst part was that he had no space to jump away! They were standing in his dagger’s reach instead of using their longer one of swords.   If running away wasn't an option, then killing was. He took out another one and slashed at the closest opponent while blocking with the other hand. But he didn't have ten hands to deflect all attacks and suffered some hits. And it hurt!   "Damn bastards" he hissed and started to claw (with daggers) his way through, using [Instincts of a Predator] to sense enemies' movements and [Evasion] to dodge or nullify as many attacks as possible while still going to the side where some defenders fought and would give him a helping hand.  Slash. Stab. Kick.   Everything was used to get people out of the way. If they fought dirty, he was even worse. Punches in the eyes to blind, vines and ice to trip (usually on his dagger) and hits in all the weak places no honourable fighter would ever attack.   Ace managed to move a meter ahead like that but it felt like forever. Slash. Stab. Slice. And repeat while dodging everything coming his way. Stamina was already half way. He needed to reach a safe zone and soon.   'Why did I thought going out was a good idea again? I've never done anything more stupid! I think so?' Ace thought before falling down and crawling between enemies’ legs. It seemed good until one guy noticed him and tried to skewer him. And it was damn hard to evade while being on all fours.   "Wild Vines!" he shouted out keeping the fighter in place and used him to jump and return on his legs. He had managed to move another meter after that but now even more people were around him of which none looked friendly.   'This is not going to be my first death!' Ace screamed in his mind using [Shadow Dash]. But there was nowhere to land! His hand and leg were slashed lowering his movement capabilities a lot. But there was no time to rest; he pushed forward while swordsman were confused by his sudden appearance for a moment. Up ahead he could see Monthu's head. Just a few more steps to salvation! Monthu was swinging his scythe decapitating all the unwary. He was higher level than them and they had no armour. It would have been child's play if there just weren't this damn many of them! No matter how many fell, the others were pushing and pushing.   There was a certain madness about them. No fear for death or pain, not a care for weaker skills or equipment. They didn't even seem conscious!   A flash of gold caught his eyes as he butchered another guy. It came from farther ahead but was gone instantly. 'What could it have been?'   As he was cutting another enemy it flashed again. Was that sun reflecting on someone's hair? Monthu had a bad feeling about it. He knew only one person with such bright golden hair. 'Is he really stupid enough to go alone in the middle of enemy army?'   He motioned for those around him to take a step forward and push those bandits back. Little by little they managed to meet up with the light haired idiot. The moment he saw Monthu the guy slumped down unconscious.   'That stupid, idiotic, moronic...' Monthu cursed as he blocked a few swords aimed at the kid and picked him up.  "Cover me!" he shouted to his comrades and carried the boy that was covered in blood and open wounds.   A white clothed female jumped out of the wagon as he came closer.  "What happened? Wasn't he supposed to stay back? Is he still alive? Those gashes are so horrible!" Aurora screamed running to him and collecting holy energy.  "Found him dying nearby, take care" Monthu answered and laid down the body inside.  The girl nodded and started to chant  "Oh Kione god of those who need your help, show your love to this wounded lamb and heal his wounds, Healing Heart!"  White light descended enveloping the kid's body and making the wounds close up before the clerics' eyes.  "You should have saved your mana for those who really need it" her new partner Gerard remarked.   "He's my friend. I couldn't let him die before my own eyes while I had a way to help him" Aurora answered sitting down yoga style to meditate.   "Better your friend lives for a few hours than we win?" Simon muttered using [Healing Hand] on a soldier whose shoulder was pierced.  ***  A groan left Ace's mouth as he started to wake up. It hurt everywhere and most muscles were screaming profanities at him. "Dammit, what had I been doing" Ace muttered under his breath, massaging his head.  "Going to suicide and chickening out" supplied a white robed man with one eye following everything that went outside.   That brought memories back.  "Oh god..." 'I'm not sure what to be surprised more - at the stupidity of my own actions or actually surviving it.’  A few flashing messages at the corner of his right eye under the kill count of 12 caught his attention. | Level Up: Evasion [Passive] Average 3 Allows you to better dodge attacks and projectiles coming towards you.   After evading successfully you're granted a 3% speed boost for a short duration | | --- | | Luck increased by 25 points (+25 LCK) | | --- | 'That could have been expected' Ace thought, smiling against his own will. 'And that poison is damn effective. I should coat my daggers with it more often.'   "What happened while I was out?" he inquired while doing stretches to get used to moving again.  "We've been fighting for 6 hours now and everyone is exhausted. Fire has been started by flaming arrows which killed a lot of mages and rangers, even two clerics were lost. And there’s just no end to the bandits!" the cleric said explaining with a frustrated look. There were signs of exhaustion on him too - drooping shoulders, hunched back, pale face.  Ace walked to the window and glanced outside. Chaos and a sense of loss met him. There were thousands of bandits over the field and others were still coming from the forest. Defenders had leveled up a lot and were killing them by tens but there were just too many of them! And they took out warriors one by one as there was a big lack of healers. It looked like a certain defeat but people were still fighting. None wanted to just go and die. What if a miracle happened? This was a game after all.   "Death to them all" Ace murmured with a malicious smile and left the safe for now wagon.   He sneaked up to an enemy and bursted him down but this time he didn't go to the middle of an army to do that. He stayed close to Monthu and gave him a hand if some attack was missed while the guy noticing the newcomer just nodded in acknowledgement and did the same.  'This is not working' Ace though blocking an attack and twisting his dagger to stab his opponent. 'There's just too many of them to kill one by one.' Duck. Kick. Slash. 'We need some mass attack but most mages are gone and the ones that survived aren't able to inflict enough damage.' Burst of fire to the face and stab while the guy is blinded. 'Archers are out of arrows too' Evade, redirect the swords and impale them by each other’s weapons. 'We need something strong, and it would have to spread wide.' Kick in the gut and step back a few steps to drink a few health potions and back into place where Monthu had stepped in.  'A bomb would be very helpful' Ace mused slicing a throat. A gurgling sound came but no one seemed affected. This battle lasted so long that people got used to the massacre around them, going as far as not even noticing the gore around them. | Item broken!  Dagger of Audacity has broken do to it's durability reaching zero! | | --- | Ace threw the pieces down and took out another one.  "Damn" he hissed when he noticed that it wasn't coated in poison. It was a very bad time to run out of half his damage.   'That's it!' he screamed in his mind. 'It might be even a key to victory!'  "I have an idea" he shouted to Monthu and ran back inside the protective ring.   "Mages and rogues!" he yelled at the top of his lungs and started to take out items from his bag in a rush.  "What is it?" the first mage to come asked. He was wearing a dark green robe, which was scorched on the corners.  "I have a plan but it requires cooperation of wizards and all rogues. It's cruel and inhumane but I think we're in a desperate enough situation right now not to care."   "What do you have in mind?" the main merchant of the caravan asked. They had all run in too as none were fighting and all wanted to live.   Ace explained his plan and asked for their help. They grimaced a few times but nodded running to their wagons for supplies.  ***  'What are they planning now?" Dark wondered sitting in the highest tree and following the events on the battlefield.  It looked like an hour or two more and they would win but for some reason there hadn't been a magical attack for more than ten minutes. 'Can they be chanting for so long? What kind of spell could require so many people and time?'   There was no change for another ten minutes and defenders felt the lack of magical assistance as twice as many enemies pushed them and all had full health.   Then a pair climbed onto a wagon, and another, and another. Soon there wasn't a place where no one was standing. 'They are safe as we have also run out of arrows but what could they possibly be planning by pairing wizards with rogues?  They answered him soon enough as vials were thrown far into his army and wizards used basic spells to explode them. A rain of green and blue, red and yellow, white and black descended on his army of  rogues.  "Aaaghh!"  "Gaaaaah! My eeeyyyeees!!!"  "Save me!"  "Kyyyaaaahh!"  Horrible screams reached his ears. They were so loud and heart wrenching that even a cold blooded murderer like him had to block his ears with his hands. 'What the hell is that?' he wondered trying to ignore the sounds while he was writing with one hand. No voice chat till the screams died down would be available.  It took five minutes for his commanders to answer.  /It's deadly poison! East rear! /  /East middle reporting! My unit was showered with acid! Can you believe it? More than half are incapacitated or missing parts!  /We front! Sticky concoction! Hinders movements!/   'That one's probably already dead' Dark decided and read on the crazy answers.  /All went mad and started attacking each other! Berserk potion? West side commander/   /South side! All drunk!!! Concentrated alcohol?! Men are still trying to drink and falling down red faced! All control lost!/  /Beard from North reporting! Stink bombs! Can't breathe!/  All sides were screaming at him their horrors but what could he possibly do for them? They had no clerics and there was no backing out for them. Angel guild would hunt all one by one till level one if they tried to desert.  /Push on! We can still win this! They are too much weakened to put a fight!/ he encouraged his commanders while not moving a muscle to go and help.  'What kind of monster could have thought of it?' he wondered deciding to meet him someday and continued to watch from his high place.   ***   Screams were also heard by the defenders but none rose to cover their ears. It was a sound of death but as long as it was their side using it, it was also the sound of victory.   Warriors shouted and fell on the confused bandits with renewed energy their morale soaring. They fought like men possessed forgetting their injuries and throwing caution aside.  If there was a chance to survive, they were going to use it and nothing was going to stop them. Wizards having used only a few mana points for those low level spells weren't taking a vacation either. They called upon ice storms, vines and giant golems. All fire mages went to south side were bandits still had remnants of alcohol on themselves and called upon fire. One even went for [Meteor Shower].   Elements raged among the army putting them in even bigger chaos. No longer anyone listened to commands or went the right way. Some even ran away! Mages cheered loudly every time some left the battlefield and followed with a bolt of lightning somewhere among the army to make sure they ran far.   It was a hundred percent turnaround from their subdued actions since the beginning of attack in the morning.   Ace together with other rogues was down among the warriors dancing with his high agility and sneaky attacks. They were winning and he had a huge grin on his face as he stabbed another bandit with [Heart-seeker]. It was a good feeding ground for sure.  ***  "Dammit. How can they be winning?" Dark shouted to no one in particular as most of his commanders were dead. "There were ten times more of us than those hired hands but the bandits are getting annihilated! How could it turn out like this?"   "Because you're incompetent" a calm voice came from somewhere downward. "I told the leaders it was a mistake to let such a lowlife like you to lead, but would anyone listen? And look where we are now.”  "Perin..." 'What is one of the Angels' committee members doing here?'  "I'm here to get what rightfully belongs to the guild" the person explained as if sensing his thoughts. Dark had no idea how merchants' property belonged to the guild but he wasn't here to ask questions. He skilfully climbed down and smiled at what he saw near the leader. ***   Finally all the bandits were killed. Most of the warriors lost their lives being too reckless but those who survived were the very best; veterans of battle. Tired they all fell to the ground and were asleep in moments. On the top of wagons wizards were doing the same.   Only rogues didn't go to rest, they were too busy looting all the fallen items. Bandits had no high level equipment but their shirts and pants could be sold for a silver or two if you were good at lying or found some idiots. Ace was among them collecting all kinds of miscellaneous items. You never know when you'll have to impress another kid.  And it was the greed of rogues that saved the travellers from total extermination. They were the only ones left awake to notice another gang of players leaving the woods and running towards the caravan. One of the rogues blew a horn he had found and woke everyone up by sacrificing his life, not able to run away in time.   The enemy had a total of 5 archers and used them to shoot at the still sleepy wizards who were slaughtered in no time.   The warriors managed to wake up from their fifteen minute sleep even more tired but they still gathered together on the east side where main action was about to happen. Monthu wanted desperately run back and look for his brother but a whisper from Aurora stopped him.  She said that his brother would die anyway if they lost this last encounter. 'But it's already lost' Monthu wanted to shout at her but he saw the reasoning behind her statement and stayed where he was. 'There's a hundred of them; fresh, well armoured soldiers ready for battle and seventy of us, tired and action weary. They can easily pick us up even without fighting as they have long ranged attackers and ours are dead or out of ammunition.'  /We, rogues that still have our wits about us, are going to take out the archers and anything else we can on the way. Tell others that we won't die easy and want to go out with a bang! Better fight well!/ A slight smile manifested on Monthu's face as he read Ace’s message. 'Go out with a bang, huh? Fine, we can do it too!'  "Everyone listen! Rogues are infiltrating the enemies this moment and going to kill all long ranged nukers!" he yelled out so all could hear it. "What? Why? What's the point?" the exhausted warriors asked. Their morale was at the very bottom after coming of the enemy reinforcements. "We're going to lose anyway!"  "They said they weren't going down like sheep taken to a slaughterhouse. If one has to die, he better do it with a bang! I don't know what you plan to do but I'm not going to be showed off by a rogue! I'll take them all on my own if that's what it takes!" Monthu declared loudly, his eyes flashing with grim determination. "Our honour as warriors is at stake here!" he shouted rising his weapon high up and pushing his way to the front. No one stopped him or blocked his path.   He stood alone against the approaching army. Maybe it was a coward in him speaking or a berserker but he didn't want to wait for inevitable doom. 'It's better to die with your head held high' Monthu decided as he looked up at the sky and howled more than screamed. It was a war cry, a challenge to the heavens and mankind.   With that shout he held his scythe to extend forward like a spear and dashed off unhesitatingly.   Many eyes followed his mad run until shame brought them down. But they didn't stay long like that.  Weren't they veterans of this battle, the best of the best, the remaining ones? How could they live with themselves if they chickened out in the end when even rogues didn't? Hadn't they joined the game to become heroes?   Now the animalistic growl, scream, howl, whatever you like to call it, came from the seventy so fighters charging at the better armoured and rested enemy. Yet they all wore wide smiles while yelling their lungs out. Neither of them noticed a small pop up bar indicating a new skill learnt.  At that moment the rogues struck. They bursted down the archers and two clerics present in a second and jumped on those that were closest. Their skills were on cooldowns but that didn't prevent them from stabbing wherever they could. They were soon noticed but then one of them threw a bottle to the ground and black smoke rose. Ace decided he should learn how to make it too as it was something too good to pass up as a rogue. It confused and blinded all those that were close by.  Rogues, however, didn't take a notice of it as they were used to night activities.   The abilities came off cooldowns and the confused warriors went to have a chat with their maker, literally. Ace used that time to get closer to the two leaders standing away.  One wore everything dark; boots, pants, shirt and mask. Eyes and hair were midnight black. It was very hard to guess his favourite colour.  The other didn't belong to the scene. He was a paladin with a church of Helena's symbol engraved on his plate armour! Nothing else could be said about him as his whole body was covered by heavy armour.   Ace chose paladin as he seemed so out of place, more like a leader from behind the scenes forced into the open. He was sneaking a few meters away when his target called out to him.  "You're wasting your time rogue." 'Damn Glitter Dust' Ace cursed straightening out and thinking about his next approach but first he needed to buy time.  "How did you found out?" he asked in a voice of a disappointed child.  "Glitter Dust, kiddo, the biggest enemy of all rogues" the dark guy explained helpfully.  "Isn't it like extremely expensive?" Ace asked, wonder evident in his voice.   The guy nodded.  "And you work for such a master? I wish I was ever paid half as much as you. We only get five golds for all this trouble!" the kid said with a sigh to an amused bandit leader.  "I still don't get it, why would anyone send a child to hunt me? I wouldn't even hire one for protection! It's no wonder they lost!" the paladin murmured with his eyebrows making a v form.  "That's because no one sent me!" the kid said laughing joyously but then his face became serious or as much as a kid could look serious. "We, the surviving rogues, decided to go out flashily so they went for your rangers while I decided that your death would be even better!"   "And how did you plan to do it?" the paladin asked with mockery in his voice and raised his visor to look better at his supposed opponent.   "To stab you from behind like a true rogue does!" the kid answered defensively, clutching his two daggers more tightly.  "Hhahahah!" the armoured guy burst out laughing while the kid stared at him with indignation in his eyes. "I'd like to see you try." Another bout of laughter.  The dark guy stayed silent out of good heartedness. He might have been a murderer but kids were innocent creatures. They haven't been corrupted by all the evils around them. Or have they?  That last thought came from the smile that appeared on the kid's face as he positioned himself behind Perin. He felt like warning his leader that it might have been a bad idea but he was a bit too late.  "Whenever you're ready kid" Perin said tauntingly.  "Now! Magma blade! Cut-throat! Backstab!" The paladin dashed away the moment he saw his health disappearing in big chunks.  "What ar.." Perin wanted to ask but Ace was on him already having followed with [Shadow Dash].   "Heart-seeker" Ace said in a soft soothing voice, his dagger passing through all armour and reaching his enemy’s heart.   He waited those few seconds prepared to die but nothing happened. As he opened his eyes he saw the heels of the dark guy as he ran at full speed through the forest, tearing everything that got in his way.  "Thank you" Ace murmured with a smile and turned back to the battle.   The fighters looked to be on equal grounds but it was just a dream. Defenders fought bravely but they were standing on pure will and determination. Their stamina bar had been flashing for ages and they couldn't take it much longer. A single surviving rogue somehow had reached the warriors and was fighting together with them.   Ace's eyes fell on a heap of items that the paladin had so generously left. Sadly with his true face on he couldn't use the curse. There were three items there - a helmet, an ore and a whistle. 'Could it be what I'm thinking about?'  "Shrriii!" a piercing sound came as Ace blew the whistle. 'What command could that have been?' he wondered as he climbed the same tree Dark had previously occupied. From there he could see paladin army throwing their advances and rearranging themselves on the left. Defenders got many good hits in while the armoured guys tried to disentangle themselves. Three even died.   A cruel smile broke out, twisting Ace's face. 'This is going to be so fun!'   The moment they started to attack after finishing the formation he blew again on a different note. They started to advance. 'I didn't want that! He blew on it again as long as possible. They made a Romanian turtle formation exchanging their swords for spears and shields.  "Fuck it" Ace cursed almost throwing the thing down. It wasn't helping at all! They were even suffering more damage this way as no one could get close to the enemies hidden behind the shields.   'If this doesn't work, I'm throwing this thing down a volcano!’ He climbed down and started to play his favourite song that Par had named Little Sparrow. Ace never agreed to play it for him but now the kid was away or dead and this atrocious thing wasn't producing any right notes either, but it finally had the desired effect.  Paladin's guys left the turtle formation but stood still glancing at each other not understanding the command. Monthu on the other hand didn't wait for any commands, followed by all fighters he ran in slashing right and left to deal most damage till they collected their wits and started defending themselves.  But they didn't. Some half-heartedly blocked with their swords but were soon overwhelmed, not knowing what to do without orders and being attacked by ferocious demons. There were hardly anything human about defenders any longer with their eyes wide as not to fall asleep and impale themselves, pale faces and covering of blood which was everywhere - on their weapons, clothes, faces and even in hair. Devils and murderers usually looked better than that.   Finished creating confusion Ace joined in hitting everything that got too close to his daggers. But it was no longer the same as before. He could still burst people down with abilities but his normal movements had slowed down considerably hurting evasion skill and his attack power. The red flashing stamina bar probably had something to do with it. His remaining energy was draining quickly.  'Stupid game rules making me feel well one moment and exhausted the other' Ace hissed not caring that not the game rules but adrenaline was at fault here.   Soon he was fighting blindly too tired to raise his head trusting in [Instincts of a Predator]. 'Best ability I ever learnt.'  A different clashing sound woke him from his dreaming state. It wasn't a sword his daggers met. With a loud groan he raised his eyes and saw a... scythe? 'Who ever used a scythe to fight? Oh...'  "Monthu..." His voice seemed to bring the guy back from his daze too.  "Ace?"  "I think..." murmured Ace glancing around in an amazed voice. "We made it."  There was only a handful of people standing around and all wore blood like a second skin that signalled them to be one of the defenders.  Nightmarish smiles broke on their faces as they looked at each other with respect. They all went to hell and back and somehow survived it. It showed a strength of character as no weakling could have lasted so long by luck.   In each of their eyes a primal need to declare their victory could be seen and neither tried to fight it. A loud roar swept over the forest and reached even Dark who had been hiding far away. A chill passed through his bones and he decided to better run very far away from there. [Next Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1000)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Laee, “Do youu know this guy?”<br><br>Aaron, “I had a run in with him on the way here.”<br><br>Laee, “well I’ll leave him to you.”<br><br>Aaron, “I think we should actually work together.”<br><br>Laee looked at Aaron and smiled.<br><br>Laee, “alright then together it is.”<br><br>Aaron, “where you just playing drunk?”<br><br>Laee, “I may have been faking a bit but I just used a spell to clear up its side effects.”<br><br>Aaron, “why didn’t you do it sooner?!”<br><br>Laee, “It was just a little fun.”<br><br>Sadistic bandit, “My little toy you brought along another plaything for me how sweet of you.”<br><br>While the man was talking Laee chanted a quick lightning spell she finished just as the sadistic bandit began to laugh. The Lightning struck the sadistic bandit-making him yell in pain.<br><br>Laee, “ah did this little plaything bite back.”<br><br>Sadistic bandit, “ah how refreshing…” coughing up some blood… “What a nice greeting but it looks like I will have to train you a bit.”<br><br>The man took a step forward smoking from the attack. As he did that the other bandits came charging forward. Aaron quickly drew his blades while Laee began to chant one of her spells. Aaron ran forward using fire blade igniting his blades in black fames. <br><br>As he made contact with the first bandit he parried his sword and stabbed him through the chest. As the blade was drawn out of the mans chest he disintegrated. Aaron then moved on to the next bandit blocking and hacking a way at the mans limbs.<br><br>While Aaron was keeping the bandits distracted Laee had created a wall of fire almost encircling the entire group but leaving a gap behind her and the far end. After that was finished she began to use quick sand to sink bunches of bandits into the ground. <br><br>After cutting off the next bandits head Aaron stepped back blocking two bandits’ strikes with his blades. He quickly forced their blades back then struck each of their legs dropping them to their knees. As a twist of horror and pain crossed their faces he quickly slit their throats splattering blood across his armor and face.<br><br>Laee was now using a mix of fireballs, Lightning, and projectile rocks striking at as many of them as they could. Soon she began to cense something wrong across her new bond with Aaron.<br><br>Aaron was beginning to go berserk with a smile on his blood-covered face. His mind was only concentrating on the fighting not paying attention as his armors demonic Aura began to fully activate making a small amount of black smoke begin to form his body. Slowly while he was fighting the next bandit their forms began to twist and change.<br><br>[Aaron, “what’s going on?!”]<br><br>[Enea, “someone’s using a spell to block your holly aura causing the demonic aura to berserk.”]<br><br>Laee ran up to Aaron as he struck down the next bandit she grabbed his shoulder.<br><br>Laee, “calm down Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron looked at her as if he did not recognize her for a moment then closed his eyes as if to block out something.<br><br>[Enea, “focus on the keeping the balance. Laee can you try to cancel out the spell.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Ill work on it.”]<br><br>slowly the black smoke around Aaron disappeared. <br><br>[Enea, “good now we need to finish this and find the caster before it happens again.”]<br><br>Aaron quickly ran into the next bunch of bandits activating Whirlwind throwing them back and causing them to disintegrate. <br><br>Aaron, “these guys are pissing me off.”<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">New skill acquired!<br><br>Demonic slash<br><br>Compressed demonic aura can be sent through the blade to slowly eat away the health of those that are struck. [Costs 50 mana]</span><br><br>Aaron quickly activated to ability causing the black smoke to swirl around his blades mixing with the flames. He continued to cut through them until he came upon on a man in black robes swaying to a chant. As he finished the chant where the bandits had been killed by Aaron and Laee undead began to rise up from the ground.<br><br>Aaron, “not again I hate these things!”<br><br>[Enea, “why do they have a necromancer!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “you got me I don’t have a clue.”]<br><br>[Laee, “we need to take him out before he summons anything else to attack the village.]<br><br>Aaron quickly struck down the undead bandits that had risen next to him. As he turned to charge the necromancer the man had finished another chant summoning two lower wraiths. <br><br>[Aaron, “Enea do you have any Idea on how to fight these thing?”]<br><br>[Enea, “We need either holly magic or fire. Neither you or Laee have Holly magic so you should your fire abilities.”]<br><br>[Laee, “hay I can answer for myself you know!”]<br><br>Laee was a short distance behind Aaron firing fireballs at undead and bandits that where getting far to close to Aaron and her then she liked. She slowly was pushed back towards the towns wall as Aaron was soon surrounded by the attackers.<br><br>Aaron was using all the skill he had to fight the wraiths. He continued to cut them with his swords. On occasion he had to turn to take out an undead that was coming at him. Soon Aaron was forced use whirlwind again to take out the undead that where close to him and to damage the wraiths.<br><br>Soon one of the wraiths jumped at him forcing him to the ground. He quickly began to chant the firewall spell as he rolled and jumped to his feet. He took a few steps back from the wraiths as he finished the spell a thick wall of fire shot up out of the ground under the wraiths causing then to give shriek the wale of the dead. <br><br>They soon disintegrated and Aaron ran forward deactivating the firewall spell to attack the necromancer. The necromancer began to slowly walk backwards and chanting again. Aaron reached him before he could finish the spell stabbing him and striking the arm that was drawing a dagger from its sheaf. <br><br>Necromancer, “you have not seen the last of us you fallen…” Cough “we are the next to control these lands… for the great lord!”<br><br>The Necromancer had finished his spell just before talking which had enough time for him to talk before fully activating. He slowly began to spew black smoke out of the wound Aaron had given him. <br>[Enea, “Aaron gets back!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Aaron…”]<br><br>Aaron hurried and jumped back but was to slow as the man caught aflame and exploded. He was sent flying through the air to land on his back stunned and trying to catch his breath.<br><br>Laee had been working on clearing a path to reach Aaron but was still to far to reach him. She began to chant the long spell for Fire Storm while raising her left armored arm. The runes on the armor began to glow as she pointed to the nearest group of undead. As the glow was almost blinding it launched a fireball at them sending them either flying or disintegrating. Her arm stopped glowing after the attack but soon began to slowly glow again as she waited to fire at the next target.<br><br>She then heard Enea’s warning to Aaron and tried to call out to him through their connection. <br><br>Aaron after lying on the ground for a bit tried to get his barring’s and rise up off the ground but was stopped as a boot pushed him back down. <br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “ah I finally have a chance to play with you my little toy.”<br><br>The sadistic bandit kicked Aarons swords aside and grabbed Aarons long crimson red hair since he was in Eneas form.<br><br>“I really can’t have you fighting back with those now can I.”<br><br>The sadistic bandit dragged Aaron by his hair up to meet make eye contact. <br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “now you be a good little toy…”<br><br>Aaron spat in the mans face.<br><br>The sadistic bandit brought up his other arm and slapped him across the face.<br><br>“you really should not spit in someone’s face let alone your new masters.”<br><br>Aaron, “I will never have a master…”<br><br>As Aaron was saying that back to the sadistic bandit the man forced their mouths together and stuck his tong down Aarons mouth giving him a forced kiss. <br><br>[Aaron, "no my first kiss was taken by this guy... shit I had my first kiss taken by a man oh god.]<br><br>Aaron tried to punch and kick the man but he was to weak and had little health left. Since he could not push the sadistic bandit off him he bit the mans tong. <br><br>[Enea, “Aaron fight back more.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I can barely… move a mussel since the explosion.”]<br><br>[Enea, “if you don’t hurry this is not going to end well for you.”]<br><br>The bandit slapped him twice this time one for each cheek.<br><br>[Laee, “I’m coming Aaron I’ll be there in a moment and watch out for my fire storm.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Fire storm?”]<br><br>Aaron bas beginning to loss conscience ness due to his condition.<br><br>Sadistic bandit, “ha you are barely resisting anymore. Chu chu chu. I will now give you your new masters name. I am known as Crazed.”<br><br>Aaron, “I told… you… I will never have a master.”<br><br>As Crazed was looking into Aarons Red eyes he noticed they did not show any weakness and where beginning to glow a bright red. <br><br>Laee was just finishing her fire storm spell after fighting to get within fifteen feet of Aaron seeing him being slapped by one of the bandits. This enraged Laee to her breaking point. She activated the Fire Storm spell while aiming her now smoking and glowing arm at the bandit holding Aaron by his hair. From her arm fired a double powered Lightning spell.<br><br>Aaron was finally on the edge of conciseness when he was dropped to the ground while Crazed was sent flying back into his companions. Aaron was finally unconscious as Laee’s Fire Storm struck his surroundings. <br><br>Laee ran to Aaron as the bandits began to retreat dragging a cursing Crazed behind them. A number of the Bandits and horses where disintegrating from the bombardment while Laee quickly activated shield spell to block the Fire Storm spell.<br><br>Soon the remaining bandits had fled and the fire Storm was slowly coming to an end. Laee lifted up the unconscious Aaron and hurried back to the city gates to have him healed. <br><br>Aaron woke the next day covered in bandages laying in one of the healer’s beds. As he looked around Laee was sitting there next to him with her bed lying on his bed asleep. <br><br>[Enae, “good Morning prince charming.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “good… Morning?]<br><br>Aaron looked around the room while trying to remember what happened noticing he was in his normal form when it rushed back to him.<br><br>[Aaron, “what happened? Where are the bandits? What about the Town?””]<br><br>[Enae, “you seem fine now. Well you and Laee managed to take out a number of bandits and scared the remaining ones off.’]<br><br>[Aaron, “I don’t remember that the last thing I remember was Crazed treating me like his toy puppet and that I was losing the fight.”]<br><br>Thanks to the connection Laee had to Aaron she woke to them talking.<br><br>Laee, “Aaron your all right! Thank goodness.”<br><br>She began to cry a bit so Aaron wiped away her tears and hugged her. <br><br>Aaron, “I’m glad that you are safe Laee.”<br><br>Laee, “your one to talk going off and getting injured this badly.”<br><br>Aaron laughed.<br><br>[Enea, “well to awnser the last part of your question the town was not even touched thanks to you and Laee facing them outside the walls.”]<br><br>[Laee, “you know I ment that when I ran out there.”]<br><br>[Enea, “and you being drunk had nothing to do with it.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Sorry!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “don’t worry about it but if you two could stop arguing inside my head that would be nice.”]<br><br>Laee smiled at him.<br><br>Laee, “Well we cant stop fighting over someone like you.”<br><br>Aaron, “you guys where fighting over me!”<br><br>Laee, “Don’t worry about it oh why don’t we get something to drink.”<br><br>Aaron, “I would love to try one of those mugs of mead that you love so much.”<br><br>Laee, “Now that’s the spirit!”<br><br>Laee helped Aaron who was still off balance due to his injury’s but who cared they where going to get a drink. </div>

Laee, “Do youu know this guy?” Aaron, “I had a run in with him on the way here.” Laee, “well I’ll leave him to you.” Aaron, “I think we should actually work together.” Laee looked at Aaron and smiled. Laee, “alright then together it is.” Aaron, “where you just playing drunk?” Laee, “I may have been faking a bit but I just used a spell to clear up its side effects.” Aaron, “why didn’t you do it sooner?!” Laee, “It was just a little fun.” Sadistic bandit, “My little toy you brought along another plaything for me how sweet of you.” While the man was talking Laee chanted a quick lightning spell she finished just as the sadistic bandit began to laugh. The Lightning struck the sadistic bandit-making him yell in pain. Laee, “ah did this little plaything bite back.” Sadistic bandit, “ah how refreshing…” coughing up some blood… “What a nice greeting but it looks like I will have to train you a bit.” The man took a step forward smoking from the attack. As he did that the other bandits came charging forward. Aaron quickly drew his blades while Laee began to chant one of her spells. Aaron ran forward using fire blade igniting his blades in black fames. As he made contact with the first bandit he parried his sword and stabbed him through the chest. As the blade was drawn out of the mans chest he disintegrated. Aaron then moved on to the next bandit blocking and hacking a way at the mans limbs. While Aaron was keeping the bandits distracted Laee had created a wall of fire almost encircling the entire group but leaving a gap behind her and the far end. After that was finished she began to use quick sand to sink bunches of bandits into the ground. After cutting off the next bandits head Aaron stepped back blocking two bandits’ strikes with his blades. He quickly forced their blades back then struck each of their legs dropping them to their knees. As a twist of horror and pain crossed their faces he quickly slit their throats splattering blood across his armor and face. Laee was now using a mix of fireballs, Lightning, and projectile rocks striking at as many of them as they could. Soon she began to cense something wrong across her new bond with Aaron. Aaron was beginning to go berserk with a smile on his blood-covered face. His mind was only concentrating on the fighting not paying attention as his armors demonic Aura began to fully activate making a small amount of black smoke begin to form his body. Slowly while he was fighting the next bandit their forms began to twist and change. [Aaron, “what’s going on?!”] [Enea, “someone’s using a spell to block your holly aura causing the demonic aura to berserk.”] Laee ran up to Aaron as he struck down the next bandit she grabbed his shoulder. Laee, “calm down Aaron.” Aaron looked at her as if he did not recognize her for a moment then closed his eyes as if to block out something. [Enea, “focus on the keeping the balance. Laee can you try to cancel out the spell.”] [Laee, “Ill work on it.”] slowly the black smoke around Aaron disappeared. [Enea, “good now we need to finish this and find the caster before it happens again.”] Aaron quickly ran into the next bunch of bandits activating Whirlwind throwing them back and causing them to disintegrate. Aaron, “these guys are pissing me off.” New skill acquired! Demonic slash Compressed demonic aura can be sent through the blade to slowly eat away the health of those that are struck. [Costs 50 mana] Aaron quickly activated to ability causing the black smoke to swirl around his blades mixing with the flames. He continued to cut through them until he came upon on a man in black robes swaying to a chant. As he finished the chant where the bandits had been killed by Aaron and Laee undead began to rise up from the ground. Aaron, “not again I hate these things!” [Enea, “why do they have a necromancer!”] [Aaron, “you got me I don’t have a clue.”] [Laee, “we need to take him out before he summons anything else to attack the village.] Aaron quickly struck down the undead bandits that had risen next to him. As he turned to charge the necromancer the man had finished another chant summoning two lower wraiths. [Aaron, “Enea do you have any Idea on how to fight these thing?”] [Enea, “We need either holly magic or fire. Neither you or Laee have Holly magic so you should your fire abilities.”] [Laee, “hay I can answer for myself you know!”] Laee was a short distance behind Aaron firing fireballs at undead and bandits that where getting far to close to Aaron and her then she liked. She slowly was pushed back towards the towns wall as Aaron was soon surrounded by the attackers. Aaron was using all the skill he had to fight the wraiths. He continued to cut them with his swords. On occasion he had to turn to take out an undead that was coming at him. Soon Aaron was forced use whirlwind again to take out the undead that where close to him and to damage the wraiths. Soon one of the wraiths jumped at him forcing him to the ground. He quickly began to chant the firewall spell as he rolled and jumped to his feet. He took a few steps back from the wraiths as he finished the spell a thick wall of fire shot up out of the ground under the wraiths causing then to give shriek the wale of the dead. They soon disintegrated and Aaron ran forward deactivating the firewall spell to attack the necromancer. The necromancer began to slowly walk backwards and chanting again. Aaron reached him before he could finish the spell stabbing him and striking the arm that was drawing a dagger from its sheaf. Necromancer, “you have not seen the last of us you fallen…” Cough “we are the next to control these lands… for the great lord!” The Necromancer had finished his spell just before talking which had enough time for him to talk before fully activating. He slowly began to spew black smoke out of the wound Aaron had given him. [Enea, “Aaron gets back!”] [Laee, “Aaron…”] Aaron hurried and jumped back but was to slow as the man caught aflame and exploded. He was sent flying through the air to land on his back stunned and trying to catch his breath. Laee had been working on clearing a path to reach Aaron but was still to far to reach him. She began to chant the long spell for Fire Storm while raising her left armored arm. The runes on the armor began to glow as she pointed to the nearest group of undead. As the glow was almost blinding it launched a fireball at them sending them either flying or disintegrating. Her arm stopped glowing after the attack but soon began to slowly glow again as she waited to fire at the next target. She then heard Enea’s warning to Aaron and tried to call out to him through their connection. Aaron after lying on the ground for a bit tried to get his barring’s and rise up off the ground but was stopped as a boot pushed him back down. Sadistic Bandit, “ah I finally have a chance to play with you my little toy.” The sadistic bandit kicked Aarons swords aside and grabbed Aarons long crimson red hair since he was in Eneas form. “I really can’t have you fighting back with those now can I.” The sadistic bandit dragged Aaron by his hair up to meet make eye contact. Sadistic Bandit, “now you be a good little toy…” Aaron spat in the mans face. The sadistic bandit brought up his other arm and slapped him across the face. “you really should not spit in someone’s face let alone your new masters.” Aaron, “I will never have a master…” As Aaron was saying that back to the sadistic bandit the man forced their mouths together and stuck his tong down Aarons mouth giving him a forced kiss. [Aaron, "no my first kiss was taken by this guy... shit I had my first kiss taken by a man oh god.] Aaron tried to punch and kick the man but he was to weak and had little health left. Since he could not push the sadistic bandit off him he bit the mans tong. [Enea, “Aaron fight back more.”] [Aaron, “I can barely… move a mussel since the explosion.”] [Enea, “if you don’t hurry this is not going to end well for you.”] The bandit slapped him twice this time one for each cheek. [Laee, “I’m coming Aaron I’ll be there in a moment and watch out for my fire storm.”] [Aaron, “Fire storm?”] Aaron bas beginning to loss conscience ness due to his condition. Sadistic bandit, “ha you are barely resisting anymore. Chu chu chu. I will now give you your new masters name. I am known as Crazed.” Aaron, “I told… you… I will never have a master.” As Crazed was looking into Aarons Red eyes he noticed they did not show any weakness and where beginning to glow a bright red. Laee was just finishing her fire storm spell after fighting to get within fifteen feet of Aaron seeing him being slapped by one of the bandits. This enraged Laee to her breaking point. She activated the Fire Storm spell while aiming her now smoking and glowing arm at the bandit holding Aaron by his hair. From her arm fired a double powered Lightning spell. Aaron was finally on the edge of conciseness when he was dropped to the ground while Crazed was sent flying back into his companions. Aaron was finally unconscious as Laee’s Fire Storm struck his surroundings. Laee ran to Aaron as the bandits began to retreat dragging a cursing Crazed behind them. A number of the Bandits and horses where disintegrating from the bombardment while Laee quickly activated shield spell to block the Fire Storm spell. Soon the remaining bandits had fled and the fire Storm was slowly coming to an end. Laee lifted up the unconscious Aaron and hurried back to the city gates to have him healed. Aaron woke the next day covered in bandages laying in one of the healer’s beds. As he looked around Laee was sitting there next to him with her bed lying on his bed asleep. [Enae, “good Morning prince charming.”] [Aaron, “good… Morning?] Aaron looked around the room while trying to remember what happened noticing he was in his normal form when it rushed back to him. [Aaron, “what happened? Where are the bandits? What about the Town?””] [Enae, “you seem fine now. Well you and Laee managed to take out a number of bandits and scared the remaining ones off.’] [Aaron, “I don’t remember that the last thing I remember was Crazed treating me like his toy puppet and that I was losing the fight.”] Thanks to the connection Laee had to Aaron she woke to them talking. Laee, “Aaron your all right! Thank goodness.” She began to cry a bit so Aaron wiped away her tears and hugged her. Aaron, “I’m glad that you are safe Laee.” Laee, “your one to talk going off and getting injured this badly.” Aaron laughed. [Enea, “well to awnser the last part of your question the town was not even touched thanks to you and Laee facing them outside the walls.”] [Laee, “you know I ment that when I ran out there.”] [Enea, “and you being drunk had nothing to do with it.”] [Laee, “Sorry!”] [Aaron, “don’t worry about it but if you two could stop arguing inside my head that would be nice.”] Laee smiled at him. Laee, “Well we cant stop fighting over someone like you.” Aaron, “you guys where fighting over me!” Laee, “Don’t worry about it oh why don’t we get something to drink.” Aaron, “I would love to try one of those mugs of mead that you love so much.” Laee, “Now that’s the spirit!” Laee helped Aaron who was still off balance due to his injury’s but who cared they where going to get a drink.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – Investigation Start!</span> <br> <br>The tower in front of me was over 100 metres long. I guess that's how people started noticing this damn thing even though there are mountains around this place. Anyhow the door looked normal....I seriously have no idea what to expect at this rate. I won't get killed if I open the door right?......Damnit I'm really scared now. Using both hands I pushed the door open and walked in. <br> <br>When my foot touched the inside of the tower a force was pulling me to the wall. <br> <br>“Wow” <br> <br>I hit the wall face first. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 10 health</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Really?! From a small fall like that. I got up off the wall.....wait from the wall? I looked up and saw the outside world which I fell from. <br> <br>“I be damned. Walking on walls. No. Gravity is sideways in this place.” <br> <br>It seems that this place was magical like most weird towers. I started jumping testing out the gravity in this place. <br> <br>“It seems sturdy at least. I hope there isn't some hole I could fall into.” <br> <br>I might as well start exploring this place. Rag did say to investigate. I doubt I can complete the job while I'm outside this thing. Hmm.....I'm on carpet right now. Or was it a rug I'm standing on. Well the outside looked like stone so I'll presume that its covering the wall no floor of this place. I looked to my left and found there were a couple of tables and bookshelves around the place. There were a couple of windows to my right was well. I hesitate to open one up just in case I might be sucked out. <br> <br>“This looks like some sort of mage tower...” <br> <br>I drew my conclusion from years of reading fantasy books. I don't want to go into details but a typical mage tower has a lot of books and magical items around. From what I can see this tower fits the bill with the couple of weird coloured plants and other items lying around. Well I never heard of a mage tower with side-ways gravity before. <br> <br>I might as well keep on going forward.....for better or worse. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Fixing Stuff</span> <br> <br>Well I can't watch the young lady all day long and there's the problem of the instability of space/time as well.......even though I drew a line between the tower to separate us that damn Crysero still causes trouble. I better check the area to see if there's any problems. <br> <br>“Crysero you better help out as well.” <br> <br>Crysero was still with me. He helped out stabilising the tower even though it was his fault in the first place. <br> <br>“Umm.....” <br> <br>Crysero is acting weird. He normally says whatever on his mind. Did something go wrong again? <br> <br>“Split it out. We have to see if wormholes are going to suck the area clean or not.” <br> <br>“Well speaking or wormholes, we're and the tower are getting sucked in right now. It seems like we are going home now.” <br> <br>What did he say? Already?! <br> <br>“Try to stop the process. There's a young lady stuck in the tower with us and furthermore that time essence split up and shattered over this place! We can't leave now!” <br> <br>“Right-o~.” <br> <br>Both of us casted several spells to keep the tower from going back through the wormhole but we have to keep it open as well to get back....this is troublesome. After a couple of minutes of adjusting the space/time around us I looked back in my crystal ball to see that the young lady was near the split from my half of the tower to Crysero's side. Damnit I was hoping she would come here first. There's a couple of doors you could enter you know even though there may be unspeakable things in them. <br> <br>I have to save her before the monsters on Crysero's half.... <br> <br>“Crysero take over for a bit!” <br> <br>“Wait what? Letting little me take care of this big job for you?” <br> <br>I ran further and further away from Crysero and got closer to the young girl but not before shouting. <br> <br>“This is your fault in the first place!” <br> <br>Please let me make it in time. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3 – Weird Monsters</span> <br> <br>Its been a bit over 2 minutes since I started to 'climb' this tower. &nbsp;I passed &nbsp;couple of doors. I opened the first couple of them and found it they were used as a storage device so I decided to ignore them since there were a lot of doors to go through. But now I'm more curious about this weird yellow line....... <br> <br>“I wonder if I should cross it....” <br> <br>It seemed like the line separated the tower into two. The first half was uneventful but that was still fine. I really have a bad feeling across this line. Well I only live life once or in this case, a tone of times. I stepped over the yellow line and......nothing happened. <br> <br>“Ah good. Looks like there's nothing strange about thi-” <br> <br>Swwwwwwuuuuuussssssshhhhhhhh <br> <br>Something almost hit me. The attack.....stopped before it hit the ground behind me? Don't tell me this line serves as a barrier. As I turned my head around to see behind me I saw a weird monkey like creature with a bandanna covering its mouth and a sock on its hands. It was coloured cyan (Think of mix of blue and grey). But that wasn't the creature that almost killed me. I looked in front of me and saw a even weirder creature that had a button as a eye?, two elephant feet and arms like a octopus without the suckers. It was a bit more purple than the monkey behind me.....wait what was next to the thing in front of me? It looked like someone inflated a frog's body and stuck a distorted bear's head on it. It also had yellow claws on its hands and feet and had two blunt teeth one the top of its mouth and a sharp tooth on the top and bottom as well. <br> <br>“Well I'm fucked.” <br> <br>I sort of gave of on life. Then I felt an impact behind my head. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 20 health.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Shit did the monkey kick me in the head? Damnit I only have 80 health left. I have to run away across the yellow line.....I saw there were a couple more monkeys over there separating me from the line. Nope. Running the other way now. <br> <br>I sprinted towards the two other creatures I saw. I think I'm going to name them. The green one will be called Bugbear since its like a bug to me and the other one.....Laundry Golem. The monkey would be Dirty Sockmonkey then. Yes I used those names (Their official names in fact for those who played Dragonfable). But now is not the time to think like that. <br> <br>The Laundry Golem shot out the same attack towards me again. I dodged it jumping to the side. Hey I'm doing well for a guy who doesn't have an ounce of physical training. Then I saw the bugbear charging towards me. Shit its fast! I'm sorry for calling you a bugbear. It's mouth widened mid way during the charge. Is it going to bite me? <br> <br>I rolled out of the way quickly as my life depended on it. <br> <br>Bang <br> <br>The wall which I was next to was ripped off.......shit! If one of these attacks hit me I'm dead. And not ouch he bit me dead. No its Help I'm getting ripped apart here dead. I quickly got up and started running again but where was that laundry golem? <br> <br>I saw a white ghost thing going straight towards me and through me.....Ow ow ow ow. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 65 health. Warning health below 10% Bleeding has started.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br>&nbsp; <br>Shit what was that? The laundry golem appeared again but how the hell did it turn into a ghost? Oh great the bleeding to death part started. My consciousness is fading away..... &nbsp; <br> <br>“Are you all right? Damn! Disappear stupid monsters!” <br> <br>A blue figure appeared calling out to me. I could really make the face out nor anything else at this point but I definitely saw the range of magic used to destroy the things in front of him. The blue figure ran up to me and pointed his staff at my body. <br> <br>“Heal” <br> <br>My health...it seems to increase to maximum for some reason. Hey I can think properly again. I looked at the blue figure again and saw that it was a young looking person with a wooden staff with a gem on top in one hand and a crystal ball in the other hand. His robe was simple but it was blue which made him look like the typical mage character I imagined except that he wasn't old. <br> <br>“It seems your okay young lady.” <br> <br>Wait young lady? Again I hate my choices in his new life I have! Trying to correct the mistake the blue mage made I said. <br> <br>“I'm a guy.” <br> <br>The blue mage was taken a bit back but accepted it quickly. <br>“I see.....now I have a apologise for the things attacking you. Even though it wasn't my fault but that damn madman's fault.” <br> <br>Umm....how is this not your fault? Its you tower right but there's a madman living here as well? <br> <br>“It seems you have a lot of questions for me. First let's go to my living quarters before discussing everything.” <br> <br>I followed the blue mage to his living quarters. There I saw a number of more books probably related to magic. Well its not like I know for sure. It could be books on how to cook or something. <br> <br>The blue mage sat down on a chair and prompted me to do the same. After I did he started talking. <br> <br>“First of all I we should introduce each other. I am known as Warlic, the blue mage.” <br> <br>So his title follows on with his preferred colour. I see...that's why he's wearing a blue robe. <br> <br>“I'm Eden” <br> <br>“Ah Eden. Right. Now I have to ask where exactly are we?” <br> <br>“Umm.....in your tower?” <br> <br>Warlic smiled before saying, “No I mean where are we in this world? What is it called?” <br> <br>Eh what was this world called? Isn't it Royal Road? How does someone playing this game not know that we're in the Versailles Continent? <br> <br>“Umm....we're in Royal Road. In the Versailles Continent.....” <br> <br>I nervously said those words. Does this person have amnesia or something? <br> <br>Warlic pondered for a bit looking here and there and said, “Oh I see.....I see the situation now.” <br> <br>See what situation? You mean the situation that I was forced to investigate this damn tower and almost get killed? Or is it another situation your talking about?! <br> <br>“It seems I've crossed worlds into this one with this tower.” <br> <br>What the....did this game have such a feature. I don't remember advertising about how mysterious beings come to this world via a tower. <br> <br>“It seems you're confused.” <br> <br>Yes I am confused. What the hell is happening in this situation. <br> <br>“I terms that your brain can comprehend. Time/space ripped apart and sent this tower to this world. Normally we would be sent back in a bit which we almost did, me and my roommate forced this tower to exist in this world for a bit longer.” <br> <br>“So why don't you go back?” I asked trying to get some answers. <br> <br>“Oh a couple of fragments of time essence.....no its better to call it highly dense mana fragments broke off and scattered throughout this world. Problem is that any creature that eat these fragments would become extremely powerful.” <br> <br>“So that's why you didn't go back?” <br> <br>“Yes. Even though this situation isn't my fault in the first place.” <br> <br>Is it me or is Warlic pushing the blame to the other guy.....wait! Did he simplify his explanation because he thinks I'm stupid?! &nbsp; <br> <br>In my nicest voice to conceal my anger I asked, “Can you explain the full details of crossing worlds?” <br> <br>Warlic looked surprised then concerned at me. <br> <br>“Its not recommended for me to go into full details.” <br> <br>Oh...so he does think I'm stupid. <br> <br>“No need to hold back for me~” I said cheerfully. <br> <br>“Well then...let me start.” <br> <br>Warlic took a step back and breathed in and out once. <br> <br>“##########################################################” <br> <br>Arh?! My brain! Its ripping apart?! It hurts?! <br> <br>“Let me stop there....take some time to recover....” <br> <br>What the hell was that? My head is still fuzzy..... <br> <br>After taking some time on Warlic's recommendation and after recovering enough to speak I asked Warlic about what happened. <br> <br>“Hey Warlic, what exactly happened when you...explained....the stuff....” I managed to say even though I was still trying to catch my breath. <br> <br>“Its simple. The knowledge of the information was too much for your brain to process. Thus the pain when you heard it.” <br> <br>“How come your not effected?” It was very strange, this person was human as far as I can tell. <br> <br>“Because my brain can process the information. I don't look like it but I have more knowledge than any human at least in my world and have encountered many things as well. Those who survive the information flux will be driven insane by it. If I continued you would either die or become insane. Though I'm living with such a person who survived this on many occasions information flux.” <br> <br>Eh? So I would either die or be driven insane. Both options are pretty bad. Wait he's living with a person who survived this several times? <br> <br>“How are you living with a person who survived this? Didn't you say everyone who has this knowledge die or are driven insane?” <br> <br>Warlic sighed to my question. He took the time to touch his staff and crystal ball again before answering. <br> <br>“Well my roommate is insane....he's a madman. It doesn't surprise me that he's living fine with it. Hell the other things he does easily outclass the knowledge in his brain.” <br> <br>Hmm....how interesting. A person who is insane already can live with such knowledge such as crossing worlds. <br> <br>“By the way. Who is this roommate you have.” <br> <br>“Ah his name is Crysero.” <br> <br>“You called~” <br> <br>A messy looking man appeared in front of us. He was defined by the colour green instead of Warlic's blue. Instead of a long robe he was wearing a green shirt and pants. His messy green (or was it brown) hair covered his eyes and his childish grin hid any malice from him if he had any. <br> <br>Warlic sighed for the second time in front of me. <br> <br>“Crysero weren't you stabilising the area?” <br> <br>Stabilising what? The area? Why? <br> <br>Crysero pointed his finger up and said, “Done~” <br> <br>Ah good this Crysero finished his job. <br> <br>“Did you do something unnecessary again?” <br> <br>Unnecessary? Umm...now I'm getting nervous. <br> <br>“Nope~” <br> <br>I have a feeling this person is lying. <br> <br>“What did you do besides stabilising the area?” <br> <br>Yeah that's my question! <br> <br>“Used the stabilising tool to cook a fish to eat~” <br> <br>A fish?! WHY? <br> <br>“Then the area isn't stabilised.” <br> <br>WAIT! THAT'S WHAT YOUR CONCERN ABOUT! HE WAS COOKING A FISH WITH IT! <br> <br>“Yeah~” <br> <br>AND WHY ARE YOU CASUALLY TALKING HERE?! <br> <br>“Oh its the young man you were about to use to gather the mana fragments we lost~” <br> <br>Eh? He KNOWS I'm a man from my appearance. And wait what? I'm going to be used to gather these mana fragments?! Man I can't take a break here. <br> <br>“Wait wait wait. What does Crysero here mean by that?! And how do you know I'm a guy?!” I shouted still very shocked at the situation as a whole. <br> <br>Warlic sighed for the third time. Man he's sighing a lot for a guy who lived longer than anyone else. <br> <br>“Don't worry about it. And yes how do you know this person who looks exactly like a girl is a guy?” <br> <br>DON'T WORRY?! YOU were about to send me out to do something dangerous! <br> <br>Crysero gave an every bigger grin and said, “So this one is really weak~” <br> <br>WEAK? THAT'S the reason why Warlic decided not to use me as a slave? <br> <br>Warlic retorted with, “Yes. Now answer the question.” <br> <br>“So it does involve me being weak......” I mouth moved before I could stop them. <br> <br>“Don't worry we can still force you to do it~” <br> <br>I DON'T WANT TO DO IT. <br> <br>“No we WON'T. Also Eden, don't worry about being weak. Everyone starts somewhere. Its natural for someone so young to be weaker than we expect.” <br> <br>That sentence hurt more than expected..... <br> <br>“So how do you know Eden is a guy?” asked Warlic. <br> <br>Crysero made a grin again and pointed his index finger to the sky and said, “Magic!~” <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Continue Misfortune?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1259" target="_blank">Previous</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1273" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's notes: <br>- Short Chapter this time with 2828 words. <br>- Crysero powers of Trolling transcend humanity in many levels <br>- I'm going to sleep so the rest of the chapters will be uploaded later <br>- Also it was not my intention for my character to be similar to the one in ID kaharianqi. It must be because I read the Manhwa. </div>

Part 1 – Investigation Start! The tower in front of me was over 100 metres long. I guess that's how people started noticing this damn thing even though there are mountains around this place. Anyhow the door looked normal....I seriously have no idea what to expect at this rate. I won't get killed if I open the door right?......Damnit I'm really scared now. Using both hands I pushed the door open and walked in. When my foot touched the inside of the tower a force was pulling me to the wall. “Wow” I hit the wall face first. | You have lost 10 health | | --- | Really?! From a small fall like that. I got up off the wall.....wait from the wall? I looked up and saw the outside world which I fell from. “I be damned. Walking on walls. No. Gravity is sideways in this place.” It seems that this place was magical like most weird towers. I started jumping testing out the gravity in this place. “It seems sturdy at least. I hope there isn't some hole I could fall into.” I might as well start exploring this place. Rag did say to investigate. I doubt I can complete the job while I'm outside this thing. Hmm.....I'm on carpet right now. Or was it a rug I'm standing on. Well the outside looked like stone so I'll presume that its covering the wall no floor of this place. I looked to my left and found there were a couple of tables and bookshelves around the place. There were a couple of windows to my right was well. I hesitate to open one up just in case I might be sucked out. “This looks like some sort of mage tower...” I drew my conclusion from years of reading fantasy books. I don't want to go into details but a typical mage tower has a lot of books and magical items around. From what I can see this tower fits the bill with the couple of weird coloured plants and other items lying around. Well I never heard of a mage tower with side-ways gravity before. I might as well keep on going forward.....for better or worse. Part 2 – Fixing Stuff Well I can't watch the young lady all day long and there's the problem of the instability of space/time as well.......even though I drew a line between the tower to separate us that damn Crysero still causes trouble. I better check the area to see if there's any problems. “Crysero you better help out as well.” Crysero was still with me. He helped out stabilising the tower even though it was his fault in the first place. “Umm.....” Crysero is acting weird. He normally says whatever on his mind. Did something go wrong again? “Split it out. We have to see if wormholes are going to suck the area clean or not.” “Well speaking or wormholes, we're and the tower are getting sucked in right now. It seems like we are going home now.” What did he say? Already?! “Try to stop the process. There's a young lady stuck in the tower with us and furthermore that time essence split up and shattered over this place! We can't leave now!” “Right-o~.” Both of us casted several spells to keep the tower from going back through the wormhole but we have to keep it open as well to get back....this is troublesome. After a couple of minutes of adjusting the space/time around us I looked back in my crystal ball to see that the young lady was near the split from my half of the tower to Crysero's side. Damnit I was hoping she would come here first. There's a couple of doors you could enter you know even though there may be unspeakable things in them. I have to save her before the monsters on Crysero's half.... “Crysero take over for a bit!” “Wait what? Letting little me take care of this big job for you?” I ran further and further away from Crysero and got closer to the young girl but not before shouting. “This is your fault in the first place!” Please let me make it in time. Part 3 – Weird Monsters Its been a bit over 2 minutes since I started to 'climb' this tower.  I passed  couple of doors. I opened the first couple of them and found it they were used as a storage device so I decided to ignore them since there were a lot of doors to go through. But now I'm more curious about this weird yellow line....... “I wonder if I should cross it....” It seemed like the line separated the tower into two. The first half was uneventful but that was still fine. I really have a bad feeling across this line. Well I only live life once or in this case, a tone of times. I stepped over the yellow line and......nothing happened. “Ah good. Looks like there's nothing strange about thi-” Swwwwwwuuuuuussssssshhhhhhhh Something almost hit me. The attack.....stopped before it hit the ground behind me? Don't tell me this line serves as a barrier. As I turned my head around to see behind me I saw a weird monkey like creature with a bandanna covering its mouth and a sock on its hands. It was coloured cyan (Think of mix of blue and grey). But that wasn't the creature that almost killed me. I looked in front of me and saw a even weirder creature that had a button as a eye?, two elephant feet and arms like a octopus without the suckers. It was a bit more purple than the monkey behind me.....wait what was next to the thing in front of me? It looked like someone inflated a frog's body and stuck a distorted bear's head on it. It also had yellow claws on its hands and feet and had two blunt teeth one the top of its mouth and a sharp tooth on the top and bottom as well. “Well I'm fucked.” I sort of gave of on life. Then I felt an impact behind my head. | You have lost 20 health. | | --- | Shit did the monkey kick me in the head? Damnit I only have 80 health left. I have to run away across the yellow line.....I saw there were a couple more monkeys over there separating me from the line. Nope. Running the other way now. I sprinted towards the two other creatures I saw. I think I'm going to name them. The green one will be called Bugbear since its like a bug to me and the other one.....Laundry Golem. The monkey would be Dirty Sockmonkey then. Yes I used those names (Their official names in fact for those who played Dragonfable). But now is not the time to think like that. The Laundry Golem shot out the same attack towards me again. I dodged it jumping to the side. Hey I'm doing well for a guy who doesn't have an ounce of physical training. Then I saw the bugbear charging towards me. Shit its fast! I'm sorry for calling you a bugbear. It's mouth widened mid way during the charge. Is it going to bite me? I rolled out of the way quickly as my life depended on it. Bang The wall which I was next to was ripped off.......shit! If one of these attacks hit me I'm dead. And not ouch he bit me dead. No its Help I'm getting ripped apart here dead. I quickly got up and started running again but where was that laundry golem? I saw a white ghost thing going straight towards me and through me.....Ow ow ow ow. | You have lost 65 health. Warning health below 10% Bleeding has started. | | --- |   Shit what was that? The laundry golem appeared again but how the hell did it turn into a ghost? Oh great the bleeding to death part started. My consciousness is fading away.....   “Are you all right? Damn! Disappear stupid monsters!” A blue figure appeared calling out to me. I could really make the face out nor anything else at this point but I definitely saw the range of magic used to destroy the things in front of him. The blue figure ran up to me and pointed his staff at my body. “Heal” My health...it seems to increase to maximum for some reason. Hey I can think properly again. I looked at the blue figure again and saw that it was a young looking person with a wooden staff with a gem on top in one hand and a crystal ball in the other hand. His robe was simple but it was blue which made him look like the typical mage character I imagined except that he wasn't old. “It seems your okay young lady.” Wait young lady? Again I hate my choices in his new life I have! Trying to correct the mistake the blue mage made I said. “I'm a guy.” The blue mage was taken a bit back but accepted it quickly. “I see.....now I have a apologise for the things attacking you. Even though it wasn't my fault but that damn madman's fault.” Umm....how is this not your fault? Its you tower right but there's a madman living here as well? “It seems you have a lot of questions for me. First let's go to my living quarters before discussing everything.” I followed the blue mage to his living quarters. There I saw a number of more books probably related to magic. Well its not like I know for sure. It could be books on how to cook or something. The blue mage sat down on a chair and prompted me to do the same. After I did he started talking. “First of all I we should introduce each other. I am known as Warlic, the blue mage.” So his title follows on with his preferred colour. I see...that's why he's wearing a blue robe. “I'm Eden” “Ah Eden. Right. Now I have to ask where exactly are we?” “Umm.....in your tower?” Warlic smiled before saying, “No I mean where are we in this world? What is it called?” Eh what was this world called? Isn't it Royal Road? How does someone playing this game not know that we're in the Versailles Continent? “Umm....we're in Royal Road. In the Versailles Continent.....” I nervously said those words. Does this person have amnesia or something? Warlic pondered for a bit looking here and there and said, “Oh I see.....I see the situation now.” See what situation? You mean the situation that I was forced to investigate this damn tower and almost get killed? Or is it another situation your talking about?! “It seems I've crossed worlds into this one with this tower.” What the....did this game have such a feature. I don't remember advertising about how mysterious beings come to this world via a tower. “It seems you're confused.” Yes I am confused. What the hell is happening in this situation. “I terms that your brain can comprehend. Time/space ripped apart and sent this tower to this world. Normally we would be sent back in a bit which we almost did, me and my roommate forced this tower to exist in this world for a bit longer.” “So why don't you go back?” I asked trying to get some answers. “Oh a couple of fragments of time essence.....no its better to call it highly dense mana fragments broke off and scattered throughout this world. Problem is that any creature that eat these fragments would become extremely powerful.” “So that's why you didn't go back?” “Yes. Even though this situation isn't my fault in the first place.” Is it me or is Warlic pushing the blame to the other guy.....wait! Did he simplify his explanation because he thinks I'm stupid?!   In my nicest voice to conceal my anger I asked, “Can you explain the full details of crossing worlds?” Warlic looked surprised then concerned at me. “Its not recommended for me to go into full details.” Oh...so he does think I'm stupid. “No need to hold back for me~” I said cheerfully. “Well then...let me start.” Warlic took a step back and breathed in and out once. “##########################################################” Arh?! My brain! Its ripping apart?! It hurts?! “Let me stop there....take some time to recover....” What the hell was that? My head is still fuzzy..... After taking some time on Warlic's recommendation and after recovering enough to speak I asked Warlic about what happened. “Hey Warlic, what exactly happened when you...explained....the stuff....” I managed to say even though I was still trying to catch my breath. “Its simple. The knowledge of the information was too much for your brain to process. Thus the pain when you heard it.” “How come your not effected?” It was very strange, this person was human as far as I can tell. “Because my brain can process the information. I don't look like it but I have more knowledge than any human at least in my world and have encountered many things as well. Those who survive the information flux will be driven insane by it. If I continued you would either die or become insane. Though I'm living with such a person who survived this on many occasions information flux.” Eh? So I would either die or be driven insane. Both options are pretty bad. Wait he's living with a person who survived this several times? “How are you living with a person who survived this? Didn't you say everyone who has this knowledge die or are driven insane?” Warlic sighed to my question. He took the time to touch his staff and crystal ball again before answering. “Well my roommate is insane....he's a madman. It doesn't surprise me that he's living fine with it. Hell the other things he does easily outclass the knowledge in his brain.” Hmm....how interesting. A person who is insane already can live with such knowledge such as crossing worlds. “By the way. Who is this roommate you have.” “Ah his name is Crysero.” “You called~” A messy looking man appeared in front of us. He was defined by the colour green instead of Warlic's blue. Instead of a long robe he was wearing a green shirt and pants. His messy green (or was it brown) hair covered his eyes and his childish grin hid any malice from him if he had any. Warlic sighed for the second time in front of me. “Crysero weren't you stabilising the area?” Stabilising what? The area? Why? Crysero pointed his finger up and said, “Done~” Ah good this Crysero finished his job. “Did you do something unnecessary again?” Unnecessary? Umm...now I'm getting nervous. “Nope~” I have a feeling this person is lying. “What did you do besides stabilising the area?” Yeah that's my question! “Used the stabilising tool to cook a fish to eat~” A fish?! WHY? “Then the area isn't stabilised.” WAIT! THAT'S WHAT YOUR CONCERN ABOUT! HE WAS COOKING A FISH WITH IT! “Yeah~” AND WHY ARE YOU CASUALLY TALKING HERE?! “Oh its the young man you were about to use to gather the mana fragments we lost~” Eh? He KNOWS I'm a man from my appearance. And wait what? I'm going to be used to gather these mana fragments?! Man I can't take a break here. “Wait wait wait. What does Crysero here mean by that?! And how do you know I'm a guy?!” I shouted still very shocked at the situation as a whole. Warlic sighed for the third time. Man he's sighing a lot for a guy who lived longer than anyone else. “Don't worry about it. And yes how do you know this person who looks exactly like a girl is a guy?” DON'T WORRY?! YOU were about to send me out to do something dangerous! Crysero gave an every bigger grin and said, “So this one is really weak~” WEAK? THAT'S the reason why Warlic decided not to use me as a slave? Warlic retorted with, “Yes. Now answer the question.” “So it does involve me being weak......” I mouth moved before I could stop them. “Don't worry we can still force you to do it~” I DON'T WANT TO DO IT. “No we WON'T. Also Eden, don't worry about being weak. Everyone starts somewhere. Its natural for someone so young to be weaker than we expect.” That sentence hurt more than expected..... “So how do you know Eden is a guy?” asked Warlic. Crysero made a grin again and pointed his index finger to the sky and said, “Magic!~” | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1259) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1273) | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's notes: - Short Chapter this time with 2828 words. - Crysero powers of Trolling transcend humanity in many levels - I'm going to sleep so the rest of the chapters will be uploaded later - Also it was not my intention for my character to be similar to the one in ID kaharianqi. It must be because I read the Manhwa.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> To put you in the mood put this video up in a new tab and listen while you read. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW4T1fFGU3U" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW4T1fFGU3U</a><br><br>In a hidden city in the Grand Canyon made specifically for the Assassin's to live in. Roland is taking a walk by the Colorado river feeling exhausted. He had just come back from an ambush by the Templars. He was supposed to be killing a person who tricked people into giving them blood for their cloud network. The cloud network is used to hold all the genetic memories of the people who donate blood. If the Templars get the observatory then they would be able to spy from the eyes and ears of everyone they have collected the blood from.<br><br>Roland has naturally black hair and is about 5"6. He is about 32 years old, single, and no kids. As a hobby he plays a acoustic guitar and sings sometimes. His eyes have a pale gray color and he as an handsome face with a slim but muscular body. Sometimes he could be mistaken as a woman due to his body size and type. He also, along with all the other assassin's knows how to create and repair his equipment. Lastly he has been working as an assassin since he was 16 and was training for it way before.<br><br>"Ha..." 'what is the point anymore. This job is just becoming harder and harder. We are fighting a losing battle for crying out loud.'<br><br>"Get your head out of the gutter man," Roland said to himself.<br><br>'I knew this was going to be a tough job when I was sworn in. I just wish that there was a way for us to stop pointlessly losing so many lives. Many of our brothers and sisters have lost their lives without accomplishing something useful to the order. I am lucky that I only came back with a few scratches and a failed kill, compared to losing my life'.<br><br>So Roland was just wondering about what is to come. With Juno free, the Templars practically have the world under their thumb, not to mention the Assassin's being hunted into extinction. As he was thinking about these depressing thoughts when his best friend Alfred, who also recently became a Mentor of the came up to him.<br><br>Alfred has been Roland’s friend since they were kids and they trained together the whole time. There has been a small rivalry between them as there weren't that many kids around. Alfred is also about 35 years old, married to a woman named Jane who is also an assassin, and has twins 1 boy and 1 girl who are both 13.<br><br>"Hey Rol!!" exclaimed Alfred,"Anything going on my friend?"<br><br>"Nothing, just thinking about the good fight and what is going to be happening in the future."<br><br>"Don't be depressed friend. Just think about all the good we are doing in the world out there. Even though we are losing the fight right now we are still not just giving up and dying."<br><br>"I know, it is just hard not to get depressed after failing another mission that important. Sorry it is just that I am worrying about how we will have to raise our kids in the future."<br><br>"Relax man, you know that my kids are working hard and training, but you still need to find yourself a woman. Also you know that my girl still has that crush on you," Alfred said as he jabbed my side,"But seriously Rol, you know that this is a fight that is likely going to keep going on long after we are dead."<br>"I know that. It is just sometimes I feel tired and begin questioning myself, but lets stop talking about me do you need something?"<br><br>"As a matter of fact I came to tell you that you have a new assignment. You are to play Royal Road and prevent the Templars from gaining control of that world."<br><br>Roland looked at him like he was crazy,"You actually think the Templars are going to bother trying to gain control of that world when they are busy in this one? I hate to break it to you but it is mad to think they would try to gain control of it." <br><br>Alfred looked disappointed for a bit,"It seems you don't understand how serious this is. Abstergo along with their Entertainment group secretly funded Unicorn to create Royal Road. We think their goal is to try to put their beliefs into practice into the game, where even killing is perfectly legal. We have also discovered that Juno has been messing around with the game, so it is likely that there will be first civilization items in it. We need you to make sure that the North continent is protected against them. The North is, at the moment, the one place that the Templars won't start at due to the cold weather, so we need you to start there, establish a base and prepare to get others adjusted to Royal Road and train them in what they need to know. So I am instating you as the Mentor of the Northern Continent."<br><br>I looked at him shocked by this news,"But what about the work we are doing here and now? You know we have a problem with them searching for the Observatory, even though it can only look through one person at a time. It is way too dangerous to leave it be."<br><br>"I know that Rol, but this is also necessary for the fact that it is another world for the Templars and Juno to do as they please to another world. Luckily Unicorn made it so the A.I. has free reign over the game so the Juno and the Templars are unable to influence it in any way. So don't question me, we already installed the game in your house by your bed. We also upgraded it so that it sends out an electronic pulse to work your muscles as you play the game so that they don't degrade. You don't need to worry about them tracking it because we have set up a system to make it lock onto random wireless networks and make it unable to be tracked."<br><br>"Alright, even though I don't think it is important, you do. So tell me where should I start in this Northern continent?"<br><br>"I don't know, why don't you look at some maps and decide a good starting place alright. I need to go now. Do try to have fun with your game."<br><br>Roland and Alfred decide to split up now. Alfred said he is going back to his house. While Roland decides to go back home.<br><br>'I don't know why but I feel exhausted and I think I might as well begin looking up a good starting city before I hit the hay.'<br><br><span style="color: #FF0000;">Thank You for reading this tell me any suggestions or changes you think I should make on it. Also please give me suggestions for a city name. Also thank you to moskatero for proofreading for me.</span> </div>

To put you in the mood put this video up in a new tab and listen while you read. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW4T1fFGU3U> In a hidden city in the Grand Canyon made specifically for the Assassin's to live in. Roland is taking a walk by the Colorado river feeling exhausted. He had just come back from an ambush by the Templars. He was supposed to be killing a person who tricked people into giving them blood for their cloud network. The cloud network is used to hold all the genetic memories of the people who donate blood. If the Templars get the observatory then they would be able to spy from the eyes and ears of everyone they have collected the blood from. Roland has naturally black hair and is about 5"6. He is about 32 years old, single, and no kids. As a hobby he plays a acoustic guitar and sings sometimes. His eyes have a pale gray color and he as an handsome face with a slim but muscular body. Sometimes he could be mistaken as a woman due to his body size and type. He also, along with all the other assassin's knows how to create and repair his equipment. Lastly he has been working as an assassin since he was 16 and was training for it way before. "Ha..." 'what is the point anymore. This job is just becoming harder and harder. We are fighting a losing battle for crying out loud.' "Get your head out of the gutter man," Roland said to himself. 'I knew this was going to be a tough job when I was sworn in. I just wish that there was a way for us to stop pointlessly losing so many lives. Many of our brothers and sisters have lost their lives without accomplishing something useful to the order. I am lucky that I only came back with a few scratches and a failed kill, compared to losing my life'. So Roland was just wondering about what is to come. With Juno free, the Templars practically have the world under their thumb, not to mention the Assassin's being hunted into extinction. As he was thinking about these depressing thoughts when his best friend Alfred, who also recently became a Mentor of the came up to him. Alfred has been Roland’s friend since they were kids and they trained together the whole time. There has been a small rivalry between them as there weren't that many kids around. Alfred is also about 35 years old, married to a woman named Jane who is also an assassin, and has twins 1 boy and 1 girl who are both 13. "Hey Rol!!" exclaimed Alfred,"Anything going on my friend?" "Nothing, just thinking about the good fight and what is going to be happening in the future." "Don't be depressed friend. Just think about all the good we are doing in the world out there. Even though we are losing the fight right now we are still not just giving up and dying." "I know, it is just hard not to get depressed after failing another mission that important. Sorry it is just that I am worrying about how we will have to raise our kids in the future." "Relax man, you know that my kids are working hard and training, but you still need to find yourself a woman. Also you know that my girl still has that crush on you," Alfred said as he jabbed my side,"But seriously Rol, you know that this is a fight that is likely going to keep going on long after we are dead." "I know that. It is just sometimes I feel tired and begin questioning myself, but lets stop talking about me do you need something?" "As a matter of fact I came to tell you that you have a new assignment. You are to play Royal Road and prevent the Templars from gaining control of that world." Roland looked at him like he was crazy,"You actually think the Templars are going to bother trying to gain control of that world when they are busy in this one? I hate to break it to you but it is mad to think they would try to gain control of it." Alfred looked disappointed for a bit,"It seems you don't understand how serious this is. Abstergo along with their Entertainment group secretly funded Unicorn to create Royal Road. We think their goal is to try to put their beliefs into practice into the game, where even killing is perfectly legal. We have also discovered that Juno has been messing around with the game, so it is likely that there will be first civilization items in it. We need you to make sure that the North continent is protected against them. The North is, at the moment, the one place that the Templars won't start at due to the cold weather, so we need you to start there, establish a base and prepare to get others adjusted to Royal Road and train them in what they need to know. So I am instating you as the Mentor of the Northern Continent." I looked at him shocked by this news,"But what about the work we are doing here and now? You know we have a problem with them searching for the Observatory, even though it can only look through one person at a time. It is way too dangerous to leave it be." "I know that Rol, but this is also necessary for the fact that it is another world for the Templars and Juno to do as they please to another world. Luckily Unicorn made it so the A.I. has free reign over the game so the Juno and the Templars are unable to influence it in any way. So don't question me, we already installed the game in your house by your bed. We also upgraded it so that it sends out an electronic pulse to work your muscles as you play the game so that they don't degrade. You don't need to worry about them tracking it because we have set up a system to make it lock onto random wireless networks and make it unable to be tracked." "Alright, even though I don't think it is important, you do. So tell me where should I start in this Northern continent?" "I don't know, why don't you look at some maps and decide a good starting place alright. I need to go now. Do try to have fun with your game." Roland and Alfred decide to split up now. Alfred said he is going back to his house. While Roland decides to go back home. 'I don't know why but I feel exhausted and I think I might as well begin looking up a good starting city before I hit the hay.' Thank You for reading this tell me any suggestions or changes you think I should make on it. Also please give me suggestions for a city name. Also thank you to moskatero for proofreading for me.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> For the last few days Aaron has been helping the village repair the damage from the attack and heal those that where badly injured. He has also been working on any small guests in the town that could raise his Relationship with the Town Folks. Since the battle he has changed back to his original form. <br><br>Jonathan Verstin was not easily accepted by the town’s folk due to him being a bandit and having led the assault on their town but they needed the help. Jonathan had told Aaron after the attack that the bandits would come back to the town to take revenge on the men they had lost. <br>The town was not totally fixed yet but the walls and gates had been finished with some of the towns quickly assembled militia posted. Due to Aarons help the towns casualties where low but almost all of the towns guards where killed with a few civilians. When the bandits had ran off they had taken a few captives that the village had wished to get back.<br><br>Aaron was quickly bringing herbs from the fields he had found to the towns healer.<br><br>[Aaron, “I feel sorry for these people they have been through a lot.”]<br><br>[Enea, “I feel the same way but it has become a common fact for those that live here on the Deathly Isles.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Then I will have to find a way to fix this.”]<br><br>[Enea, “That will be a hard road to follow.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’m willing to face what comes with it.”]<br><br>He was reaching the gate when he saw a number of the town’s people around a person he had not seen before since coming to the village.<br><br>[Enea, “I just knew there was something about you.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what was that?”]<br><br>[Enea, “oh it was nothing.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “oh ok, what do you think is going on up at the gate?”]<br><br>[Enea, “We Will just have to find out.”]<br><br>Aaron quickly worked his way up to the gate to see what the commotion was about. <br><br>Towns Carpenter, “It is good to have you back Laee.”<br><br>Laee, “It is good to be back.”<br><br>Tavern Maid, “Was it the plague or where we worried to much.”<br><br>The woman turned to the maid.<br><br>Laee, “It was not the plague my dear. The people of Esster where suffering from a contamination in their wells. I had to purify their water supply to prevent further affects and prepare some medicine for those that where badly affected.”<br><br>Tavern maid, “thank goodness we were worried that if it was it would spread here.”<br><br>Laee, “there is no need to worry.”<br><br>As Aaron got closer he began to make out what the person looked like. She wore a cape, some armor on her left arm and had a custom half robe of a Magus.<br><br>(Image is just a place holder Until I create my own)<br><img src="http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l567/GruntLord/image_531009112300275500701.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fi1124.photobucket.com%2falbums%2fl567...500701.jpg">[/URL]<br><br>Some of the town’s folk had noticed that Aaron had joined them.<br><br>Elder, “Laee this is the chosen we where talking about.”<br><br>Laee turned to face Aaron.<br><br>Laee, “Ah a male chosen that is a first.”<br><br>Aaron, “is that so. Well its nice to meet you my name is Aaron the chosen of the Goddess Enea.”<br><br>Laee, “It is good to meet you to, I am Laee the Chosen and reincarnation of the Goddess Laee. I thank you for saving my home town.”<br><br>Aaron, “I wish I could have been here sooner but I did what I could.”<br><br>Laee, “We are just lucky you where even here.”<br><br>[Enea, “She really does look like her. Aaron we need to reform our pact with each chosen through contracts.”]<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You have learned a new Class Ability!<br><br>Ability: Contractor<br>You may form contracts with individuals, Races, and Gods. Depending on what type of contract it is and what makes it up the Contractor and Contractie/s will each be sealed to the contract and their effects. May be used as many times a day as its level. </span><br><br>[Aaron, “This thing is amazing, but what kind of effects does it cause?”]<br><br>[Enea, “The Effects very for each type of contract from an alliance between the signers and alterations to your own body are a few examples.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “interesting but hopefully its not to crazy.”]<br><br>Aaron looked to Laee again.<br><br>“As the chosen of Enea I wish to reform the pact of the Goddesses and unite the Deathly Isles.”<br>Laee, “a worthy goal. As in the times before I agree to uphold the pact and assist you in your goal of reuniting the Goddesses and the unification of the Isles for peace and balance.”<br><br>Once she had finished Aaron Glowed turning into Enea’s form. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contract Created!<br><br>You have gained +2 intelligence!<br><br>You have gained +2 Wisdom!<br><br>Your Mana Pool has doubled!<br><br>Level up!<br><br>Level up!<br><br>Level up!<br><br>Level up!<br><br>You have gained +300 Faith!<br><br>You have gained +200 fame!<br><br>You have gained ownership of this region!<br><br>Enea and Laee’s Religions have once again become one!<br><br>You have angered some gods!<br><br>You are now banned from entering a few countries’ do to their faith!<br><br>Laee has become your follower and companion!<br><br>Your Armor has evolved!</span><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status Window</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Name|</span> Aaron <span style="font-weight: bold;">Primary Class|</span> Enea's Chosen<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gender|</span> Neutral <span style="font-weight: bold;">Height|</span> 6'4"<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">health|</span> 1250 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana|</span> 2100<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Level|</span> 70<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Health|</span> Regen/sec 7 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana|</span> Regen/sec 7<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strength|</span> 44 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Agility|</span> 46<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wisdom|</span> 28 <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Intelligence|</span> 28<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stamina|</span> 38 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vitality|</span> 30<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dexterity|</span> 26<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith|</span> 1050<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fame|</span> 520<br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Skills</span><br>Precise shot-Basic Level 4, Blade Proficiency-basic level 8, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 7, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 6, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 9, Repair-Basic level 6, Handicraft-Basic Level 4,Blacksmith-Basic level 3, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 3,Traps-Basic Level 3, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 6, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 1,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weapon Forms</span><br>Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Shadow Step,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spells</span><br>Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Fireball, Fire Blade, Fire Wall,<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Language</span><br>Common, Ancient<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Head </span> Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Neck </span> Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Armor/Torso</span> Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arms </span> Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pants/Legs</span> Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Feet</span> Enea's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10<br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enea's Armor</span><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Durability|</span> 150/150 total <span style="font-weight: bold;">Defense|</span> 54<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Armor</span> Heavy <span style="font-weight: bold;">Class</span> Ultimate Rare<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Abilities</span><br>Enea was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evolution|</span> Stage 2 <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Level|</span> 70<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evolutions Affects</span><br>Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Armor can now combine with certain items,<br><br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Your armor can now be combined with certain items such as accessories and other clothing giving the armor their abilities. <br><br>Your spell casting time has halved!</span><br><br>As Aaron finished going through his pop ups he looked down at his armor seeing that his scarf had changed to match the patterns and turned a deep black. <br><br>With all these windows that popped up Aaron was shocked by what they gave him and saddened by not being allowed in some countries for future adventures. Aaron then opened his stat window.<br><br>[Enea, “That was more then I was expecting.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “You’re telling me. God I love this class!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Nice to meet you again Enea!”]<br><br>[Enea, “its good to be together again.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “wait now you’re in my head to!”]<br><br>[Laee, “well aren’t you just dashing!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what!”]<br><br>[Laee, “whops you heard that I need to learn how to block my thoughts from others again. Well of course since you and Enea are currently one entity right now you can easily hear me.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Is this going to be the same for the others as well?”]<br><br>[Enea and Laee, “of course.”]<br><br>Aaron gave a quiet moan.<br><br>Laee, “Ah now time to get some meat and drink! I’ve missed the grub here.”<br><br>Tavern Maid, “there she goes again! Well let’s see what we can get you.”<br><br>The group began to disperse or head to the tavern with Laee. Aaron just stood there in the middle of the gates staring off after them. As they went around the corner Aaron came back to his senses and quickly continued to head on to the healer’s house to turn in the herbs he collected.<br><br>[Aaron, “Enea has Laee always been like that?”]<br><br>[Enea, “you’ll get use to her. One of the great things that makes her interesting is that she only eats meat and drink mead.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “just great another strange one!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Are you talking about me?”]<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron was just wanting to learn more about you.”]<br><br>[Laee, “then why don’t you come join me at the tavern Ill tell you about myself and even make you more of a man.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Ok, I’ll head t o the tavern to talk after I finish delivering these herbs”]<br><br>[Laee, “see you then.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Oh and as you have noticed she only acts like an elegant lady when first meeting someone ore when the occasion calls for it.”]<br><br>Once again gave a moan.<br><br>Once Aaron was finished delivering the herbs he headed to the tavern. Once he entered he noticed that Laee was making a ruckus with story’s and laughter. As he got closer he noticed that her checks had a tint of red to them and her speech was slightly slurred.<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh great she’s drunk!”]<br><br>[Enea, “well I did tell you that she likes her Mead.”]<br><br>Laee looked up at Aaron and grinned.<br><br>Laee, “Ah ifff it isssent my neww besstesst friend, Haavve a seat!”<br><br>Aaron went around to sit next to her.<br><br>Aaron, “do you really think you should be drinking that much.”<br><br>Laee, “Ahhh your ruining all tthhe fun.”<br><br>She leaned in with her breasts resting against his arm and her head on his shoulder causing Aaron to blush.<br><br>Laee, “AAhh your ssoo warm.”<br><br>Aaron, “ah… um you are a little to close.”<br><br>Laee, “I know yyyoou like it.”<br><br>Aarons face turned even redder. <br><br>[Enae, “Laee get off him he’s mine!]<br><br>[Laee, “butt you caan’t do anythinggg about it.”]<br><br>[Enae, “Ah If I could only get my hands on you!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “can you guys stop arguing in my head!”]<br><br>[Enae, “Sorry Aaron.”]<br><br>Laee, “well nowww why doon’t I tell yyyoou a story of old? Now let me se-see. Once there a goddessss of great beauty tthat brought a number of Goddesses tooogether from the sidesss of light and dark. One of those being me. For ah a time weee brought peace to the world…"<br><br>She continued to talk for a few minutes more getting more slurred as she drank while all the while rubbing her head up against Aaron. As she started to get into a little more detail a towns man ran in through the door towards our table.<br><br>Town’s man, “The bandits are at the wall’s!”<br><br>Laee stopped talking and stood up swaying a bit.<br><br>Aaron asked while getting up, “Are the gates closed?”<br><br>Town’s man, “We closed them the moment we saw them coming down the road.”<br><br>They quickly ran out of the tavern fallowing the man to the gates. At the to of the wall they could see a large number of bandits on horse back stopped close to town but far enough that they where out of arrow range.<br><br>Laee, “Aahh Thossse Scum!”<br><br>Laee hopped up on the outer side of the wall and began to cite a fireball spell. When she finished she throw the Bright blue fireball that was twice the size of Aarons at the bandits. The bandits quickly moved out of the way but one still was hit.<br><br>Laee, “ttheyy are tttooo far.”<br><br>After she said that she jumped off the wall and levitated down to the ground.<br><br>Aaron, “Stop Its to dangers to go out by yourself!”<br><br>Laee, “Nnothiings to Dangeres Fffor mee!”<br><br>Aaron quickly tied down one of his ropes to a section of the wall and jumped over repelling down and kicking off the wall. Once at the bottom of the wall Aaron Quickly ran after Laee who had a head start. Soon Laee stopped a short distance from the Bandits with Aaron right behind her.<br><br>Laee, “what took yyyoou so long? I wass about tttoo start witthh out you.”<br><br>Aaron, “Give me a break I don’t know how to levitate like you do.”<br><br>Laee, “oh wellll.”<br><br>One of the bandits slowly stepped forward.<br><br>Sadistic Bandit, “Well if it isn’t my little toy. I heard you did a number on the group we sent here”<br><br>Aaron, “Ah Great It’s you again.” </div>

For the last few days Aaron has been helping the village repair the damage from the attack and heal those that where badly injured. He has also been working on any small guests in the town that could raise his Relationship with the Town Folks. Since the battle he has changed back to his original form. Jonathan Verstin was not easily accepted by the town’s folk due to him being a bandit and having led the assault on their town but they needed the help. Jonathan had told Aaron after the attack that the bandits would come back to the town to take revenge on the men they had lost. The town was not totally fixed yet but the walls and gates had been finished with some of the towns quickly assembled militia posted. Due to Aarons help the towns casualties where low but almost all of the towns guards where killed with a few civilians. When the bandits had ran off they had taken a few captives that the village had wished to get back. Aaron was quickly bringing herbs from the fields he had found to the towns healer. [Aaron, “I feel sorry for these people they have been through a lot.”] [Enea, “I feel the same way but it has become a common fact for those that live here on the Deathly Isles.”] [Aaron, “Then I will have to find a way to fix this.”] [Enea, “That will be a hard road to follow.”] [Aaron, “I’m willing to face what comes with it.”] He was reaching the gate when he saw a number of the town’s people around a person he had not seen before since coming to the village. [Enea, “I just knew there was something about you.”] [Aaron, “what was that?”] [Enea, “oh it was nothing.”] [Aaron, “oh ok, what do you think is going on up at the gate?”] [Enea, “We Will just have to find out.”] Aaron quickly worked his way up to the gate to see what the commotion was about. Towns Carpenter, “It is good to have you back Laee.” Laee, “It is good to be back.” Tavern Maid, “Was it the plague or where we worried to much.” The woman turned to the maid. Laee, “It was not the plague my dear. The people of Esster where suffering from a contamination in their wells. I had to purify their water supply to prevent further affects and prepare some medicine for those that where badly affected.” Tavern maid, “thank goodness we were worried that if it was it would spread here.” Laee, “there is no need to worry.” As Aaron got closer he began to make out what the person looked like. She wore a cape, some armor on her left arm and had a custom half robe of a Magus. (Image is just a place holder Until I create my own) [/URL] Some of the town’s folk had noticed that Aaron had joined them. Elder, “Laee this is the chosen we where talking about.” Laee turned to face Aaron. Laee, “Ah a male chosen that is a first.” Aaron, “is that so. Well its nice to meet you my name is Aaron the chosen of the Goddess Enea.” Laee, “It is good to meet you to, I am Laee the Chosen and reincarnation of the Goddess Laee. I thank you for saving my home town.” Aaron, “I wish I could have been here sooner but I did what I could.” Laee, “We are just lucky you where even here.” [Enea, “She really does look like her. Aaron we need to reform our pact with each chosen through contracts.”] You have learned a new Class Ability! Ability: Contractor You may form contracts with individuals, Races, and Gods. Depending on what type of contract it is and what makes it up the Contractor and Contractie/s will each be sealed to the contract and their effects. May be used as many times a day as its level. [Aaron, “This thing is amazing, but what kind of effects does it cause?”] [Enea, “The Effects very for each type of contract from an alliance between the signers and alterations to your own body are a few examples.”] [Aaron, “interesting but hopefully its not to crazy.”] Aaron looked to Laee again. “As the chosen of Enea I wish to reform the pact of the Goddesses and unite the Deathly Isles.” Laee, “a worthy goal. As in the times before I agree to uphold the pact and assist you in your goal of reuniting the Goddesses and the unification of the Isles for peace and balance.” Once she had finished Aaron Glowed turning into Enea’s form. Contract Created! You have gained +2 intelligence! You have gained +2 Wisdom! Your Mana Pool has doubled! Level up! Level up! Level up! Level up! You have gained +300 Faith! You have gained +200 fame! You have gained ownership of this region! Enea and Laee’s Religions have once again become one! You have angered some gods! You are now banned from entering a few countries’ do to their faith! Laee has become your follower and companion! Your Armor has evolved! Status Window Name| Aaron Primary Class| Enea's Chosen Gender| Neutral Height| 6'4" health| 1250 Mana| 2100 Level| 70 Health| Regen/sec 7 Mana| Regen/sec 7 Strength| 44 Agility| 46 Wisdom| 28 Intelligence| 28 Stamina| 38 Vitality| 30 Dexterity| 26 Faith| 1050 Fame| 520 Skills Precise shot-Basic Level 4, Blade Proficiency-basic level 8, Bow Proficiency-Basic level 7, Knife Proficiency-Basic level 6, Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding-Basic level 9, Repair-Basic level 6, Handicraft-Basic Level 4,Blacksmith-Basic level 3, Carpenter-Basic Level 2, Stealth-Basic level 3,Traps-Basic Level 3, Digging-Basic Level 2, Construction-Basic Level 2, First Aid- Basic level 4, Identify- Basic Level 6, Cooking- basic Level 4, Shout- Basic Level 1, Weapon Forms Faint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enea's Form, Shadow Step, Spells Demonic Aura, Holly Aura, Fireball, Fire Blade, Fire Wall, Language Common, Ancient Equipment Head Enea's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6 Neck Reinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +4 Armor/Torso Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Arms Enea's Gantlets: Durability 30/30, Defense +8 Pants/Legs Enea's armor: durability 40/40, Defense +16 Feet Enea's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10 Enea's Armor Durability| 150/150 total Defense| 54 Armor Heavy Class Ultimate Rare Abilities Enea was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enea's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enea's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enea and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. Evolution| Stage 2 Level| 70 Evolutions Affects Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Armor can now combine with certain items, Your armor can now be combined with certain items such as accessories and other clothing giving the armor their abilities. Your spell casting time has halved! As Aaron finished going through his pop ups he looked down at his armor seeing that his scarf had changed to match the patterns and turned a deep black. With all these windows that popped up Aaron was shocked by what they gave him and saddened by not being allowed in some countries for future adventures. Aaron then opened his stat window. [Enea, “That was more then I was expecting.”] [Aaron, “You’re telling me. God I love this class!”] [Laee, “Nice to meet you again Enea!”] [Enea, “its good to be together again.”] [Aaron, “wait now you’re in my head to!”] [Laee, “well aren’t you just dashing!”] [Aaron, “what!”] [Laee, “whops you heard that I need to learn how to block my thoughts from others again. Well of course since you and Enea are currently one entity right now you can easily hear me.”] [Aaron, “Is this going to be the same for the others as well?”] [Enea and Laee, “of course.”] Aaron gave a quiet moan. Laee, “Ah now time to get some meat and drink! I’ve missed the grub here.” Tavern Maid, “there she goes again! Well let’s see what we can get you.” The group began to disperse or head to the tavern with Laee. Aaron just stood there in the middle of the gates staring off after them. As they went around the corner Aaron came back to his senses and quickly continued to head on to the healer’s house to turn in the herbs he collected. [Aaron, “Enea has Laee always been like that?”] [Enea, “you’ll get use to her. One of the great things that makes her interesting is that she only eats meat and drink mead.”] [Aaron, “just great another strange one!”] [Laee, “Are you talking about me?”] [Enea, “Aaron was just wanting to learn more about you.”] [Laee, “then why don’t you come join me at the tavern Ill tell you about myself and even make you more of a man.”] [Aaron, “Ok, I’ll head t o the tavern to talk after I finish delivering these herbs”] [Laee, “see you then.”] [Enea, “Oh and as you have noticed she only acts like an elegant lady when first meeting someone ore when the occasion calls for it.”] Once again gave a moan. Once Aaron was finished delivering the herbs he headed to the tavern. Once he entered he noticed that Laee was making a ruckus with story’s and laughter. As he got closer he noticed that her checks had a tint of red to them and her speech was slightly slurred. [Aaron, “Oh great she’s drunk!”] [Enea, “well I did tell you that she likes her Mead.”] Laee looked up at Aaron and grinned. Laee, “Ah ifff it isssent my neww besstesst friend, Haavve a seat!” Aaron went around to sit next to her. Aaron, “do you really think you should be drinking that much.” Laee, “Ahhh your ruining all tthhe fun.” She leaned in with her breasts resting against his arm and her head on his shoulder causing Aaron to blush. Laee, “AAhh your ssoo warm.” Aaron, “ah… um you are a little to close.” Laee, “I know yyyoou like it.” Aarons face turned even redder. [Enae, “Laee get off him he’s mine!] [Laee, “butt you caan’t do anythinggg about it.”] [Enae, “Ah If I could only get my hands on you!”] [Aaron, “can you guys stop arguing in my head!”] [Enae, “Sorry Aaron.”] Laee, “well nowww why doon’t I tell yyyoou a story of old? Now let me se-see. Once there a goddessss of great beauty tthat brought a number of Goddesses tooogether from the sidesss of light and dark. One of those being me. For ah a time weee brought peace to the world…" She continued to talk for a few minutes more getting more slurred as she drank while all the while rubbing her head up against Aaron. As she started to get into a little more detail a towns man ran in through the door towards our table. Town’s man, “The bandits are at the wall’s!” Laee stopped talking and stood up swaying a bit. Aaron asked while getting up, “Are the gates closed?” Town’s man, “We closed them the moment we saw them coming down the road.” They quickly ran out of the tavern fallowing the man to the gates. At the to of the wall they could see a large number of bandits on horse back stopped close to town but far enough that they where out of arrow range. Laee, “Aahh Thossse Scum!” Laee hopped up on the outer side of the wall and began to cite a fireball spell. When she finished she throw the Bright blue fireball that was twice the size of Aarons at the bandits. The bandits quickly moved out of the way but one still was hit. Laee, “ttheyy are tttooo far.” After she said that she jumped off the wall and levitated down to the ground. Aaron, “Stop Its to dangers to go out by yourself!” Laee, “Nnothiings to Dangeres Fffor mee!” Aaron quickly tied down one of his ropes to a section of the wall and jumped over repelling down and kicking off the wall. Once at the bottom of the wall Aaron Quickly ran after Laee who had a head start. Soon Laee stopped a short distance from the Bandits with Aaron right behind her. Laee, “what took yyyoou so long? I wass about tttoo start witthh out you.” Aaron, “Give me a break I don’t know how to levitate like you do.” Laee, “oh wellll.” One of the bandits slowly stepped forward. Sadistic Bandit, “Well if it isn’t my little toy. I heard you did a number on the group we sent here” Aaron, “Ah Great It’s you again.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> “Lee Jun this is Chung Il Hoon, Choi Jong Bom, Ma Sang Bom, and Roi Lee. The four great masters of kumdo dojang. They are the strongest martial artists in all of Korea.” Ji Woo spoke with great pride. Her voice conveyed how very proud she was to belong to such a great family. <br><br>Lee Jun bowed slightly to greet the masters. “It is an honor to be able to meet the amazing Geomchis.”<br><br>“Oh! You know who we are?” Ma Sang asked with a smile.<br><br>“Well, I did not recognize you but I have heard about the famous kumdo dojang. Many famous professional gamers came here for training after learning about your identity in Royal Road.” Lee Jun replied, hoping to impress them with his knowledge.<br><br>“…Yes…that all happened so long ago.” Replied Chung Il. His voice was distant, there were somethings that they did not like being reminded about.<br><br> Ji Woo leaned over to Lee Jun and whispered, “Hey, don’t mention anything about professional gaming to the masters.”<br><br>Lee Jun gave her a puzzled look but then decided to just heed her words. He wanted to know more though about the legendary players of Royal Road, especially since he read all about their adventures.<br><br>Choi Jong looked at looked at the duo suspiciously. “Ji Woo, there is really nothing between the two of you right?” His voice was trembling, he had never seen his beloved Ji Woo so close to another boy before.<br><br>Ji Woo gave the death stare to Choi Jong, “There is absolutely nothing going on between us. This boy is not even my type. He is just here to become a member.” Ji Woo muttered. Lee Jun didn’t react but it did sting him when she said that, ‘not her type’. He didn’t understand why it hurt but there were other things at hand that were more important that required his attention.<br><br>“Oh that explains the new membership form…it does make more sense now brother…” Roi Lee spoke nonchalantly. “He is just here for some training.”<br><br>“DON”T THINK YOU CAN BRUSH IT OF WITH THAT! How many times have I told you…” Ji Woo snapped back. She wasn’t going to let them off easy. They had taken things too far this time!<br><br>*gulp* The masters were worried. Ji Woo was like their daughter, her temper was probably what they feared more than swords and guns. <br><br>“……And then when I went looking for you, you dragged him here didn’t you….”<br><br>Her lectures were long and never ending. The masters quietly stood and her out. <br><br>“…WHAT ARE ALL OF YOU LOOKING AT! GET BACK TO YOR TRAINING!...” The disciples scuttled away quietly. They all wore a weird dreamy smile on their faces as they resumed training. ‘Not her type..kukuku…’<br><br>Lee Jun thought she was being a bit excessive since she was scolding her masters in front of the disciples. <br><br>“….to involve your disciples!....”<br>However, he soon realized from their reaction that this was somewhat a daily occurrence. If anything, the disciples seemed to find Ji Woo cuter when was angry.<br><br>“….and so HE NEEDS TO BECOME STRONGER. SO MAKE A DISCIPLE.” Ji Woo ended. Lee Jun noticed she was breathing heavily, ‘did she just speak all that non-stop without taking a breath?’<br><br>Roi Lee stepped forward and closely examined Lee Jun, ‘Him? Disciple? His body looks weak but at least he looks fit. But I wonder…’<br><br>Chung Il Hoon frowned, he was the most versed with handling children’s practice. He could just tell by looking at Lee Jun’s body how much potential could be drawn out. ‘It will be difficult for him to become stronger…but then again what is important is resolve…’<br><br>‘Bullying? Shouldn’t he complain to the teacher?’ Jong Bom wondered. ‘If it were me, I would have just punched the bully a 100 times and then made him bend over like a chicken and apologize to me…’<br><br>‘I will never let him get near our precious Ji Woo!’ Ma Sang was still suspicious of Lee Jun. Then again so were the other masters. In the end they could only think about Ji Woo.<br><br>‘But if he comes here won’t he get closer to Ji Woo?’ Jong Bom concluded. ‘I will never accept it!’<br><br>‘What if Ji Woo falls for him?’ Chung Il too was concerned.<br><br>‘We should make sure, he never gets a chance to be close to our princess.’ The masters looked at each other as if they all were thinking the same thing. <br><br>Finally, after a little deliberation, Chung Il spoke, “Fine, we will accept him. However, he must pass our test.”<br><br>“I accept!” Lee Jun blurted. His outburst caught everyone by surprise. So far he had been a meek and quiet person, so they were all on the underlying impression that he would shyly turn down the conditions. However, Lee Jun was desperate. This was the first time he wanted anything so badly. He hated himself for being and was willing to go to any length to become stronger. This was also the Kumdo Dojang, where the Lee Hyun and the Geomchis trained; legendary players of Royal Road. Lee Jun did not think it was possible for him meet the legends in real life. It could also be possible that he would get a chance to me Lee Hyun…<br><br>“Fine then. The test is really simple. You must land a blow on any of our disciples.” Chung Il responded to Lee Jun’s determination.<br><br>“But that’s impossible!” Ji Woo complained. She knew exactly how difficult of a test this was! Her masters were just being unfair. She was losing her temper, she was about to have another outburst, when Ma Song interrupted. “You can choose anyone from behind you as your opponent. That is as easy as we will keep it.”<br>“If you can’t even touch your opponent, then you lack even the most basic physical ability.” Chung Il added an explanation to prevent Ji Woo from protesting. The other masters nodded in agreement. There was no point in taking in disciple who lacked even the most basic of physical abilities.<br><br>“But why are you testing him? Didn’t I tell you he is weak and is being bullied!” Ji Woo asked. “Shouldn’t we waiver the testing criteria? I even referred him.”<br><br>The four masters shot a deadly gaze at Lee Jun for a second. Normally, they would have waivered the test…but Lee Jun was the first person Ji Woo referred, of course they had a right to be suspicious of him and that is exactly why they wanted to test him.<br><br>“This is a prestigious dojang, Ji Woo. We cannot let anyone in, only those who have the resolve are permitted. Everyone one here has had to pass through some test or the other at the time of joining. We must test his resolve, there will be no exceptions.” Chung Il explained coldly. The other three masters averted their eyes from meeting with Ji Woo’s. They knew that they would cave in if they saw her puppy like eyes begging them to reconsider.<br><br>“I accept the terms of the test.” Lee Jun said as he bowed to the masters. <br><br>For a single moment, he didn’t look like a weak 11 year old but more like a cool confident young man.<br><br>“Lee Jun…” Ji Woo whispered…she was about to stop him but the gaze in his eyes reflected his determination.<br><br>Lee Jun walked around the dojang looking at the disciples. ‘I just find to land a single blow on him. I don’t have to deal damage, break bones or defeat him…I just need to touch him…in that case I should look for someone who can’t move too quickly or someone fairly weak who will run out stamina…’<br><br>None of the practitioners looked out of conditions. They all believed that a true man has lots of muscles. Just from their practice, Lee Jun could tell finding a weakling here would be fairly impossible…Lee Jun’s mouth dropped open. Right at the back of all the disciples was a thin tall person who was barely able to keep up with the practice! He was sweating far more profusely than the others and looked completely exhausted.<br><br>‘He looks fairly weak!’ Lee Jun thought, ‘Yes! If it is him I stand a chance. He doesn’t have any muscles like me and looks like he is completely drained out…’<br><br>The masters wore a devilish smile on their face. ‘Oho! He has Hwa Young in his gaze! Kukuku This is all too perfect.’ Ma Song even gave Chung Il a secret thumbs up, their plan worked perfectly. <br><br>He quickly hid as soon as Ji Woo turned around to look at him suspiciously. She didn’t know why, but she had the feeling she had just been played. The masters knew for a fact that she would protest when they would put up the conditions for the test…so they deliberately made it appear they had made the test simpler when they offered Lee Jun to select any disciple…it was almost as if they knew he would see Hwa…<br><br>‘Although Hwa looks least muscular of the lot, he is agile on his feet...they must have been aiming for this’ Ji Woo thought to herself. ‘This was planned…and I had just been played.’ <br>Ji Woo had to acknowledge she had underestimated her masters. The Geomchis 40 years ago would have been unable to think of such a perfect plan however the years they spent in Royal Road with Lee Hyun were not in vain. With years of experience they could read situations and make elaborate counter plans like this one with great ease.<br><br>‘Hohoho, appearances can be quite deceiving young one. Looks like you have a long way to go.’ Ma Song smiled away. He could clearly tell Lee Jun was eyeing Hwa Young as his opponent.<br>‘An amateurs mistake…’ Roi Lee smirked. ‘Young ones these days have no sense of combat…’<br><br>As they expected, Lee Jun came back to the masters with Hwa Young. Hwa Young, was lean and tall. Since he was so tall, being even slightly lean meant he looked extremely thin. However, beneath his attire, Hwa Young was complete muscle. The only reason he was sweating more than others was because he was punished by the instructor to run 100 laps of the dojang for coming late; but Lee Jun didn’t know that.<br><br>The masters led the duo to the match room. Some of the disciples and instructors who had finished up with their practice also joined in. They all stood at the edges of the open square ring to watch. The match area was no more than 4 meters by 4 meters. Lee Jun smiled, ‘ It such a small area. And with the audience standing at the edges they are acting as barriers. I was afraid that he could run away…at least he can’t run away.’<br><br>Roi Lee provided Lee Jun with protective gear and a keikogi of his size. “You need to wear gloves and a head gear. Even though this is not a fight, we wouldn’t want you to get injured.” Roi Lee explained when he noticed Lee Jun’s confused questioning look.<br><br>After changing, Lee Jun returned to the room…there were more and more disciples gathering to watch the match. Lee Jun didn’t know how to react. He had difficulty dealing with attention…before he could do anything about it Chung Il grabbed his hand and brought him to the center of the ring.<br><br>“Lee Jun, I have explained Hwa the rules of his match. He will only try to dodge you. He is allowed to guard himself to avoid injuries but that will count in your favor. You do not have to worry about him hitting back, he will mostly dodge and if required defend.” Lee Jun nodded in confirmation of understanding. Chung Il stood between the two and then lifted his hand as he backed away. “You may now try hitting him.”<br><br>Lee Jun rushed in right from the start. He extended his right arm forward to land a punch but Hwa Young simply took a step back. Their sheer difference in height made a huge difference of reach. Lee Jun was simply too short, his arms length was not that long, so being able to throw punches was completely ineffective if he wasn’t close enough!<br><br>Lee Jun took a few steps back and adjusted his head gear. Having so many people around him was distracting and wearing gloves and head gear was also a new distracting feeling…Lee Jun took a deep breath. ‘I need to focus. If he is too far then I simply need to get closer to him. It’s not like he can step out of the ring…’<br><br>Lee Jun charged in again. He rushed straight forward and when he was only a whisker away he threw in a punch. Hwa Young simply jumped to the side and dodged the punch.<br>‘That’s ok…I’ll get him next time.’ Lee Jun thought. He repeated the same tactics again but Hwa once again jumped to the side.<br><br>‘He is very lucky…jumping to the side just before I punch him…then how about I drag you into the corner? Where will you go from there?’ Lee Jun began charging after Hwa Young once again, this time he held his arms wide open as he charged in.<br><br>“What is he doing?” A disciple asked another.<br><br>“No Idea? Trying to trap Hwa to the corner? I guess?”<br><br>“Running like that with his arms open? Hwa will just move sooner now…” yawned another. Lee Jun was nothing special to see. If anything he looked silly.<br><br>Just as the disciples predicted Hwa was no longer waiting for Lee Jun till the very last moment. Instead he began moving sooner away whenever he noticed he was being dragged towards a corner. <br><br>After several attempts Lee Jun knew he wasn’t getting anywhere. He was already feeling tired and his arms were heavy. ‘These gloves are so heavy…’<br><br>The masters were giggling away. They no longer considered Lee Jun a man. Ji Woo was worried, there was no chance of Lee Jun passing this test. It would be all her fault that she brought him here telling him tales of becoming stronger when she could not even support him… “DO YOUR BEST LEE JUN!” Ji Woo shouted out. <br><br>The atmosphere turned cold and deadly. No one was smiling or laughing at Lee Jun anymore. <br><br>‘Who is that boy? Is he here to steal our Ji Woo away?’<br><br>‘How dare he grab the attention of Ji Woo! I curse he never lands a punch on Hwa!’<br><br>‘Should I also try this? Maybe Ji Woo will look at me as well?’<br><br>Even the masters stopped giggling, they were cursing themselves for not allowing Hwa Young to punch Lee Jun a few times…<br><br>“It should have been a fight to death at the very least…” Ma Song muttered under his breath.<br><br>Lee Jun simply ignored the cold stares and smiled. ‘That stupid girl… this guy is a monster…although he looked exhausted he doesn’t even remotely look tired anymore…why did you have to say that…do your best…easier said than done…unless I circle him…’<br><br>Lee Jun tried a new tactic out, he slowly began circling Hwa. <br><br>“That child has a good sense for combat…” Chung Il Hoon and Choi Jong Bom said together.<br><br>“Why?” Ji Woo asked curiously. She didn’t understand what Lee Jun was trying to achieve through this.<br><br>“He first threw a punch when he was close enough. However, he quickly realized his reach is too short and he needs to get closer. So he began charging like an infighter…its something boxers do…however he noticed that Hwa would jump to the side. So he tried cornering Hwa… however, he is too short, weak and lacks the training to corner Hwa. So he is now going around his opponent to attack from the blind side…but he will fail since he has no training…but that is indeed good battle sense.” Choi Jong explained.<br><br>Lee Jun quickly ran to Hwa’s side and then charged in. He was hoping to catch Hwa from a difficult side or angle. Unfortunately, even if Hwa wasn’t looking at him he could sense Lee Jun. In an instant he moved forward dodging Lee Jun.<br><br>Lee Jun was already sweaty and now he began panting. It was really difficult to maintain this pace charging in. ‘I need some other tactic that will suit me…’ But Lee Jun couldn’t think of anything. He tried everything that was the most obvious… ‘What I lack is speed…he always manages to escape at the right time…’<br><br>Lee Jun closed his eyes and replayed the tactics he employed in his mind. He could visualize himself and spatial space around him.<br><br>“What is he doing?” the disciples asked one another.<br><br>“Who knows?” <br><br>“Maybe he has given up.”<br><br>“Yes, maybe he should give up on Ji Woo as well.”<br><br>Lee Jun could no longer hear them. Imagining spatial space and replaying everything that happened required his utmost concentration.<br><br>‘I see, whenever I get close, he moves sideways and since I am wearing head gear he disappears from my view. So that’s why I can’t follow him. Even if I did reach up to him, these gloves are weighing me down…that is why he was so easily able to dodge my first punch…its not like I have a lightning fast jab…adding a glove over it must have made my movements even more dull…’<br><br>Lee Jun opened his eyes. ‘I need to remove these first.’ He quickly took off his gloves and head gear and tossed them aside.<br><br>Chung Il stepped into the ring, “Are you giving up?” He asked.<br><br>“No, I wish to fight without these.” Lee Jun said.<br><br>“I am afraid I cannot permit that. It is much too dangerous.” Chung Il sternly replied.<br><br>“But I don’t think I have chance to win then. You also never told me before that I would have to be wearing all this…” Lee Jun complained. Normally, he would have kept quiet and suffered but he found himself at ease with members of the kumdo dojang.<br><br>“In that case, I permit it but you will not complain if you get injured.”<br><br>Lee Jun bowed to Chung Il to thank him. ‘Now let’s see Mr. Hwa, who can dodge whom.’<br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. Happy reading.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1318" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=348" target="_blank">No</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

“Lee Jun this is Chung Il Hoon, Choi Jong Bom, Ma Sang Bom, and Roi Lee. The four great masters of kumdo dojang. They are the strongest martial artists in all of Korea.” Ji Woo spoke with great pride. Her voice conveyed how very proud she was to belong to such a great family. Lee Jun bowed slightly to greet the masters. “It is an honor to be able to meet the amazing Geomchis.” “Oh! You know who we are?” Ma Sang asked with a smile. “Well, I did not recognize you but I have heard about the famous kumdo dojang. Many famous professional gamers came here for training after learning about your identity in Royal Road.” Lee Jun replied, hoping to impress them with his knowledge. “…Yes…that all happened so long ago.” Replied Chung Il. His voice was distant, there were somethings that they did not like being reminded about. Ji Woo leaned over to Lee Jun and whispered, “Hey, don’t mention anything about professional gaming to the masters.” Lee Jun gave her a puzzled look but then decided to just heed her words. He wanted to know more though about the legendary players of Royal Road, especially since he read all about their adventures. Choi Jong looked at looked at the duo suspiciously. “Ji Woo, there is really nothing between the two of you right?” His voice was trembling, he had never seen his beloved Ji Woo so close to another boy before. Ji Woo gave the death stare to Choi Jong, “There is absolutely nothing going on between us. This boy is not even my type. He is just here to become a member.” Ji Woo muttered. Lee Jun didn’t react but it did sting him when she said that, ‘not her type’. He didn’t understand why it hurt but there were other things at hand that were more important that required his attention. “Oh that explains the new membership form…it does make more sense now brother…” Roi Lee spoke nonchalantly. “He is just here for some training.” “DON”T THINK YOU CAN BRUSH IT OF WITH THAT! How many times have I told you…” Ji Woo snapped back. She wasn’t going to let them off easy. They had taken things too far this time! *gulp* The masters were worried. Ji Woo was like their daughter, her temper was probably what they feared more than swords and guns. “……And then when I went looking for you, you dragged him here didn’t you….” Her lectures were long and never ending. The masters quietly stood and her out. “…WHAT ARE ALL OF YOU LOOKING AT! GET BACK TO YOR TRAINING!...” The disciples scuttled away quietly. They all wore a weird dreamy smile on their faces as they resumed training. ‘Not her type..kukuku…’ Lee Jun thought she was being a bit excessive since she was scolding her masters in front of the disciples. “….to involve your disciples!....” However, he soon realized from their reaction that this was somewhat a daily occurrence. If anything, the disciples seemed to find Ji Woo cuter when was angry. “….and so HE NEEDS TO BECOME STRONGER. SO MAKE A DISCIPLE.” Ji Woo ended. Lee Jun noticed she was breathing heavily, ‘did she just speak all that non-stop without taking a breath?’ Roi Lee stepped forward and closely examined Lee Jun, ‘Him? Disciple? His body looks weak but at least he looks fit. But I wonder…’ Chung Il Hoon frowned, he was the most versed with handling children’s practice. He could just tell by looking at Lee Jun’s body how much potential could be drawn out. ‘It will be difficult for him to become stronger…but then again what is important is resolve…’ ‘Bullying? Shouldn’t he complain to the teacher?’ Jong Bom wondered. ‘If it were me, I would have just punched the bully a 100 times and then made him bend over like a chicken and apologize to me…’ ‘I will never let him get near our precious Ji Woo!’ Ma Sang was still suspicious of Lee Jun. Then again so were the other masters. In the end they could only think about Ji Woo. ‘But if he comes here won’t he get closer to Ji Woo?’ Jong Bom concluded. ‘I will never accept it!’ ‘What if Ji Woo falls for him?’ Chung Il too was concerned. ‘We should make sure, he never gets a chance to be close to our princess.’ The masters looked at each other as if they all were thinking the same thing. Finally, after a little deliberation, Chung Il spoke, “Fine, we will accept him. However, he must pass our test.” “I accept!” Lee Jun blurted. His outburst caught everyone by surprise. So far he had been a meek and quiet person, so they were all on the underlying impression that he would shyly turn down the conditions. However, Lee Jun was desperate. This was the first time he wanted anything so badly. He hated himself for being and was willing to go to any length to become stronger. This was also the Kumdo Dojang, where the Lee Hyun and the Geomchis trained; legendary players of Royal Road. Lee Jun did not think it was possible for him meet the legends in real life. It could also be possible that he would get a chance to me Lee Hyun… “Fine then. The test is really simple. You must land a blow on any of our disciples.” Chung Il responded to Lee Jun’s determination. “But that’s impossible!” Ji Woo complained. She knew exactly how difficult of a test this was! Her masters were just being unfair. She was losing her temper, she was about to have another outburst, when Ma Song interrupted. “You can choose anyone from behind you as your opponent. That is as easy as we will keep it.” “If you can’t even touch your opponent, then you lack even the most basic physical ability.” Chung Il added an explanation to prevent Ji Woo from protesting. The other masters nodded in agreement. There was no point in taking in disciple who lacked even the most basic of physical abilities. “But why are you testing him? Didn’t I tell you he is weak and is being bullied!” Ji Woo asked. “Shouldn’t we waiver the testing criteria? I even referred him.” The four masters shot a deadly gaze at Lee Jun for a second. Normally, they would have waivered the test…but Lee Jun was the first person Ji Woo referred, of course they had a right to be suspicious of him and that is exactly why they wanted to test him. “This is a prestigious dojang, Ji Woo. We cannot let anyone in, only those who have the resolve are permitted. Everyone one here has had to pass through some test or the other at the time of joining. We must test his resolve, there will be no exceptions.” Chung Il explained coldly. The other three masters averted their eyes from meeting with Ji Woo’s. They knew that they would cave in if they saw her puppy like eyes begging them to reconsider. “I accept the terms of the test.” Lee Jun said as he bowed to the masters. For a single moment, he didn’t look like a weak 11 year old but more like a cool confident young man. “Lee Jun…” Ji Woo whispered…she was about to stop him but the gaze in his eyes reflected his determination. Lee Jun walked around the dojang looking at the disciples. ‘I just find to land a single blow on him. I don’t have to deal damage, break bones or defeat him…I just need to touch him…in that case I should look for someone who can’t move too quickly or someone fairly weak who will run out stamina…’ None of the practitioners looked out of conditions. They all believed that a true man has lots of muscles. Just from their practice, Lee Jun could tell finding a weakling here would be fairly impossible…Lee Jun’s mouth dropped open. Right at the back of all the disciples was a thin tall person who was barely able to keep up with the practice! He was sweating far more profusely than the others and looked completely exhausted. ‘He looks fairly weak!’ Lee Jun thought, ‘Yes! If it is him I stand a chance. He doesn’t have any muscles like me and looks like he is completely drained out…’ The masters wore a devilish smile on their face. ‘Oho! He has Hwa Young in his gaze! Kukuku This is all too perfect.’ Ma Song even gave Chung Il a secret thumbs up, their plan worked perfectly. He quickly hid as soon as Ji Woo turned around to look at him suspiciously. She didn’t know why, but she had the feeling she had just been played. The masters knew for a fact that she would protest when they would put up the conditions for the test…so they deliberately made it appear they had made the test simpler when they offered Lee Jun to select any disciple…it was almost as if they knew he would see Hwa… ‘Although Hwa looks least muscular of the lot, he is agile on his feet...they must have been aiming for this’ Ji Woo thought to herself. ‘This was planned…and I had just been played.’ Ji Woo had to acknowledge she had underestimated her masters. The Geomchis 40 years ago would have been unable to think of such a perfect plan however the years they spent in Royal Road with Lee Hyun were not in vain. With years of experience they could read situations and make elaborate counter plans like this one with great ease. ‘Hohoho, appearances can be quite deceiving young one. Looks like you have a long way to go.’ Ma Song smiled away. He could clearly tell Lee Jun was eyeing Hwa Young as his opponent. ‘An amateurs mistake…’ Roi Lee smirked. ‘Young ones these days have no sense of combat…’ As they expected, Lee Jun came back to the masters with Hwa Young. Hwa Young, was lean and tall. Since he was so tall, being even slightly lean meant he looked extremely thin. However, beneath his attire, Hwa Young was complete muscle. The only reason he was sweating more than others was because he was punished by the instructor to run 100 laps of the dojang for coming late; but Lee Jun didn’t know that. The masters led the duo to the match room. Some of the disciples and instructors who had finished up with their practice also joined in. They all stood at the edges of the open square ring to watch. The match area was no more than 4 meters by 4 meters. Lee Jun smiled, ‘ It such a small area. And with the audience standing at the edges they are acting as barriers. I was afraid that he could run away…at least he can’t run away.’ Roi Lee provided Lee Jun with protective gear and a keikogi of his size. “You need to wear gloves and a head gear. Even though this is not a fight, we wouldn’t want you to get injured.” Roi Lee explained when he noticed Lee Jun’s confused questioning look. After changing, Lee Jun returned to the room…there were more and more disciples gathering to watch the match. Lee Jun didn’t know how to react. He had difficulty dealing with attention…before he could do anything about it Chung Il grabbed his hand and brought him to the center of the ring. “Lee Jun, I have explained Hwa the rules of his match. He will only try to dodge you. He is allowed to guard himself to avoid injuries but that will count in your favor. You do not have to worry about him hitting back, he will mostly dodge and if required defend.” Lee Jun nodded in confirmation of understanding. Chung Il stood between the two and then lifted his hand as he backed away. “You may now try hitting him.” Lee Jun rushed in right from the start. He extended his right arm forward to land a punch but Hwa Young simply took a step back. Their sheer difference in height made a huge difference of reach. Lee Jun was simply too short, his arms length was not that long, so being able to throw punches was completely ineffective if he wasn’t close enough! Lee Jun took a few steps back and adjusted his head gear. Having so many people around him was distracting and wearing gloves and head gear was also a new distracting feeling…Lee Jun took a deep breath. ‘I need to focus. If he is too far then I simply need to get closer to him. It’s not like he can step out of the ring…’ Lee Jun charged in again. He rushed straight forward and when he was only a whisker away he threw in a punch. Hwa Young simply jumped to the side and dodged the punch. ‘That’s ok…I’ll get him next time.’ Lee Jun thought. He repeated the same tactics again but Hwa once again jumped to the side. ‘He is very lucky…jumping to the side just before I punch him…then how about I drag you into the corner? Where will you go from there?’ Lee Jun began charging after Hwa Young once again, this time he held his arms wide open as he charged in. “What is he doing?” A disciple asked another. “No Idea? Trying to trap Hwa to the corner? I guess?” “Running like that with his arms open? Hwa will just move sooner now…” yawned another. Lee Jun was nothing special to see. If anything he looked silly. Just as the disciples predicted Hwa was no longer waiting for Lee Jun till the very last moment. Instead he began moving sooner away whenever he noticed he was being dragged towards a corner. After several attempts Lee Jun knew he wasn’t getting anywhere. He was already feeling tired and his arms were heavy. ‘These gloves are so heavy…’ The masters were giggling away. They no longer considered Lee Jun a man. Ji Woo was worried, there was no chance of Lee Jun passing this test. It would be all her fault that she brought him here telling him tales of becoming stronger when she could not even support him… “DO YOUR BEST LEE JUN!” Ji Woo shouted out. The atmosphere turned cold and deadly. No one was smiling or laughing at Lee Jun anymore. ‘Who is that boy? Is he here to steal our Ji Woo away?’ ‘How dare he grab the attention of Ji Woo! I curse he never lands a punch on Hwa!’ ‘Should I also try this? Maybe Ji Woo will look at me as well?’ Even the masters stopped giggling, they were cursing themselves for not allowing Hwa Young to punch Lee Jun a few times… “It should have been a fight to death at the very least…” Ma Song muttered under his breath. Lee Jun simply ignored the cold stares and smiled. ‘That stupid girl… this guy is a monster…although he looked exhausted he doesn’t even remotely look tired anymore…why did you have to say that…do your best…easier said than done…unless I circle him…’ Lee Jun tried a new tactic out, he slowly began circling Hwa. “That child has a good sense for combat…” Chung Il Hoon and Choi Jong Bom said together. “Why?” Ji Woo asked curiously. She didn’t understand what Lee Jun was trying to achieve through this. “He first threw a punch when he was close enough. However, he quickly realized his reach is too short and he needs to get closer. So he began charging like an infighter…its something boxers do…however he noticed that Hwa would jump to the side. So he tried cornering Hwa… however, he is too short, weak and lacks the training to corner Hwa. So he is now going around his opponent to attack from the blind side…but he will fail since he has no training…but that is indeed good battle sense.” Choi Jong explained. Lee Jun quickly ran to Hwa’s side and then charged in. He was hoping to catch Hwa from a difficult side or angle. Unfortunately, even if Hwa wasn’t looking at him he could sense Lee Jun. In an instant he moved forward dodging Lee Jun. Lee Jun was already sweaty and now he began panting. It was really difficult to maintain this pace charging in. ‘I need some other tactic that will suit me…’ But Lee Jun couldn’t think of anything. He tried everything that was the most obvious… ‘What I lack is speed…he always manages to escape at the right time…’ Lee Jun closed his eyes and replayed the tactics he employed in his mind. He could visualize himself and spatial space around him. “What is he doing?” the disciples asked one another. “Who knows?” “Maybe he has given up.” “Yes, maybe he should give up on Ji Woo as well.” Lee Jun could no longer hear them. Imagining spatial space and replaying everything that happened required his utmost concentration. ‘I see, whenever I get close, he moves sideways and since I am wearing head gear he disappears from my view. So that’s why I can’t follow him. Even if I did reach up to him, these gloves are weighing me down…that is why he was so easily able to dodge my first punch…its not like I have a lightning fast jab…adding a glove over it must have made my movements even more dull…’ Lee Jun opened his eyes. ‘I need to remove these first.’ He quickly took off his gloves and head gear and tossed them aside. Chung Il stepped into the ring, “Are you giving up?” He asked. “No, I wish to fight without these.” Lee Jun said. “I am afraid I cannot permit that. It is much too dangerous.” Chung Il sternly replied. “But I don’t think I have chance to win then. You also never told me before that I would have to be wearing all this…” Lee Jun complained. Normally, he would have kept quiet and suffered but he found himself at ease with members of the kumdo dojang. “In that case, I permit it but you will not complain if you get injured.” Lee Jun bowed to Chung Il to thank him. ‘Now let’s see Mr. Hwa, who can dodge whom.’ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. Happy reading. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1318) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> *Knock* *Knock*<br><br>*Knock* *Knock*<br><br>Par slowly opened his heavy eyes. Unhurriedly he got up and sleep-walking went to open the doors of his bedroom. He tried the handle but to his surprise it was locked. That woke him up in a moment. Why was he locked in?<br><br>Memories of yesterday came rushing to him. The running away, the fires, the monster and how he was treated afterwards. It seemed all so magical, nothing like his usual days. There were more events than in his normal week or two.<br><br>"Who is here? I can't open the door!" he said.<br><br>"Are you done sleeping there? Or should I come later?"<br><br>"Ace? Ace!" Par said, happily. "How did you find me?"<br><br>"I've been around all the time" Ace said, opening the door. "Did you really think I'd leave you alone so you can have a blast without me? Not a chance."<br><br>Par smiled too but then his eyes fell on his friend’s appearance. His eyes grew wide. "What happened to you?"<br><br>Most of Ace's robe was torn to pieces and bloody, his hands were crimson while bare feet red and marred. There wasn't an undamaged place on him.<br><br>"Well, my evil side took over and did some horrible things. I'm really thankful you've stopped him from causing more havoc."<br><br>"Evil side? When did you... Is that the story thing again?" Par asked, unsure of whether he should really ask it. It would be horrible if he implied Ace did all that himself while there was a simple and easily understandable explanation. But could there really be one?<br><br>"It's not a story. It's my life" Ace said, glaring at Par.<br><br>"You mean you destroyed those houses simply to act out a role? Why would you ever do it?" Par asked, unable to believe what he was hearing.<br><br>"It's not a role" Ace said, shaking his head. "Try to understand it differently. It's a life. It doesn't matter whether I like it or not."<br><br>"But you created it! Why does your life have to give misery to others? Why can't you be just a normal person?"<br><br>"Because I have that in real world! Why the hell would I want to copy it? What I want is a tale! An adventure like one from the old books! Never would another copy of my life suffice! What would be the point of playing then?" Ace asked, his eyes turning green and looking wild.<br><br>"But why not a hero then..." Par asked, grasping for straws.<br><br>"Every story needs a hero and a villain. The first is always unwilling while the second tends to be either unknowing of his own evilness or absolutely crazy. You needed a role too so I picked the one that was harder. It's not that simple to make a villain that people hate and love at the same time. You have to balance on a thin thread between good and evil all the time or else you fall into one of these sides and lose your credibility."<br><br>"But you're only evil!"<br><br>"Tell that to the people outside. And make sure they start paying taxes while you're at it" Ace said, smile back on his face.<br><br>"What?" Par asked, not able to follow the conversation.<br><br>"Just go outside. You can tell you found the doors open. See ya later"<br><br>Those words said, Ace quickly walked out and used [Shadow Veil] the moment he was out. Par who had ran out after saw nothing but evening sun shining on the streets. Ace smiled at the kid and followed him to the outside of the town.<br><br>Laughter and crying could be heard coming from there. He watched Par's eyes widen as he heard people praising the black beast. They were praying for his well-being and laughing while brushing tears from their faces. None seemed to remember that the same beast had almost destroyed their homes just the other day. At that moment someone noticed Par.<br><br>"Hey! Our hero is here! It's all because of him we got our kids back!"<br><br>People rushed to him, grownups and kids altogether. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" They shouted one over the other trying to hug him to express their joy.<br><br>"What happened?" Par asked, when he could breathe again.<br><br>"Remember the creature you stopped tonight?"<br><br>"It saved our children!"<br><br>"He did it because you taught him what is right! The kids said his parting words were "Blood spilt, blood returned".<br><br>"It means he actually learnt from your actions! He might even become our town's guardian spirit now!"<br><br>"Thank you so much!"<br><br>There were huge smiles on their faces equaling that of Ace’s. He was already happily sitting on a nearby house's roof and watching Par's misery for everyone jumping on him. He seemed to truly hate being in the spotlight but was enduring it none the less. Such a good kid. Would he ever break or did he believe in his brother's teachings that much? It was an interesting question and he planned on finding the out. But it'll have to wait for another time as the mayor was coming to destroy the show. His red face promised that he was going to do just that.<br><br>"What is going on here?" he asked in a shout. His face didn't look good with a black eye and still red bruises covering it. The villager's seemed to not have went lightly on him.<br><br>"Miracle happened! Our kids are back! It's all thanks to our little savior here!" women said, answering him while hugging their children closer.<br>"And what did he do? Call another monster to save us from?"<br><br>None looked happy to hear that accusation, Ace included. He felt indignation rise within him. How did that guy dare to even think that he'd follow anyone's command? Quietly jumping off from the roof he sneaked closer to the man. One more word and he would be following after the woman that had stolen the kids.<br><br>"Why do you look so surprised? That boy's a summoner! We saw him call on fire to fight against the beast! Who says that he couldn't have summoned the beast too?"<br><br>'Dead.' There was no more hesitation in Ace's face as he stabbed the guy with his Kris. It drank the blood, feeding itself while being pulled out. Ace knew he was going to be revealed now, his veil having dropped, and quickly scanned his brain for an explanation but it wasn't needed. A black shadow embedded into the man silencing his last scream.<br><br>"Because he's an elementalist!" a female voice said, drawing all attention to herself while Ace not wasting a moment recast his hiding spell. Once it was done he looked at the female who saved his identity for the moment.<br><br>She was standing on a branch of one of the trees in a great pose with her hands on hips and body a bit forward. She clearly had to have practiced it often if she wasn't falling from the tree. But that wasn't the most shocking part. Gazillions of tattoos over her whole body were. She was wearing tight leather shorts and a bikini top of the same material so all the markings were easily seen. There wasn't a single free space on her body.<br><br>"Who are you?" someone from the crowd shouted out, looking for a weapon but not finding any at hand.<br><br>"Me? I'm a demoness mercenary of sorts. I was hired to catch a certain female but she was killed right before my eyes and this kid had nothing to do with it" she said in a strong voice. It echoed around and made you feel insignificant; her high position helped the matter too.<br><br>"Waahaahah! Waawaah!" Someone started to reap. Everyone turned back to see the mayor's wife fallen next to his body. Her face was grief stricken, tears running down in torrents. She was hugging and hitting her husband as if that was going to bring him back.<br><br>People turned back around, glaring at the newcomer demoness with hatred in their eyes. "Why did you kill him? He did nothing to you!"<br><br>"I didn't..." the female said, surprised. Uncertain she jumped off and rushed to see everything with her own eyes.<br><br>Ace stood still at that moment, not daring to even breathe. If the people put all the blame on her, it would be an immense victory. So he carefully watched as she rushed to the dead man and saw it herself. There was no questioning about the truth of the fact. He knew well that his dagger didn't leave chances for anyone of being brought back to life from the hell's gates.<br><br>"How... It was only... Just a silence spell!" she said, not believing it, all her tough act forgotten. "I didn't mean it..."<br><br>There was a slight feeling of guilt in Ace's mind but nowhere strong enough to make him move a muscle. If he did anything, the blame would go to him and he preferred a clean profile. Silver Wing was allowed to be infamous. Ace? Never.<br><br>While the drama was unfolding Par stood debating whether he could already leave or not. No one had told him to stay but Ace had asked to make them pay the taxes... Although it didn't look like it was on anyone's mind at the moment. They were too concerned with the girl that appeared suddenly and killed the mayor for no reason.<br><br>He couldn't believe that people could do that. It's truth that the mayor had accused him of setting the monster up but that wasn't a death deserving thing, right? What was anyway? His brother had never mentioned anything. But this was a game. Maybe different rules existed here than in real life?<br><br>"Burn the witch!" someone shouted, waking Par from his daydreaming.<br><br>"Do it!"<br><br>"Catch the witch!"<br><br>Before the girl could figure out what was happening, the villagers hit her with the single skill they had. "Body of straw, dead man's robes, broom for a weapon and a traveler’s hat, Scarecrow!"<br><br>It was a simple spell used by farmers to summon a scarecrow spirit to frighten wild creatures. It made them freeze for a moment allowing people to kill some of them and cook for dinner. Such a spell wasn't meant to catch humans but the female was caught off guard and there were around twenty or so people casting the spell with their hearts in it.<br><br>So it worked stunning the girl for a long enough time for villagers to bind her arms and legs and stuff a cloth in her mouth so she couldn’t cast any spells. It was amazing how coordinated people could be when they wanted to be. Ace was extremely thankful to her for saving him from that predicament.<br><br>"Ughhgug!" she tried saying something but no intelligible sound came out as she was carried away. Some of a more bloodthirsty went to pick up some wood. They wanted to see the spectacle tonight.<br><br>'Such impatience. I should better get Par out of here now. I don't think he's ready for that yet. Destroying stuff is one thing but killing a person just because is a whole different matter.’ Even himself he didn't really want to see it. If everyone lived by the rule that eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth and life for a life soon enough there would be only ghosts walking the earth. So if you kill you need a reason and revenge isn't a good one. It never brought anyone back to life.<br>When people scattered out, Ace wrote to Par to meet him in a forest. They needed to have a quick talk.<br><br>"We should wrap up all the loose ends and take our leave. You should better go talk about those taxes now. I'll wait for you here."<br><br>"What? Why so suddenly?" Par asked.<br><br>"Let's say it wouldn't be pretty if we stayed. Trust me and let's leave when you finish the business" Ace said, taking out some bread and eating it. He just noticed that his satiety had fallen low and was flashing red.<br><br>"Why are you eating that old bread? I'm sure the villagers would share their food with you if you just asked..." Par said.<br><br>"Maybe but I prefer to stay unknown. But it’s good idea. Go and eat some so we can travel without stopping. Hurry now. The sun will be setting soon" he said shooing the kid and then following him sneakily.<br><br>In truth, there was still a long time before the night setting like some good four hours but there was no reason to waste time. The kid like a good boy first went to the largest house previously belonging to the mayor. Now there were a crowd of people gathered there and clearly arguing over something. But their voices were too quiet to hear about what.<br><br>"Uhm..?" Par asked, not really liking to have to intrude. "Could you help me, please?"<br><br>"Hmm? Oh, it's you! What would you need?" one of the guy's asked. He was a bit on the aged side but not yet an old man. Maybe the hard work or many worries had aged him?<br><br>"I would like for you to promise to start paying taxes" Par said in a quiet voice, everyone having to listen intently to hear his words. He really didn't like being in the spotlight and trying to persuade people on such an important thing.<br><br>"Why so sudden? We'll have to choose a new mayor and then we'll vote whether it is in our best interests to do so or not so please wait. There shouldn't be any hurry in such matters."<br><br>Ace watched Par's face fall and wished to write him an encouraging message with what to say but what would be the point of it... He'd never learn if people always gave him a helping hand. To see the world you had to do it on your own without others creating hidden structures to support your every step. It only ever led to disasters.<br><br>While Ace was daydreaming about the wrongness of helping others, Par found his courage and spoke up. "I have to leave soon so choose now."<br>"Soon is when?"<br><br>"Once I'm done here. My friend is already waiting for me" Par said, his voice firm. Ace noted how he could fight for what he was ordered to do but not things he wanted to do himself. He couldn't understand how a person could be so selfless and whether it was a character trait or a built in rule.<br><br>"We can't decide anything so suddenly! It's an important question to our village’s development!" the guy said in outrage, people around him having mixed emotions. Some looked agreeing while others were shaking their heads.<br><br>Ace wanted to threaten them so badly. All it would take to convince them would be a word that the lord wouldn’t protect them the next time or even send some monster himself and they would all agree in an instant without daring to say a word.<br><br>"But you've almost been destroyed! You should be seeking help and protection! If you start paying, you can ask the lord to send soldiers to your aid and even some resources! It's to your own benefit!" Par said in a raised voice.<br><br>The villagers seemed surprised. It didn't look like either one had even considered such an idea. Ace smiled at that. The kid unknowingly had created a genius plan of revenge. Now Ace wouldn't have to waste time thinking of ways to pay the lord back for giving such a test. It was a great idea to pick up Par on the run. With his innocence, he was becoming an interesting tool, good for delicate situations. No one would suspect him of lying especially when he knew nothing of Ace's true agendas. A truly good choice to get him.<br><br>"You sure that is truth?" the same man asked, uncertainly. It was hard to believe that something like this was reality. If they had known, never would they have stopped paying.<br><br>"It must! Isn't that what you pay him for? You listen to him and follow his orders while in exchange he protects you!" Par said, nodding his head with vigor. He was sure that had to be the truth.<br><br>"Fine then" the villager said, giving up. "We'll pay those taxes. You can leave with an easy heart"<br><br>"Thank you" Par said with a smile and waving at them left. Ace followed him.<br><br>"Hey wait!" a female shouted and they turned back. It was the woman that had first brought Par inside her house and locked him in. "I heard what you've talked about. I don't have words to thank you enough so please at least come and eat with us before leaving. I'm sorry for locking you up the last time but it was for your own safety"<br><br>'It doesn't matter if you're a hero. As long as you're a kid, you're going to be treated like one' Ace though with disappointment. He shouldn't have even expected more.<br><br>Par nodded at the woman's request and together they went to her house. Now it was filled with kids and their mothers happily chatting while some of the fathers sat beside, looking at them relieved. Par was sat at the head of the table and food was brought to him. It wasn't of the restaurant's cuisine but the best what the villagers had. He ate it greedily while Ace watched him with envious eyes. Sometimes it was so hard to be the villain.<br>Only when he was full where Par allowed to take his leave. Followed by a hidden Ace he went out of the village. On his way, he saw the tattooed female. She looked very sad and lonely, lying on her side with all her limbs tightly bound and her mouth covered. Her eyes were full of terror, pleading for help. It was hard for Par to ignore it but somehow he managed to leave.<br><br>Outside he saw Ace sitting on a tree branch with one leg bent. "Have you been waiting here all the time?"<br><br>"More or less. Have you finished all your work?" Ace asked.<br><br>"Yeah..." Par said, voice low.<br><br>"And why the long face?" Ace asked, annoyed. "Did something go wrongly?"<br><br>"I don't want that girl to die..."<br><br>"Oh my god... Why is that? She killed the town's mayor! Isn't there a universal rule that people should be punished for their crimes?"<br><br>"But she looked so sad! I'm sure it must have been a misunderstanding!"<br><br>"You mean she accidentally cast a killing spell? That sounds a bit unrealistic, don't you think?" Ace asked, raising an eyebrow.<br><br>But Par wasn’t understanding or didn't care that Ace was ridiculing him. "There has to be an explanation to it. She looked so shocked and horrified when she saw what happened! She has to be innocent!" he said in a firm voice.<br><br>"Even if that was true, what do you expect me to do? To just waltz in and save the damsel in distress? If either of us even show our faces there, all the work will be for nothing. Is that what you want?" Ace asked, annoyed.<br><br>"No, but... You always have a plan for everything!" Par said, looking at Ace with shining eyes.<br><br>"You can't be serious..." Ace said, sighing. When did he become the great mastermind?<br><br>"I believe you" Par said with a bright smile, still looking with those puppy dog eyes.<br><br>Ace raised his eyes to the sky, shaking his head. 'Did I really say it was a good idea to bring him along? I must have been mad.' "Fine. Give me a moment."<br>He jumped on the other side of the tree and used [Shadow Veil]. Hidden he sneaked to the village.<br><br> In reality it was a child's play to cut the ropes binding the girl. He just didn't want to risk having villagers reconsider their agreement on paying. When he was next to her, he made sure that no one was looking and whispered in her ear. "Now I'm going to free you. Can you leave the village by yourself?"<br><br>The girl looked around with wide eyes but saw nothing. "Nod if you know how to" Ace said, impatiently. There was a slight move of the female's head which could have been mistaken for a deep breath. "Get ready. Three, two, go!" he whispered, cutting all the ropes with one swift slash.<br><br>The girl took out the cloth clogging her mouth and started to chant. People noticed it and came rushing but in a moment a large bird stood in the girl's place which took flight without waiting a moment longer. While villagers were following its disappearing silhouette, Ace growling under his breath collected the ropes to leave no evidence and made his own exist. Now they could finally leave this small and boring place.<br><br>A surprise was waiting for him as he returned to Par. The kid was sitting alongside the girl and chatting happily.<br><br>"...my friend. He'll be here in a moment. You should thank him and not me!" he was saying.<br><br>"No need" Ace said, throwing the ropes down and setting them on fire with [Flare] that left his barely present cowl. "We're leaving now. Let's go, Par"<br>Par stood up and jumped to follow. "Where are we hurrying to?"<br><br>"Who cares? It is in our best interest to quickly get out of here. If the search squad finds us, we'll lose everything we've achieved" Ace said, choosing a random direction and starting to walk. Coincidentally it was the same as the children abductor's house. 'Maybe we could stay the night there? It should be empty. Although, I'd have to drag the corpse out. Gaah... It would stink horribly by now.'<br><br>"What search squad?" the female asked, jumping from her sitting position.<br><br>"Do you really think they'll just let you escape? They'll comb the forest, killing all the large birds, in case you had to take a rest" Ace said, not even turning back to acknowledge her.<br><br>"What? Are you sure of it?" she asked, desperately.<br><br>"No, I'm just sprouting random nonsense. You should go back to the village and have a good chat with its people. They might tell you what they’re not really going to search for someone who just killed their mayor." Ace said, sarcasm dripping from his voice.<br><br>The female didn't seem to appreciate it. Her face reddened, eyes throwing bolts of lightning. "You little br..."<br><br>"You can follow us if you wish. If not, get lost."<br><br>After a few seconds the female jogged to catch up with them. "Is he always like that?" she asked Par.<br><br>"He's just worried about our safety. Ace is very grown up like that" Par said, smiling. The aforementioned guy rolled his eyes but didn't turn around.<br><br>"Really? What is he normally like?"<br><br>"Ace is very nice! He... Well, he... He's my best friend! We talk a lot and he knows many great stories which he loves telling. At the same time he always listens to me without interrupting. He's the best person ever!"<br><br>"What is your name?" Ace asked, abruptly.<br><br>"Who? Me?" the female asked.<br><br>"No, I'm asking the guy I've been travelling for the last half a year with. Are you really this stupid or just pretending?"<br><br>"Stop it! Why do you have to insult me in every word?" she asked, angrily. Par looked sad; he didn't understand his friend's behavior either.<br><br>Ace stopped and turned around, his eyes flashing deep red. "I've had to run away, been burned, punched, boiled and kicked, all in two days while not getting an hour's sleep. On top of that I had to save a random druidess who pretends to be a demoness and because of her be chased. I'm sorry if I'm not in the best of moods!" he shouted out, the bloody and torn clothes making him look like a vengeful spirit. "Is there anything else you want to know?" he asked with a glare.<br><br>The eyes of his companions widened and involuntarily they took a step back. There was power in those words. Seeing that Ace smiled and burst out laughing. "You actually believed that?" he shook his head with mirth. "I was just playing around. But let's get going or we'll get caught"<br><br>The stunned duo resumed following him trying to decipher his words. When was he playing around? When he said the monologue or acted as a bastard. They weren't meant to find that out.<br><br>"My name is Rowena."<br><br>"Nice to meet you, I'm Ace" he said with a smile, turning around for a moment.<br><br>"Was all those things that you said the truth?" Par asked, quietly.<br><br>"Yep, the female didn't want to release the kids so I had to convince her by other methods" he said, shrugging.<br><br>"Wait! You can't mean you're that black beast!" Rowena said in a raised voice.<br><br>"Depends on how you look at it. It's me but not me at the same time" Ace said, explaining.<br><br>"What do you mean?"<br><br>"It's a curse I've picked up in my travels. From time to time I turn into what you saw and am unable to control the actions of my own body."<br><br>"Is that even possible?" she asked in wonder.<br><br>"As you can see, I'm a living proof."<br><br>"Why does your friend have such a disagreeing face then?" Rowena asked, noting how Par's eyes lowered.<br><br>"He doesn't like my choice. This curse sometimes does quite evil things, turning me into a monster, but knowing all that I still picked it up of my own free will. It adds a lot of statuses to my character."<br><br>With that the conversation ended. No one had anything else to add and returned to their own thoughts. Par thought about how he would have to face his brother once he had to log off, it was a scary idea.<br><br>Rowena wad trying to understand what the two kids could be doing here all alone. They were as different as it was possible with the leading kid impossible to judge. Every single word and action was unlike the previous one. She had actually seen him show up at the mage Oria's home looking innocent and sweet, ignore the torture and then turn into a beast. At first she had thought he was a cold blooded killer having taken an appearance of a child, but then later on he seemed like an angry at the whole world teenager while now he was a normal young child smiling, laughing and traipsing around. It didn't seem like he knew where he was going at all either.<br><br>The guy confusing the female so much wasn't really caring about that. Ace allowed himself a moment to relax. Now that the talking was over he could drop the mask and walk ahead with his expression blank. He truly was tired from all those escapades he mentioned but not enough to lose his composure. There were still some things he could take care of before leaving and having to face Veronica. He was sure someone was already standing over his capsule, waiting to call Veronica the moment he woke up.<br><br>That wasn't a happy thought so he abandoned it and focused on what he planned to do with the female. She said she was sent to hunt the children abductor so it meant she wasn't as useless as she pretended. Or was she? Could it be that she lied or was sent here on an accident? Was it possible that she was too shy to form a party or quickly got bored of them?<br><br>The possibilities were endless so he gave up on it too and focused on the matters at hand. They were getting closer to the house and he needed Par away to clear up the place. "Par can you gather some fire wood? The house is just right ahead."<br><br>Par looked at Ace and then nodded. As he moved away Rowena spoke up. "Should I go with him?"<br><br>"No. Turn into a mole and dig a large hole to hide the body."<br><br>"No way! I don't have to follow your orders!"<br><br>"If you prefer staying the night outside, do as you wish" Ace said, impassively.<br><br>"You can't do that!" Rowena said, indignantly.<br><br>"Try me." <br><br>"Why did the kid receive the easiest job?"<br><br>Ace looked at her as if doubting her sanity. His eyes questioned whether she really suggested that he should allow a young child to see a dead body that has been stabbed repeatedly and was starting to stink of rot. She smiled apologetically before noting that the one she was talking to couldn't be more than a year or two older than the aforementioned kid. When she wanted to point that out, he'd already had disappeared into the house. She was left alone to choose or that's how she told herself it was, pretending that fear of the black beast had nothing to do with her choice.<br><br>Ace went to the lowest level which stank horribly. Somehow from the fire that had been left going in the hearth and some other source the place had been kept extremely warm accelerating the rotting process. From somewhere even a family of flies had come and was walking all over the corpse. The only thing it lacked was actually rotting pieces of flesh.<br><br>Taking a large gulp of putrid air, he prepared himself for the upcoming task and took the woman's hand. It was cold and moist but he clenched his teeth and strengthened the hold, starting to drag the body up. It was hard work because he didn't invest too much in strength. The stairs seemed endless but he pushed on, knowing Par would be coming back any time. The female should have finished with the hiding place too. His tongue didn't turn over to call it a grave.<br><br>A sudden thought came to his mind or a memory more like. It was his first killed Npc, another mage. That time he had killed, robbed and ran away. A laugh escaped his mouth. He had learnt by now and this time killed and ran but returned to hide the body and rob. The ultimate truth dead men no longer need their possessions. Once he got rid of her, he could have a good time going through her belongings.<br><br>Thinking about that, he dropped the body for a moment and started to look for valuable things. A ring, necklace with a green gem and a pouch. Short smile lightened his face before he had to pick up the woman's hand again. That destroyed all the happiness.<br><br>Some ages later or so it felt like to him, the stairs ended and he was in the room. Luckily, the blood on the woman's wounds had dried and wasn't staining the floor or he would have had to clear it. With a sigh, he continued his journey, leaving the house and coming to the burying place.<br><br>Rowena stood next to it with her clothes full of dirt. There was a scowl on her face. "You'll pay for this"<br><br>Ace ignored her and dragged his woman closer. Par was returning so he had to be quick.<br><br>The corpse didn't feel like fitting in so he jumped in the hole himself and bent her body so no limbs would be sticking out. His face was lacking any kind of emotion, making Rowena take a step back. She'd played the game for some time and had killed her own share of enemies but there was just something wrong with touching dead bodies. The realism of the game made that real life fact transfer to here.<br><br>Done with the corpse, Ace called upon [Gust] to push the earth and hide her body plus take the smell out of the house. There was no chance he was staying there with it smelling like the dead.<br><br>"How are you so emotionless? Don't you understand what you're doing?"<br><br>"Should I be crying a river for you? Sorry but I'm not in the mood for show" Ace said, leaving the place to meet Par.<br><br>He had brought a good bunch of dry branches and Ace went back to the house to start a fire. Par followed him in immediately while Rowena took her time. She was stunned by the kid's actions and just couldn't understand how one could be like that.<br><br>Inside Ace found a pot and started to make some tea. Although his cooking skills were below average, he could make great tea, with dried meat it was his every meal, when he was alone.<br><br>"What are we going to do now?" Par asked, his voice low.<br><br>"Leave and see how it goes. What else could we do?"<br><br>"I don't think they'll let me back in" he said, worry coloring his voice.<br><br>"We have to do it. Anyway, let's have a signal." He ripped two pieces from his own supposedly green tunic and two from Par's who was too surprised to get away. Then he used them to make four small flags attached to branches. Two with different colors were given to Par. "Now you put the one with my green color to the wall as a saying that you'll return. If you decide that your parents' and Monthu's words are more important, then you change with your one and leave. In that case I don't want to see you ever again. There will be no forgiving. I'm not going to do anything of a kind myself but for the equality's sake, I've got both flags too. Everything's clear?"<br><br>"But what if..?"<br><br>"No ifs. You come back to travel with me or return to them and stay a lapdog. Simple as that" Ace said, firmly.<br><br>"How long will you wait for me to return back?"<br><br>"Even if it takes forever, I'll stay around" Ace said with a grin. "There's not a thing that can keep me away from returning to my best friend!"<br><br>Next Chapter--&gt;<a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1308" target="_blank">http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1308</a><br>Previous Chapter--&gt;<a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1204&amp;p=6851#p6851" target="_blank">http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&amp;t=1204&amp;p=6851#p6851</a><br><br>Author's Note:<br><br>Well, well... This chapter was a pretty hard one. It just didnt want to be written so I've had my troubles but hopefully you find it to your liking :) </div>

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock* *Knock* Par slowly opened his heavy eyes. Unhurriedly he got up and sleep-walking went to open the doors of his bedroom. He tried the handle but to his surprise it was locked. That woke him up in a moment. Why was he locked in? Memories of yesterday came rushing to him. The running away, the fires, the monster and how he was treated afterwards. It seemed all so magical, nothing like his usual days. There were more events than in his normal week or two. "Who is here? I can't open the door!" he said. "Are you done sleeping there? Or should I come later?" "Ace? Ace!" Par said, happily. "How did you find me?" "I've been around all the time" Ace said, opening the door. "Did you really think I'd leave you alone so you can have a blast without me? Not a chance." Par smiled too but then his eyes fell on his friend’s appearance. His eyes grew wide. "What happened to you?" Most of Ace's robe was torn to pieces and bloody, his hands were crimson while bare feet red and marred. There wasn't an undamaged place on him. "Well, my evil side took over and did some horrible things. I'm really thankful you've stopped him from causing more havoc." "Evil side? When did you... Is that the story thing again?" Par asked, unsure of whether he should really ask it. It would be horrible if he implied Ace did all that himself while there was a simple and easily understandable explanation. But could there really be one? "It's not a story. It's my life" Ace said, glaring at Par. "You mean you destroyed those houses simply to act out a role? Why would you ever do it?" Par asked, unable to believe what he was hearing. "It's not a role" Ace said, shaking his head. "Try to understand it differently. It's a life. It doesn't matter whether I like it or not." "But you created it! Why does your life have to give misery to others? Why can't you be just a normal person?" "Because I have that in real world! Why the hell would I want to copy it? What I want is a tale! An adventure like one from the old books! Never would another copy of my life suffice! What would be the point of playing then?" Ace asked, his eyes turning green and looking wild. "But why not a hero then..." Par asked, grasping for straws. "Every story needs a hero and a villain. The first is always unwilling while the second tends to be either unknowing of his own evilness or absolutely crazy. You needed a role too so I picked the one that was harder. It's not that simple to make a villain that people hate and love at the same time. You have to balance on a thin thread between good and evil all the time or else you fall into one of these sides and lose your credibility." "But you're only evil!" "Tell that to the people outside. And make sure they start paying taxes while you're at it" Ace said, smile back on his face. "What?" Par asked, not able to follow the conversation. "Just go outside. You can tell you found the doors open. See ya later" Those words said, Ace quickly walked out and used [Shadow Veil] the moment he was out. Par who had ran out after saw nothing but evening sun shining on the streets. Ace smiled at the kid and followed him to the outside of the town. Laughter and crying could be heard coming from there. He watched Par's eyes widen as he heard people praising the black beast. They were praying for his well-being and laughing while brushing tears from their faces. None seemed to remember that the same beast had almost destroyed their homes just the other day. At that moment someone noticed Par. "Hey! Our hero is here! It's all because of him we got our kids back!" People rushed to him, grownups and kids altogether. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" They shouted one over the other trying to hug him to express their joy. "What happened?" Par asked, when he could breathe again. "Remember the creature you stopped tonight?" "It saved our children!" "He did it because you taught him what is right! The kids said his parting words were "Blood spilt, blood returned". "It means he actually learnt from your actions! He might even become our town's guardian spirit now!" "Thank you so much!" There were huge smiles on their faces equaling that of Ace’s. He was already happily sitting on a nearby house's roof and watching Par's misery for everyone jumping on him. He seemed to truly hate being in the spotlight but was enduring it none the less. Such a good kid. Would he ever break or did he believe in his brother's teachings that much? It was an interesting question and he planned on finding the out. But it'll have to wait for another time as the mayor was coming to destroy the show. His red face promised that he was going to do just that. "What is going on here?" he asked in a shout. His face didn't look good with a black eye and still red bruises covering it. The villager's seemed to not have went lightly on him. "Miracle happened! Our kids are back! It's all thanks to our little savior here!" women said, answering him while hugging their children closer. "And what did he do? Call another monster to save us from?" None looked happy to hear that accusation, Ace included. He felt indignation rise within him. How did that guy dare to even think that he'd follow anyone's command? Quietly jumping off from the roof he sneaked closer to the man. One more word and he would be following after the woman that had stolen the kids. "Why do you look so surprised? That boy's a summoner! We saw him call on fire to fight against the beast! Who says that he couldn't have summoned the beast too?" 'Dead.' There was no more hesitation in Ace's face as he stabbed the guy with his Kris. It drank the blood, feeding itself while being pulled out. Ace knew he was going to be revealed now, his veil having dropped, and quickly scanned his brain for an explanation but it wasn't needed. A black shadow embedded into the man silencing his last scream. "Because he's an elementalist!" a female voice said, drawing all attention to herself while Ace not wasting a moment recast his hiding spell. Once it was done he looked at the female who saved his identity for the moment. She was standing on a branch of one of the trees in a great pose with her hands on hips and body a bit forward. She clearly had to have practiced it often if she wasn't falling from the tree. But that wasn't the most shocking part. Gazillions of tattoos over her whole body were. She was wearing tight leather shorts and a bikini top of the same material so all the markings were easily seen. There wasn't a single free space on her body. "Who are you?" someone from the crowd shouted out, looking for a weapon but not finding any at hand. "Me? I'm a demoness mercenary of sorts. I was hired to catch a certain female but she was killed right before my eyes and this kid had nothing to do with it" she said in a strong voice. It echoed around and made you feel insignificant; her high position helped the matter too. "Waahaahah! Waawaah!" Someone started to reap. Everyone turned back to see the mayor's wife fallen next to his body. Her face was grief stricken, tears running down in torrents. She was hugging and hitting her husband as if that was going to bring him back. People turned back around, glaring at the newcomer demoness with hatred in their eyes. "Why did you kill him? He did nothing to you!" "I didn't..." the female said, surprised. Uncertain she jumped off and rushed to see everything with her own eyes. Ace stood still at that moment, not daring to even breathe. If the people put all the blame on her, it would be an immense victory. So he carefully watched as she rushed to the dead man and saw it herself. There was no questioning about the truth of the fact. He knew well that his dagger didn't leave chances for anyone of being brought back to life from the hell's gates. "How... It was only... Just a silence spell!" she said, not believing it, all her tough act forgotten. "I didn't mean it..." There was a slight feeling of guilt in Ace's mind but nowhere strong enough to make him move a muscle. If he did anything, the blame would go to him and he preferred a clean profile. Silver Wing was allowed to be infamous. Ace? Never. While the drama was unfolding Par stood debating whether he could already leave or not. No one had told him to stay but Ace had asked to make them pay the taxes... Although it didn't look like it was on anyone's mind at the moment. They were too concerned with the girl that appeared suddenly and killed the mayor for no reason. He couldn't believe that people could do that. It's truth that the mayor had accused him of setting the monster up but that wasn't a death deserving thing, right? What was anyway? His brother had never mentioned anything. But this was a game. Maybe different rules existed here than in real life? "Burn the witch!" someone shouted, waking Par from his daydreaming. "Do it!" "Catch the witch!" Before the girl could figure out what was happening, the villagers hit her with the single skill they had. "Body of straw, dead man's robes, broom for a weapon and a traveler’s hat, Scarecrow!" It was a simple spell used by farmers to summon a scarecrow spirit to frighten wild creatures. It made them freeze for a moment allowing people to kill some of them and cook for dinner. Such a spell wasn't meant to catch humans but the female was caught off guard and there were around twenty or so people casting the spell with their hearts in it. So it worked stunning the girl for a long enough time for villagers to bind her arms and legs and stuff a cloth in her mouth so she couldn’t cast any spells. It was amazing how coordinated people could be when they wanted to be. Ace was extremely thankful to her for saving him from that predicament. "Ughhgug!" she tried saying something but no intelligible sound came out as she was carried away. Some of a more bloodthirsty went to pick up some wood. They wanted to see the spectacle tonight. 'Such impatience. I should better get Par out of here now. I don't think he's ready for that yet. Destroying stuff is one thing but killing a person just because is a whole different matter.’ Even himself he didn't really want to see it. If everyone lived by the rule that eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth and life for a life soon enough there would be only ghosts walking the earth. So if you kill you need a reason and revenge isn't a good one. It never brought anyone back to life. When people scattered out, Ace wrote to Par to meet him in a forest. They needed to have a quick talk. "We should wrap up all the loose ends and take our leave. You should better go talk about those taxes now. I'll wait for you here." "What? Why so suddenly?" Par asked. "Let's say it wouldn't be pretty if we stayed. Trust me and let's leave when you finish the business" Ace said, taking out some bread and eating it. He just noticed that his satiety had fallen low and was flashing red. "Why are you eating that old bread? I'm sure the villagers would share their food with you if you just asked..." Par said. "Maybe but I prefer to stay unknown. But it’s good idea. Go and eat some so we can travel without stopping. Hurry now. The sun will be setting soon" he said shooing the kid and then following him sneakily. In truth, there was still a long time before the night setting like some good four hours but there was no reason to waste time. The kid like a good boy first went to the largest house previously belonging to the mayor. Now there were a crowd of people gathered there and clearly arguing over something. But their voices were too quiet to hear about what. "Uhm..?" Par asked, not really liking to have to intrude. "Could you help me, please?" "Hmm? Oh, it's you! What would you need?" one of the guy's asked. He was a bit on the aged side but not yet an old man. Maybe the hard work or many worries had aged him? "I would like for you to promise to start paying taxes" Par said in a quiet voice, everyone having to listen intently to hear his words. He really didn't like being in the spotlight and trying to persuade people on such an important thing. "Why so sudden? We'll have to choose a new mayor and then we'll vote whether it is in our best interests to do so or not so please wait. There shouldn't be any hurry in such matters." Ace watched Par's face fall and wished to write him an encouraging message with what to say but what would be the point of it... He'd never learn if people always gave him a helping hand. To see the world you had to do it on your own without others creating hidden structures to support your every step. It only ever led to disasters. While Ace was daydreaming about the wrongness of helping others, Par found his courage and spoke up. "I have to leave soon so choose now." "Soon is when?" "Once I'm done here. My friend is already waiting for me" Par said, his voice firm. Ace noted how he could fight for what he was ordered to do but not things he wanted to do himself. He couldn't understand how a person could be so selfless and whether it was a character trait or a built in rule. "We can't decide anything so suddenly! It's an important question to our village’s development!" the guy said in outrage, people around him having mixed emotions. Some looked agreeing while others were shaking their heads. Ace wanted to threaten them so badly. All it would take to convince them would be a word that the lord wouldn’t protect them the next time or even send some monster himself and they would all agree in an instant without daring to say a word. "But you've almost been destroyed! You should be seeking help and protection! If you start paying, you can ask the lord to send soldiers to your aid and even some resources! It's to your own benefit!" Par said in a raised voice. The villagers seemed surprised. It didn't look like either one had even considered such an idea. Ace smiled at that. The kid unknowingly had created a genius plan of revenge. Now Ace wouldn't have to waste time thinking of ways to pay the lord back for giving such a test. It was a great idea to pick up Par on the run. With his innocence, he was becoming an interesting tool, good for delicate situations. No one would suspect him of lying especially when he knew nothing of Ace's true agendas. A truly good choice to get him. "You sure that is truth?" the same man asked, uncertainly. It was hard to believe that something like this was reality. If they had known, never would they have stopped paying. "It must! Isn't that what you pay him for? You listen to him and follow his orders while in exchange he protects you!" Par said, nodding his head with vigor. He was sure that had to be the truth. "Fine then" the villager said, giving up. "We'll pay those taxes. You can leave with an easy heart" "Thank you" Par said with a smile and waving at them left. Ace followed him. "Hey wait!" a female shouted and they turned back. It was the woman that had first brought Par inside her house and locked him in. "I heard what you've talked about. I don't have words to thank you enough so please at least come and eat with us before leaving. I'm sorry for locking you up the last time but it was for your own safety" 'It doesn't matter if you're a hero. As long as you're a kid, you're going to be treated like one' Ace though with disappointment. He shouldn't have even expected more. Par nodded at the woman's request and together they went to her house. Now it was filled with kids and their mothers happily chatting while some of the fathers sat beside, looking at them relieved. Par was sat at the head of the table and food was brought to him. It wasn't of the restaurant's cuisine but the best what the villagers had. He ate it greedily while Ace watched him with envious eyes. Sometimes it was so hard to be the villain. Only when he was full where Par allowed to take his leave. Followed by a hidden Ace he went out of the village. On his way, he saw the tattooed female. She looked very sad and lonely, lying on her side with all her limbs tightly bound and her mouth covered. Her eyes were full of terror, pleading for help. It was hard for Par to ignore it but somehow he managed to leave. Outside he saw Ace sitting on a tree branch with one leg bent. "Have you been waiting here all the time?" "More or less. Have you finished all your work?" Ace asked. "Yeah..." Par said, voice low. "And why the long face?" Ace asked, annoyed. "Did something go wrongly?" "I don't want that girl to die..." "Oh my god... Why is that? She killed the town's mayor! Isn't there a universal rule that people should be punished for their crimes?" "But she looked so sad! I'm sure it must have been a misunderstanding!" "You mean she accidentally cast a killing spell? That sounds a bit unrealistic, don't you think?" Ace asked, raising an eyebrow. But Par wasn’t understanding or didn't care that Ace was ridiculing him. "There has to be an explanation to it. She looked so shocked and horrified when she saw what happened! She has to be innocent!" he said in a firm voice. "Even if that was true, what do you expect me to do? To just waltz in and save the damsel in distress? If either of us even show our faces there, all the work will be for nothing. Is that what you want?" Ace asked, annoyed. "No, but... You always have a plan for everything!" Par said, looking at Ace with shining eyes. "You can't be serious..." Ace said, sighing. When did he become the great mastermind? "I believe you" Par said with a bright smile, still looking with those puppy dog eyes. Ace raised his eyes to the sky, shaking his head. 'Did I really say it was a good idea to bring him along? I must have been mad.' "Fine. Give me a moment." He jumped on the other side of the tree and used [Shadow Veil]. Hidden he sneaked to the village. In reality it was a child's play to cut the ropes binding the girl. He just didn't want to risk having villagers reconsider their agreement on paying. When he was next to her, he made sure that no one was looking and whispered in her ear. "Now I'm going to free you. Can you leave the village by yourself?" The girl looked around with wide eyes but saw nothing. "Nod if you know how to" Ace said, impatiently. There was a slight move of the female's head which could have been mistaken for a deep breath. "Get ready. Three, two, go!" he whispered, cutting all the ropes with one swift slash. The girl took out the cloth clogging her mouth and started to chant. People noticed it and came rushing but in a moment a large bird stood in the girl's place which took flight without waiting a moment longer. While villagers were following its disappearing silhouette, Ace growling under his breath collected the ropes to leave no evidence and made his own exist. Now they could finally leave this small and boring place. A surprise was waiting for him as he returned to Par. The kid was sitting alongside the girl and chatting happily. "...my friend. He'll be here in a moment. You should thank him and not me!" he was saying. "No need" Ace said, throwing the ropes down and setting them on fire with [Flare] that left his barely present cowl. "We're leaving now. Let's go, Par" Par stood up and jumped to follow. "Where are we hurrying to?" "Who cares? It is in our best interest to quickly get out of here. If the search squad finds us, we'll lose everything we've achieved" Ace said, choosing a random direction and starting to walk. Coincidentally it was the same as the children abductor's house. 'Maybe we could stay the night there? It should be empty. Although, I'd have to drag the corpse out. Gaah... It would stink horribly by now.' "What search squad?" the female asked, jumping from her sitting position. "Do you really think they'll just let you escape? They'll comb the forest, killing all the large birds, in case you had to take a rest" Ace said, not even turning back to acknowledge her. "What? Are you sure of it?" she asked, desperately. "No, I'm just sprouting random nonsense. You should go back to the village and have a good chat with its people. They might tell you what they’re not really going to search for someone who just killed their mayor." Ace said, sarcasm dripping from his voice. The female didn't seem to appreciate it. Her face reddened, eyes throwing bolts of lightning. "You little br..." "You can follow us if you wish. If not, get lost." After a few seconds the female jogged to catch up with them. "Is he always like that?" she asked Par. "He's just worried about our safety. Ace is very grown up like that" Par said, smiling. The aforementioned guy rolled his eyes but didn't turn around. "Really? What is he normally like?" "Ace is very nice! He... Well, he... He's my best friend! We talk a lot and he knows many great stories which he loves telling. At the same time he always listens to me without interrupting. He's the best person ever!" "What is your name?" Ace asked, abruptly. "Who? Me?" the female asked. "No, I'm asking the guy I've been travelling for the last half a year with. Are you really this stupid or just pretending?" "Stop it! Why do you have to insult me in every word?" she asked, angrily. Par looked sad; he didn't understand his friend's behavior either. Ace stopped and turned around, his eyes flashing deep red. "I've had to run away, been burned, punched, boiled and kicked, all in two days while not getting an hour's sleep. On top of that I had to save a random druidess who pretends to be a demoness and because of her be chased. I'm sorry if I'm not in the best of moods!" he shouted out, the bloody and torn clothes making him look like a vengeful spirit. "Is there anything else you want to know?" he asked with a glare. The eyes of his companions widened and involuntarily they took a step back. There was power in those words. Seeing that Ace smiled and burst out laughing. "You actually believed that?" he shook his head with mirth. "I was just playing around. But let's get going or we'll get caught" The stunned duo resumed following him trying to decipher his words. When was he playing around? When he said the monologue or acted as a bastard. They weren't meant to find that out. "My name is Rowena." "Nice to meet you, I'm Ace" he said with a smile, turning around for a moment. "Was all those things that you said the truth?" Par asked, quietly. "Yep, the female didn't want to release the kids so I had to convince her by other methods" he said, shrugging. "Wait! You can't mean you're that black beast!" Rowena said in a raised voice. "Depends on how you look at it. It's me but not me at the same time" Ace said, explaining. "What do you mean?" "It's a curse I've picked up in my travels. From time to time I turn into what you saw and am unable to control the actions of my own body." "Is that even possible?" she asked in wonder. "As you can see, I'm a living proof." "Why does your friend have such a disagreeing face then?" Rowena asked, noting how Par's eyes lowered. "He doesn't like my choice. This curse sometimes does quite evil things, turning me into a monster, but knowing all that I still picked it up of my own free will. It adds a lot of statuses to my character." With that the conversation ended. No one had anything else to add and returned to their own thoughts. Par thought about how he would have to face his brother once he had to log off, it was a scary idea. Rowena wad trying to understand what the two kids could be doing here all alone. They were as different as it was possible with the leading kid impossible to judge. Every single word and action was unlike the previous one. She had actually seen him show up at the mage Oria's home looking innocent and sweet, ignore the torture and then turn into a beast. At first she had thought he was a cold blooded killer having taken an appearance of a child, but then later on he seemed like an angry at the whole world teenager while now he was a normal young child smiling, laughing and traipsing around. It didn't seem like he knew where he was going at all either. The guy confusing the female so much wasn't really caring about that. Ace allowed himself a moment to relax. Now that the talking was over he could drop the mask and walk ahead with his expression blank. He truly was tired from all those escapades he mentioned but not enough to lose his composure. There were still some things he could take care of before leaving and having to face Veronica. He was sure someone was already standing over his capsule, waiting to call Veronica the moment he woke up. That wasn't a happy thought so he abandoned it and focused on what he planned to do with the female. She said she was sent to hunt the children abductor so it meant she wasn't as useless as she pretended. Or was she? Could it be that she lied or was sent here on an accident? Was it possible that she was too shy to form a party or quickly got bored of them? The possibilities were endless so he gave up on it too and focused on the matters at hand. They were getting closer to the house and he needed Par away to clear up the place. "Par can you gather some fire wood? The house is just right ahead." Par looked at Ace and then nodded. As he moved away Rowena spoke up. "Should I go with him?" "No. Turn into a mole and dig a large hole to hide the body." "No way! I don't have to follow your orders!" "If you prefer staying the night outside, do as you wish" Ace said, impassively. "You can't do that!" Rowena said, indignantly. "Try me." "Why did the kid receive the easiest job?" Ace looked at her as if doubting her sanity. His eyes questioned whether she really suggested that he should allow a young child to see a dead body that has been stabbed repeatedly and was starting to stink of rot. She smiled apologetically before noting that the one she was talking to couldn't be more than a year or two older than the aforementioned kid. When she wanted to point that out, he'd already had disappeared into the house. She was left alone to choose or that's how she told herself it was, pretending that fear of the black beast had nothing to do with her choice. Ace went to the lowest level which stank horribly. Somehow from the fire that had been left going in the hearth and some other source the place had been kept extremely warm accelerating the rotting process. From somewhere even a family of flies had come and was walking all over the corpse. The only thing it lacked was actually rotting pieces of flesh. Taking a large gulp of putrid air, he prepared himself for the upcoming task and took the woman's hand. It was cold and moist but he clenched his teeth and strengthened the hold, starting to drag the body up. It was hard work because he didn't invest too much in strength. The stairs seemed endless but he pushed on, knowing Par would be coming back any time. The female should have finished with the hiding place too. His tongue didn't turn over to call it a grave. A sudden thought came to his mind or a memory more like. It was his first killed Npc, another mage. That time he had killed, robbed and ran away. A laugh escaped his mouth. He had learnt by now and this time killed and ran but returned to hide the body and rob. The ultimate truth dead men no longer need their possessions. Once he got rid of her, he could have a good time going through her belongings. Thinking about that, he dropped the body for a moment and started to look for valuable things. A ring, necklace with a green gem and a pouch. Short smile lightened his face before he had to pick up the woman's hand again. That destroyed all the happiness. Some ages later or so it felt like to him, the stairs ended and he was in the room. Luckily, the blood on the woman's wounds had dried and wasn't staining the floor or he would have had to clear it. With a sigh, he continued his journey, leaving the house and coming to the burying place. Rowena stood next to it with her clothes full of dirt. There was a scowl on her face. "You'll pay for this" Ace ignored her and dragged his woman closer. Par was returning so he had to be quick. The corpse didn't feel like fitting in so he jumped in the hole himself and bent her body so no limbs would be sticking out. His face was lacking any kind of emotion, making Rowena take a step back. She'd played the game for some time and had killed her own share of enemies but there was just something wrong with touching dead bodies. The realism of the game made that real life fact transfer to here. Done with the corpse, Ace called upon [Gust] to push the earth and hide her body plus take the smell out of the house. There was no chance he was staying there with it smelling like the dead. "How are you so emotionless? Don't you understand what you're doing?" "Should I be crying a river for you? Sorry but I'm not in the mood for show" Ace said, leaving the place to meet Par. He had brought a good bunch of dry branches and Ace went back to the house to start a fire. Par followed him in immediately while Rowena took her time. She was stunned by the kid's actions and just couldn't understand how one could be like that. Inside Ace found a pot and started to make some tea. Although his cooking skills were below average, he could make great tea, with dried meat it was his every meal, when he was alone. "What are we going to do now?" Par asked, his voice low. "Leave and see how it goes. What else could we do?" "I don't think they'll let me back in" he said, worry coloring his voice. "We have to do it. Anyway, let's have a signal." He ripped two pieces from his own supposedly green tunic and two from Par's who was too surprised to get away. Then he used them to make four small flags attached to branches. Two with different colors were given to Par. "Now you put the one with my green color to the wall as a saying that you'll return. If you decide that your parents' and Monthu's words are more important, then you change with your one and leave. In that case I don't want to see you ever again. There will be no forgiving. I'm not going to do anything of a kind myself but for the equality's sake, I've got both flags too. Everything's clear?" "But what if..?" "No ifs. You come back to travel with me or return to them and stay a lapdog. Simple as that" Ace said, firmly. "How long will you wait for me to return back?" "Even if it takes forever, I'll stay around" Ace said with a grin. "There's not a thing that can keep me away from returning to my best friend!" Next Chapter--><http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1308> Previous Chapter--><http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=1204&p=6851#p6851> Author's Note: Well, well... This chapter was a pretty hard one. It just didnt want to be written so I've had my troubles but hopefully you find it to your liking :)

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*thoughts*</span><br><br>~effects~<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 04: Gaining a new Skill</span><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*So, now it’s time to try if my plan works out, I hope it does.* </span><br><br>With that in mind he sat in a quiet corner, so that no one would disturb him. Neuron knew that no other player would be in this city, Kyle’s brother was probably hunting/questing with his party, and Kyle was busy beating scarecrows. But it never hurts to be on the save side, and the corner was quiet comfy.<br><br>Neuron has remembered a book he read some time ago, where if you “believe” hard enough that two things are connected, they become connected. It helped, if the objects are actually quite identical, like two bronze coins or two arrows. If you have established that connection you can move one if you move the other, like they are tied by an invisible thread.<br><br>Now the “instructor” came in, because he had work to do in his smithy he came rather late, as soon as he entered he looked around to see if the freedman is diligently training, but he couldn`t see him anywhere, and thus went inside his office.<br><br>After half an hour of fruitless concentration Neuron shot some arrows, to relieve him of the boredom he faced while concentrating and of the doubts he had, because nothing happened.<br><br>When the “instructor” heard the sound of bows, he put his head out seeing the boy training. While returning to his office he thought <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Maybe that boy isn`t so bad after all*</span><br><br> He even began to hope, if only a little, but the spark was there, that he is going to complete the beginner training<br><br>Neuron then sad down pulled out a barley bread and chewed on it.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*It’s like eating gesso, but at least it refills my satiety*</span><br><br>But he soon got enough of it and put half of the bread back in his inventory. A good thing about this bread, at least in game was, that it could be stored like forever, even if the crust is broken and the interior is connected to the outside it’s possible to store it for over a month. Thus making it the ideal food for beginners<br><br>After his one shooting session, he went back to do the concentration thingy<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*I`m doing this only half an hour more, if no skill is generated after that, I`ll quit*</span><br><br>After half an hour<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*just a little bit more, come on A.I. gimme something*</span><br><br>But he soon began to nod off, because concentration is hard to maintain, and it tires the mind out quickly, but Neuron was soon woken up by a system message:<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Through your special actions a skill has been generated</span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As soon as he read the message he became exited<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*what could it be?* </span><br><br>“Open skill window, new skill”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Mana connection: Beginner1</span><br>You are able to connect yourself and something you touch<br>The connection will be invisible until you specify the property<br>Possible property 1:<br>You may choose a Property</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Sweet, well what property should I choose, hmmmmm*</span><br><br>He pondered for a while till a smile appeared on his face <br><br>“Thread”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>Thread has been added to the list</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Mana conection Beginner Lv1</span><br>You are able to connect yourself to everything you touch<br>The connection will be invisible until you specify the property<br>Possible properties: 1<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Attention</span><br>everything can only be connected in a straight line,<br>If something is in between, the manifested connection will go right <br>through it and possibly become stuck</li></ul><br></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Property</span></td><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Cost</span></td><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Thread</td><td width="25%">100 per meter</td><td colspan="2"></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*What? 100 Mana!? That’s all I have right now!”<br><br>After feeling depressed for a while he remembered, that he could level the skill, and thus decreasing the needed Mana.<br>So he took a pebble, thought of him being connected to it, now it was a lot easier to believe, because he had the skill as amplifier.<br>Then he pictured in his mind, that the connection became a thread, and suddenly a blue thread, the color of his Mana appeared.<br>Neuron let it hang down, and it stopped right over the ground, because his Mana ran dry. <br><br>[i]*I have to level up the skill, or my Mana, it will be a long time till I can use it*</span><br><br>At this moment he noticed, that the thread came out from his Bellybutton.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Eh, that’s actually looking gross!* </span><br><br>But because he couldn`t do anything against it, neuron went to pick up his bow, nocked an arrow on the string and shot it.<br><br>While repeating that, many times, the pebble was slowly nearing the ground.<br><br>Neuron never noticed, but he held the skill active, thus the thread grew longer, although very slowly, because of his Mana regeneration.<br><br>Then the next time he went to gather the arrows he got to know the ground in an unfortunate way.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">You fell: -20Hp</span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>While walking, the thread got tangled around his feet, causing Neuron to fall flat on the face.<br><br>Because the pain was quite real he remained on the ground, holding his face while groaning and spitting out grass and earth <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Endurance</span><br>Reduces physical damage and slightly increases life. <br>You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat.<br>It rises depending on the players actions</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Okay, I`m not gonna level this up, I`m not some Masochist*</span><br><br>…<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Let me see, how much the skill has leveled up*</span><br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana connection: Beginner Lv1 20%</span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*I`ts growing nicely*</span><br><br>From this point on he never canceled the skill, he let the thread dangle from his side, everyone who saw that looked at him strangely, but Neuron didn`t care, because he now knew that all are NPC`s<br><br>Arriving at the Tailor he went right in, they didn`t even exchange a little hello. Their friendship hit rock bottom, when Neuron heard, the tailor laugh while he had one of his fits, and thus, making him dislike the Tailor.<br><br>Entering the backroom, he took out the sewing utensils and began to patch up some socks, having fixed 10 socks, when he moved to the pants. <br>He saw himself ready to try, because of the notice that he leveled up his tailoring skill, and that came with a detailed description of how to patch clothes, apparently first you have to level up through try and error, after you get your reward.<br>The trousers where to be patched up with scraps of cloth on the part of the knee, and eventually also on the behind, some also had to change the bottoms and 5 also had a zipper that had to be replaced.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Wow a zipper, this world is actually quiet high tech^^*</span><br><br>But before he could begin, he needed those scraps, so he went out of the room, to ask the Tailor for it. Which gave him a big sack full of scraps<br><br>“In there you can find anything you need”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><br>*Oh, great, even more work*</span><br><br>Neuron took the sack, and went back inside; there he sorted the scraps by color and pattern. <br><br>Now he was ready to begin sewing.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++</div><br><br>After two days in game, it was the time his favorite TV- Show is being aired, so he decided to log out, but before that he had to look at his progression.<br><br>In those two days he switched between the Quest, and the archery training, but he also did some minor quests, when he became bored of his routine, thus leveling up once. <br>He invested all 5 points into intelligence, because he wanted to increase his mana to be able to make a longer thread.<br><br>He also gained +2 Strength and +3 Dexterity<br><br>Repeating the process of switching between the archery and the Tailor 2 days passed. When he felt tired, he slept in the same corner, where he once gained the new skill.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status Window</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Neuron</td><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">2</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Class</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">122</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">320</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">13</td><td width="25%">Dexterity</td><td width="25%">15</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">15</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">1</td><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Base Attack</td><td width="25%">3</td><td width="25%">Defence</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magical Resistance</span></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">0%</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">0%</td><td width="25%">Air</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Dark</td><td width="25%">0%</td><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">0%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><br><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bow Mastery Beginner Lv2</span><br>Increases attack power with Bows (+20 % Attack Damage)<br>Increases accuracy with Bows (+6 % accuracy)<br>Raised by Shooting arrows</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tailoring: Beginner Lv02</span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Mana connection Beginner Lv4</span><br>You are able to connect yourself to everything you touched<br>The connection will be invisible until you specify the property<br>Possible properties: 1<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Attention</span><br>everything can only be connected in a straight line,<br>If something is in between, the manifested connection will go right <br>through it and possibly become stuck</li></ul><br></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Property</span></td><td width="25%"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Cost</span></td><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Thread</td><td width="25%">60 per meter</td><td colspan="2"><ul><br><li>You are now able to disconnect/connect the thread from your body<br> </li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>His mana connection had increased the most, because he kept it active the whole time.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*yes now I can finally use the skill, for the purpose it was created</span> <br><br>Neuron positioned himself in front of the nearest target, readied his bow and let the arrow loose, which hit quiete near the center, but now that was nothing to be impressed, because the target was only 5m away. Now neuron activated Mana thread and began trying to pull out the arrow but the arrow didn`t move an inch the whole target did, and soon falling to the ground, breaking the arrow when it landed. <br><br>Because the target wasn`t made for this purpose. While pulling out an arrow you have to place the other hand on the target that is normally made out of straw, that was formed into a compressed rope, and then rolled up, to form a big circle, this circle is then of course fastened, so that it can’t unroll itself, and then placed on a easel.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*There goes my hope, maybe if i….. </span><br><br>But he couldn`t come up with an idea, and thus shrugged it off while thinking<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Well it wouldn`t be practical either, me having to put down the bow each time I have to pull out the arrow*</span><br><br><br>Before he logged out he sent Kyle a whisper,<br><br>“I`m gonna log off, I`ll be back on in about 4hours game time”<br><br>They promised each other to tell when they`ll log off, and when they`ll come online the next time, because knowing that they were the only players in the town, gave them a feeling of loneliness. Kyle’s brother was adventuring with his party, and thus not planning to come back in the near future.<br>Neuron and Kyle were like every Noob, so they couldn`t differentiate between a player and an NPC, but just by knowing, that each and every Person they talk to is an NPC depressed them.<br><br>“Alright, but wait a moment, I have news”<br><br>“What” Neuron asked quite curious?<br><br>“Well I sent my brother a message, what you’re doing for the moment, and finally he replied...”<br><br>Kyle paused a moment to get the courage to tell Neuron the rather bad news<br><br>“Aaaand, come on tell already!”<br><br>“Well he said, that normally you have to sew just some bottoms on to get the tailoring skill”<br><br>“What!!”<br><br>But Kyle couldn`t hear him anymore because he deactivated the whisper. He knew quite well, what would come now, he shook his head and continued pummeling down at the scarecrow<br><br>“Is that true, Is that true!!?” He asked, but no one would answer.<br>Neuron went in a back alley and finally left his anger out<br><br>“What the f..k is going on, oh I`m so gonna, grrr. Rrrrrrah…”<br><br>If someone was to turn in this alley, he wouldn`t have understood a single word, but nonetheless he would have sped up, or made a detour, because the meaning was quite clear, this guy was pissed. Actually so pissed, that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he`d begin to spit venom<br><br>Well this reaction was quite understandable, for him at least. <br><br>He just heard that he had to only sew on bottoms, which he had done in abundance the last 2 days. Actually he patched/repaired all socks totaling to 63, he also fixed 20 trousers, and 15 shirts.<br><br>Neuron soon exited rage mode, and began thinking, how to get back at the tailor.<br><br>But before that came the TV!<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End of chapter 04</div><br><br><a href="https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/0756404746" target="_blank">https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/0756404746</a> <br><br>This is the book, from where I derivated the skill, I read it some time ago, so the description isn`t clear. If anyone has gotten interested in this book, please read it, I think, that it is worth it^^ </div>

*thoughts* ~effects~ +++++ Chapter 04: Gaining a new Skill *So, now it’s time to try if my plan works out, I hope it does.* With that in mind he sat in a quiet corner, so that no one would disturb him. Neuron knew that no other player would be in this city, Kyle’s brother was probably hunting/questing with his party, and Kyle was busy beating scarecrows. But it never hurts to be on the save side, and the corner was quiet comfy. Neuron has remembered a book he read some time ago, where if you “believe” hard enough that two things are connected, they become connected. It helped, if the objects are actually quite identical, like two bronze coins or two arrows. If you have established that connection you can move one if you move the other, like they are tied by an invisible thread. Now the “instructor” came in, because he had work to do in his smithy he came rather late, as soon as he entered he looked around to see if the freedman is diligently training, but he couldn`t see him anywhere, and thus went inside his office. After half an hour of fruitless concentration Neuron shot some arrows, to relieve him of the boredom he faced while concentrating and of the doubts he had, because nothing happened. When the “instructor” heard the sound of bows, he put his head out seeing the boy training. While returning to his office he thought *Maybe that boy isn`t so bad after all* He even began to hope, if only a little, but the spark was there, that he is going to complete the beginner training Neuron then sad down pulled out a barley bread and chewed on it. *It’s like eating gesso, but at least it refills my satiety* But he soon got enough of it and put half of the bread back in his inventory. A good thing about this bread, at least in game was, that it could be stored like forever, even if the crust is broken and the interior is connected to the outside it’s possible to store it for over a month. Thus making it the ideal food for beginners After his one shooting session, he went back to do the concentration thingy *I`m doing this only half an hour more, if no skill is generated after that, I`ll quit* After half an hour *just a little bit more, come on A.I. gimme something* But he soon began to nod off, because concentration is hard to maintain, and it tires the mind out quickly, but Neuron was soon woken up by a system message: | * Through your special actions a skill has been generated | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | As soon as he read the message he became exited *what could it be?* “Open skill window, new skill” | * Mana connection: Beginner1You are able to connect yourself and something you touchThe connection will be invisible until you specify the propertyPossible property 1:You may choose a Property | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Sweet, well what property should I choose, hmmmmm* He pondered for a while till a smile appeared on his face “Thread” | * Thread has been added to the list | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Mana conection Beginner Lv1You are able to connect yourself to everything you touchThe connection will be invisible until you specify the propertyPossible properties: 1Attentioneverything can only be connected in a straight line,If something is in between, the manifested connection will go right through it and possibly become stuck | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Property | Mana Cost | | | | Thread | 100 per meter | | | *What? 100 Mana!? That’s all I have right now!” After feeling depressed for a while he remembered, that he could level the skill, and thus decreasing the needed Mana. So he took a pebble, thought of him being connected to it, now it was a lot easier to believe, because he had the skill as amplifier. Then he pictured in his mind, that the connection became a thread, and suddenly a blue thread, the color of his Mana appeared. Neuron let it hang down, and it stopped right over the ground, because his Mana ran dry. [i]*I have to level up the skill, or my Mana, it will be a long time till I can use it* At this moment he noticed, that the thread came out from his Bellybutton. *Eh, that’s actually looking gross!* But because he couldn`t do anything against it, neuron went to pick up his bow, nocked an arrow on the string and shot it. While repeating that, many times, the pebble was slowly nearing the ground. Neuron never noticed, but he held the skill active, thus the thread grew longer, although very slowly, because of his Mana regeneration. Then the next time he went to gather the arrows he got to know the ground in an unfortunate way. | * You fell: -20Hp | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | While walking, the thread got tangled around his feet, causing Neuron to fall flat on the face. Because the pain was quite real he remained on the ground, holding his face while groaning and spitting out grass and earth | * EnduranceReduces physical damage and slightly increases life. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat.It rises depending on the players actions | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Okay, I`m not gonna level this up, I`m not some Masochist* … *Let me see, how much the skill has leveled up* | * Mana connection: Beginner Lv1 20% | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *I`ts growing nicely* From this point on he never canceled the skill, he let the thread dangle from his side, everyone who saw that looked at him strangely, but Neuron didn`t care, because he now knew that all are NPC`s Arriving at the Tailor he went right in, they didn`t even exchange a little hello. Their friendship hit rock bottom, when Neuron heard, the tailor laugh while he had one of his fits, and thus, making him dislike the Tailor. Entering the backroom, he took out the sewing utensils and began to patch up some socks, having fixed 10 socks, when he moved to the pants. He saw himself ready to try, because of the notice that he leveled up his tailoring skill, and that came with a detailed description of how to patch clothes, apparently first you have to level up through try and error, after you get your reward. The trousers where to be patched up with scraps of cloth on the part of the knee, and eventually also on the behind, some also had to change the bottoms and 5 also had a zipper that had to be replaced. *Wow a zipper, this world is actually quiet high tech^^* But before he could begin, he needed those scraps, so he went out of the room, to ask the Tailor for it. Which gave him a big sack full of scraps “In there you can find anything you need” *Oh, great, even more work* Neuron took the sack, and went back inside; there he sorted the scraps by color and pattern. Now he was ready to begin sewing. +++ After two days in game, it was the time his favorite TV- Show is being aired, so he decided to log out, but before that he had to look at his progression. In those two days he switched between the Quest, and the archery training, but he also did some minor quests, when he became bored of his routine, thus leveling up once. He invested all 5 points into intelligence, because he wanted to increase his mana to be able to make a longer thread. He also gained +2 Strength and +3 Dexterity Repeating the process of switching between the archery and the Tailor 2 days passed. When he felt tired, he slept in the same corner, where he once gained the new skill. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Neuron | Level | 2 | | Class | N/A | | | | Fame | 0 | Infamy | 0 | | Title | N/A | | | | Health | 122 | Mana | 320 | | Strength | 13 | Dexterity | 15 | | Wisdom | 10 | Intelligence | 15 | | Vitality | 10 | Luck | 0 | | Endurance | 1 | | | | Base Attack | 3 | Defence | 0 | | Magical Resistance | | | | | Fire | 0% | Water | 0% | | Earth | 0% | Air | 0% | | Dark | 0% | Holy | 0% | | * Bow Mastery Beginner Lv2Increases attack power with Bows (+20 % Attack Damage)Increases accuracy with Bows (+6 % accuracy)Raised by Shooting arrows | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Tailoring: Beginner Lv02 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Mana connection Beginner Lv4You are able to connect yourself to everything you touchedThe connection will be invisible until you specify the propertyPossible properties: 1Attentioneverything can only be connected in a straight line,If something is in between, the manifested connection will go right through it and possibly become stuck | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Property | Mana Cost | | | | Thread | 60 per meter | * You are now able to disconnect/connect the thread from your body | | His mana connection had increased the most, because he kept it active the whole time. *yes now I can finally use the skill, for the purpose it was created Neuron positioned himself in front of the nearest target, readied his bow and let the arrow loose, which hit quiete near the center, but now that was nothing to be impressed, because the target was only 5m away. Now neuron activated Mana thread and began trying to pull out the arrow but the arrow didn`t move an inch the whole target did, and soon falling to the ground, breaking the arrow when it landed. Because the target wasn`t made for this purpose. While pulling out an arrow you have to place the other hand on the target that is normally made out of straw, that was formed into a compressed rope, and then rolled up, to form a big circle, this circle is then of course fastened, so that it can’t unroll itself, and then placed on a easel. *There goes my hope, maybe if i….. But he couldn`t come up with an idea, and thus shrugged it off while thinking *Well it wouldn`t be practical either, me having to put down the bow each time I have to pull out the arrow* Before he logged out he sent Kyle a whisper, “I`m gonna log off, I`ll be back on in about 4hours game time” They promised each other to tell when they`ll log off, and when they`ll come online the next time, because knowing that they were the only players in the town, gave them a feeling of loneliness. Kyle’s brother was adventuring with his party, and thus not planning to come back in the near future. Neuron and Kyle were like every Noob, so they couldn`t differentiate between a player and an NPC, but just by knowing, that each and every Person they talk to is an NPC depressed them. “Alright, but wait a moment, I have news” “What” Neuron asked quite curious? “Well I sent my brother a message, what you’re doing for the moment, and finally he replied...” Kyle paused a moment to get the courage to tell Neuron the rather bad news “Aaaand, come on tell already!” “Well he said, that normally you have to sew just some bottoms on to get the tailoring skill” “What!!” But Kyle couldn`t hear him anymore because he deactivated the whisper. He knew quite well, what would come now, he shook his head and continued pummeling down at the scarecrow “Is that true, Is that true!!?” He asked, but no one would answer. Neuron went in a back alley and finally left his anger out “What the f..k is going on, oh I`m so gonna, grrr. Rrrrrrah…” If someone was to turn in this alley, he wouldn`t have understood a single word, but nonetheless he would have sped up, or made a detour, because the meaning was quite clear, this guy was pissed. Actually so pissed, that it wouldn’t be a surprise if he`d begin to spit venom Well this reaction was quite understandable, for him at least. He just heard that he had to only sew on bottoms, which he had done in abundance the last 2 days. Actually he patched/repaired all socks totaling to 63, he also fixed 20 trousers, and 15 shirts. Neuron soon exited rage mode, and began thinking, how to get back at the tailor. But before that came the TV! End of chapter 04 <https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/0756404746> This is the book, from where I derivated the skill, I read it some time ago, so the description isn`t clear. If anyone has gotten interested in this book, please read it, I think, that it is worth it^^

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Please comment and tell me your opinions on the chapter. I'm not even sure if people are reading this much.<br><br>***<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Attack on Undead</span><br><br>“Church quest status.”<br><br>[ Church Quest Window<br><br>Current Quest: [Investigate the Undead Shrine]<br><br>After successfully investigating the nearby villages, a majority of the undead that plagued the area have fled to the Plains of Despair. However, remnants of the undead legion appear to remain in this area. Proceed to destroy the undead shrine and capture their leader for interrogation.<br><br>Difficulty: B<br>Compensation: Determined based on results.<br>Quest restrictions: Limited to members of the Church of Freya. Must be at least level 200. Must be recognized by the Church. ]<br><br>After clearing away the undead corpse retrieval unit, Sun checked on the objectives of the church quest.<br><br>A Church Quest was different from a normal quest that users receive from NPCs. Even though there were church commissioned quests given to users, they were distinctly different from the church mandated quests.<br><br>Church Quests were missions given to members of the Church of Freya from a member of the church that was above senior rank. These missions are not given to a single member and they can’t be shared with others. They are given to a collective group assembled by the church to accomplish a church objective.<br><br>The rewards for such a quest were different from a normal quest. Usually a normal quest would give some fame, experience, contribution, or some item of sorts. Church Quests usually gave high experience gains, contribution to the church, increased skill expertise, and increased the influence of the church. In some cases, it was possible to receive a job promotion and new high tier skills.<br><br>Since equipment was provided for members of the church, there was no need for monetary gain from a church quest. Unless a great achievement was made by a singular person, there was hardly any equipment handed out. Gold was given out according to their rank within the church so there was no money given out. Fame was not given out either. The reason for this was because, as a member of the church, influence had a similar effect to fame so the collective influence of the church increased each member’s reputation.<br><br>To put it simply, a Church Quest was a quest performed for the good of the group rather than the individual. The increase in level and skills would raise the quality of the church’s members and improve the church’s overall strength.<br><br>“Careful.”<br><br>The small girl, Alena, that they had picked up from the bandit camp had spoken to him suddenly while he was checking the quest window.<br><br>“What?”<br><br>Sun was caught off-guard by the little 10 year old girl’s sudden remark.<br><br>“You will be faced with a challenge that where your actions will decide your fate and the fate of those around you.”<br><br>Before Sun could ask her what she meant by that, she had already walked away and went to sleep in the carriage. He thought of going over to ask her but then a voice called out to him.<br><br>“Sun, it’s time for the strategy meeting.”<br><br>Calvin called Sun over into the tent. At this time they were about five hundred meters from the enemy shrine. With a spell of shrouding cast over them, the undead would not be able to detect their movements. They briefly set up a base to prepare for the assault on the enemy headquarters.<br><br>Sun walked over into the tent, looking over to see the rest of the members that have been gathered.<br><br>Calvin was the leader of the expedition so it was natural that he present during the briefing. As the main representative from Somuren, Alveron was seen as a high ranking member and a crucial part to the execution of the plan. Aside from those two, there were five other paladins in the tent. These paladins were the high ranking paladins that oversaw the rest of the troops. These paladins were one rank above the other paladins and roughly 40 levels higher.<br><br>Everyone in the tent walked over to a large table that was set down in the middle of the room. On the table was a rough map that they had sketched of the area with a number of different colored rocks placed on it to signify units.<br><br>“So what’s the situation with the shrine?”<br><br>Sun asked, looking over to Calvin who had received a report from one of their scouts.<br><br>Calvin took out a couple of piece of paper as he began to report about the undead shrine.<br><br>“As you can see from this map that we spread out, these small white pebbles represent our forces. Of this time, the enemy still does not know of our presence but since we have wiped out a number of their undead they will be on guard for attacks.”<br><br>Calvin then motioned over to a picture of a building surrounded by many small rocks.<br><br>“This is the enemy’s headquarters. From what we have seen, the enemy are great in numbers and clearly there are high rank Necromancers that have been producing these undead. Unlike the undead that our fellow brother Sun wiped out back in the Corpse Tomb, these undead are of much higher quality and can only be summoned by at least a second tier Necromancer.”<br>“What other conditions are we currently faced with?”<br><br>Alveron asked Calvin to elaborate on the finer details. With a situation such as their own, every little fact was vital.<br><br>Calvin flipped a couple pages ahead through his report before continuing with the details.<br><br>“The lesser undead we should have no problem taking care of. With our holy light we can purify them quickly. However, there is a considerable number of lesser undead and they make up most of the undead army. With our current level of holy light, we could purify about 80% of their forces at once. The remaining 20% is the troubling part though. The reason for this is because most of these remaining undead are at least second tier undead. A few third tier undead may be thrown in as well.”<br><br>They thought about these facts for a moment and saw the problem with blasting through with holy light. Assuming that they did just go with that tactic then they would deplete all of their mana and would be forced to fight the higher tier undead while they were empty. The Necromancer leaders wouldn’t simply stand by either.<br><br>“A few gigantic class undead were sighted in the area as well. From our reports there are approximately 3 of the gigantic class undead that are approximately 10 meters in height. Most likely these undead are created from Giants, Trolls, or other large monsters. Though they are weaker than a normal giant monster, they are still problematic.”<br><br>Giant class monsters. These monsters were quite strong compared to ordinary monsters. They were still nowhere close to dragons or legendary monsters but they were still difficult for the average user to deal with. With their large bodies it would take a considerable amount of holy light to destroy them.<br><br>“Is there anything else we need to know?”<br>“No, that is the current status update that we have regarding the undead forces.”<br>“I see. So let us begin to talk about our strategy. I believe that you said that priest Sun had one in mind?”<br><br>The paladin that was speaking looked over to Sun. Unlike player that discriminated against certain classes, the NPCs saw any capable person as a useful addition to their forces.<br><br>“Yes, Sun had told me before of his plan and it seems highly feasible.”<br>“Then, would you care to explain your plan Sun?”<br><br>Everyone in the tent directed their gaze towards Sun. Other than Calvin, he had not explained his plan to anyone yet.<br><br>“Keoheom!”<br><br>Sun took a brief moment to clear his throat before he began.<br><br>*****<br><br>“What is with this plan?”<br><br>The others in the tent looked on with disbelief. Even under normal circumstances did they expect such a tactic to be used.<br><br>“Are you certain that this tactic will work? It does seem possible but that’s only on the theoretical level.”<br>“It will work, I am certain of it.”<br><br>Sun had confirmed his tactic before on other undead and certain that it would succeed.<br><br>“This will take out a majority of the lesser rank undead while conserving our mana to take out the higher rank undead. To make this plan work we need to kill all the giant class undead before we start.”<br><br>Everyone in the tent looked at each other before a smile came onto their faces. If this plan worked then there was a chance for them after all.<br><br>Alveron had a smile on his face as he let out a slight laugh.<br><br>‘I was right. Grisia, you really are an interesting person.’<br><br>*****<br><br>“Do you have the positions of the giant class undead?”<br><br>Sun asked the rest of the expedition. This part of the plan was crucial to implementing the rest of it so they had to succeed.<br><br>“Two of them are approximately 100 meters from us while the other is 250 meters away.”<br><br>Since the giant undeads were crude undead they did not have high intellect. Gifted with large bodies however, they could show off extremely high levels of strength. Not matter their strength, they could be outwitted easily and they were not smart enough to call for help.<br><br>“Is it ready?”<br><br>Sun asked some of the paladins that he had asked to run a task for him earlier.<br><br>“Yes, it took quite a lot of resources but we have managed to prepare it.”<br>“Lure it over.”<br><br>On Sun’s command, a few paladins charged at the two giant class undead. They quickly threw a few holy spells at them before turning around and running back to the group.<br><br>The large undead monsters quickly became aggressive and started chasing after them.<br><br>“Not yet..”<br><br>Sun and the rest of the expedition waited for the perfect moment.<br><br>The giant monster rapidly approached their hiding location.<br><br>“Now!”<br><br>Everyone scattered from the place they were hiding at. The giants were too slow to respond to the sudden change in their situation. They were faced with a larger number of enemies than they thought and their movements threw them off. For a brief moment they were unable to make any decision and stood there.<br><br>That moment was more than enough time.<br><br>Before they had lured the monsters into a trap, Sun had requested the paladins to dig as large a hole as possible. It wasn’t a very large or deep hole, only a few meters deep and wide, but it would suit their purposes. Now that the two giant monsters were on top of the hole, the plan could start.<br><br>Under the weight of the giant monsters, the hole caved in and the giants fell inside. Given that the hole was only 5 meters deep, the monsters were still poking out from the top. Their feet could not get out but they could easily use their hands to get out. That was only if they gave the monsters enough time to get out.<br><br>“Sacred Rain!”<br><br>Sun, Calvin, and Alveron called forth a spell that would create rain clouds over an area and shower the area with rain. This rain would increase the effects of plant growth but that was not the purpose that they were using it for.<br><br>The rain clouds quickly gathered and covered the area in water. Prior to luring over the monsters, Sun had made sure to burn away the surrounding plants. Though it seemed to be against the doctrine of the Goddess Freya, the sacred rain would allow the plants to quickly regrow.<br><br>The ground rapidly became muddy under the torrential rainfall. With the ground the way it was the giant monsters could not hope to escape from the pit, leaving them to flail around in vain.<br><br>This muddy earth made it impossible for the paladins to attack the giants with their swords, but that did not mean that they were completely ill prepared for this situation.<br>A number of paladins pulled out crossbows while other used throwing objects against the giants. Aside from ranged attacks, the paladins used what little holy spells that they had. The damage individually wasn’t much but they could deal a fair amount of damage together since they were currently buffed with support spells.<br><br>Sun, Calvin, and Alveron were not idling either. As soon as they finished casting Sacred Rain, they immediately began using their holy magic. Holy Fire and other related spells would not work in this situation, but there were plenty of other skills that they could utilize.<br><br>Pew, pew, pew!<br><br>Arrow after arrow of Holy Arrows were shot at the vital points of the undead monsters.<br><br>“Kugraah!”<br><br>The monsters were getting weakened but showed no signs of falling yet.<br><br>“The remaining giant class undead is approaching.”<br>“Damn it! It’s too soon!”<br><br>They had yet to kill these giant class undead and the last remaining one was quickly approaching. They had thought that they would have more time before it showed up, but it had seen the Sacred Rain spell that was cast and was coming over to find its source.<br><br>Luckily for them there were only a few lesser undead in the area, but it was already bad enough that the remaining giant undead was coming at them.<br><br>Tch.<br><br>Sun quickly sounded his frustration before yelling to his men.<br><br>“I’ll try and distract this one. Be sure to finish these two off!”<br><br>Sun quickly ran ahead towards the giant undead that was approaching them. Avoiding the muddy areas, he looked to see how far the undead was from them.<br><br>‘Still about 100 meters or so.’<br><br>Sun started chanting a spell to draw away the monster’s attention.<br><br>“Holy Fire!”<br><br>He threw his spell at the giant undead’s face. It dealt a considerable amount of damage since it was undead, but it was far from killing it. The Holy Fire that he cast had only served to switch its aggression to him.<br><br>Notching light arrows into his bow of light, he shot them as quickly as he could while running. Guided by arcane holy magic, the arrows only slightly deviated from their mark. With every chance he got, he would use the holy arrows to shoot at the undead giant’s eyes.<br><br>Since in Royal Road damage was distributed by a number of different factors, the holy arrows dealt a decent amount of damage. They were not strong enough to pierce the monster’s eyes, but it still dealt high damage and blinded the enemy for a moment.<br><br>Sun continued to run while shooting arrows at it. The monster used one of its hands to shield its eyes from the attack.<br><br>“So much for that…”<br><br>Sun muttered quietly. He switched the target of his arrows to the monster’s feet to try and slow it down as much as possible. Though the monster was slow, as a priest he did not have the kind of stamina to run forever.<br><br>“Hah hah…”<br><br>Sun sprinted as fast as he could from the monster. Even though he had cast a number of spells on himself earlier to supplement his weak body, his base stats were far too low to benefit from it much.<br><br>The monster, at this time, began to pick up large rocks to throw at him.<br><br>Crash!<br><br>Using the trees as cover, he managed to avoid the flying rocks that were being thrown at him.<br><br>“Holy Fire!”<br><br>His Holy Fire spell was one of his stronger spells that he had at his disposal. It would slowly eat away at an undead’s health with a burning effect. Since the giant undead had large resistance it would only work for a few seconds but it was still better damage than his Holy Arrows.<br><br>The spell that he cast was targeted at the monster’s free arm that was throwing rocks at him. He wanted to damage it as much as possible so that it wouldn’t be able to throw stuff at him.<br><br>After a few more spells the undead’s arm started to show signs of damage but it simply started using its other hand to throw stuff and use its injured arm to defend its face.<br><br>Sun did not waste any time and continued to pour down spells on the monster’s hand, the injured one blocking its face.<br><br>The giant undead made a sweeping motion with his hand and knocked up a large gust of air blowing Sun away. Sun was knocked into the air and bounced against the ground a couple of times before being stopped by smashing into a tree.<br><br>“Kuh!”<br><br>Sun yelled in pain before he coughed out some blood from his mouth. He got up with his injuries and continued to run. With whatever spare time he had, he would cast a Healing Hand spell on himself. With his more severe injuries healed, he looked back to check his distance from the giant undead.<br><br>Thankfully he had damaged the undead’s legs enough to gain some distance from it and the gust of wind had knocked him a far distance away. The large number of trees between them caused the undead to slow down quite a bit as well.<br><br>“Holy Fire!”<br><br>Sun could not afford for it to lose aggro from him now and jeopardize the entire mission. He had not checked how much health the other two undead were at, but it looked like they were only at 80% health from the condition they were in when he left. He had not been keeping track of time since he started his diversion but it didn’t feel like it had been very long.<br><br>His fire spell exploded onto the monster’s arm once more but it was not enough to blow its hand off.<br><br>“Human!”<br><br>Even though things were bad enough already, a small dispatchment of undead roaming the area had found him. They were rather small in number and could be easily dealt with...if he was with the paladins. Now that he was alone it was going to be difficult.<br><br>There were two undead mages, an undead assassin, and an undead archer. Luckily there was no undead warriors but the assassin would prove troublesome since they had high agility.<br><br>“Illuminate!”<br><br>For now he decided to blind the lesser undead with a light spell. It was already in the afternoon so the sun was not as strong as it would be in the morning, but this illumination spell would serve to weaken the undead with its light. Using Holy Arrows, he quickly killed the archer and the assassin.<br><br>“Guah!”<br><br>The undead mages had cast a hex spell on him, inflicting all sorts of curses on him. Sun cast healing spells to purge the undead mages before using a cleansing spell on himself.<br><br>Sun ran as fast as his remaining stamina would let him. The monster was quickly approaching since he needed to stop to fight the undead and was running out of stamina so his speed was dropping.<br><br>He could feel the monster’s footsteps shaking the ground as it got closer. He tried to slow it down with more spells but to no avail. He then decided to change his tactics a little. All of his previous spells had been meant to disable some of the monster’s function and deal damage.<br><br>“Slow!”<br><br>Sun cast a slow spell on the giant undead. While he ran he continued to stack the slow spell onto the giant undead monster. The monster was slowly down but only slightly.<br><br>Looking into his bag, he reached in and took out a piece of bread that he had baked earlier. He quickly ate the bread while he was running so that he could replenish his stamina.<br><br>The bad news was that he was now at the worst possible place to be. He had been running with all his might with no regard to direction. Soon he ran out of the densely packed forest into a wide opening. Now he was stuck at the edge of a cliff and surrounded by monsters for the second time since he’s arrive in this world. The giant undead would catch up to him in a minute and he could not run back the opposite direction since the monster would catch him if he did.<br><br>He checked through his bag for anything that would help him in this situation, but he was poorly equipped to deal with it. He did have a grapple and rope that he could use to descend the cliff, but it would do him no good since it would take too long and the undead would catch up to finish him off.<br><br>‘Of all the times to not have teleport magic.’<br><br>Teleportation was a skill that was available to high level mages, as was the spell of flight. However, he was not high enough level to learn either of them.<br><br>He tried to remember if he had any skills that could help him in this situation.<br><br>There was nothing that could help him now that he was corner. All that remained for him now was death.<br><br>“To think that it ends like this…”<br><br>Sun lamented to himself. To think that he finally had gotten some clues to his world only to end up dying in a place like this.<br><br>‘At the very least I’m going to die fighting.’<br><br>Sun began charging up his final spell against the giant undead.<br><br>The giant undead had finally caught up to him and was only moments away. As soon as it emerged from the forest he cast his spell.<br><br>“Holy Burst!”<br><br>In this one spell he put into everything he had. All of his remaining mana and almost all of his health. A gigantic wave of light wrapped itself around the giant undead. He could feel the mana and life draining from his body as the spell raged on. The more he put into the spell, the more damage it would do and the longer it would last.<br><br>He shortly reached the point where he could not go any longer. Now he could only hope that the monster was dead or at least incapacitated.<br><br>Weakly looking up, he checked to see what state the monster was in now.<br><br>The monster was severely damaged all over its body and the spell had ignited it on fire. It was weakly standing and it had its damaged arm completely blown off. The monster tried to take a step forwards before falling onto the floor.<br><br>‘Please stay down.’<br><br>Sun prayed as hard as he could that the monster would stop moving.<br><br>The undead was collapsed onto the floor and unmoving. Looking over the giant’s condition, it seemed that it was at the very least unable to move.<br><br>“Haah…”<br><br>Breathing a sigh of relief, Sun sat up from the ground and tried to catch his breath. His entire body was covered in sweat as well as dirt from the forest.<br><br>“And to think that I took a proper bath a few days ago.”<br><br>Sun started to laugh at the current state of his body. For now he decided that he would recover as much as he could before meeting back with the group.<br><br>Rumble rumble.<br><br>“You have to be kidding me…”<br><br>The giant monster sluggishly made its way to its feet and stood back up. It was still severely injured but now Sun had no means to kill it, having depleted all of his mana. His health and stamina were at their minimum amounts and he could not run away even if he wanted to.<br><br>The giant undead monster lifted its remaining hand and slowly made its way to pick up Sun and crush him, since it was so injured that it could not make any excessive movements.<br><br>The undead’s hand slowly came closer to him, intent on squeezing the last drops of life from his body.<br><br>The monster suddenly doubled over and fell over the cliff past Sun.<br><br>Ttiring!<br>-You have leveled up.<br><br>“I hope that we’re not too late.”<br><br>A familiar voice called out from the forest. He looked over to see Calvin’s smug ass face looking back at him. They had managed to finish off the rest of the undead giants and swiftly made their way over. Thankfully with the horse drawn carriage and the paladins’ running speed they had made it in time.<br><br>“No. You guys are mad late.”<br><br>Sun complained a little bit before collapsing onto to floor in exhaustion.<br><br>“Let me rest for a bit…” </div>

Please comment and tell me your opinions on the chapter. I'm not even sure if people are reading this much. *** Attack on Undead “Church quest status.” [ Church Quest Window Current Quest: [Investigate the Undead Shrine] After successfully investigating the nearby villages, a majority of the undead that plagued the area have fled to the Plains of Despair. However, remnants of the undead legion appear to remain in this area. Proceed to destroy the undead shrine and capture their leader for interrogation. Difficulty: B Compensation: Determined based on results. Quest restrictions: Limited to members of the Church of Freya. Must be at least level 200. Must be recognized by the Church. ] After clearing away the undead corpse retrieval unit, Sun checked on the objectives of the church quest. A Church Quest was different from a normal quest that users receive from NPCs. Even though there were church commissioned quests given to users, they were distinctly different from the church mandated quests. Church Quests were missions given to members of the Church of Freya from a member of the church that was above senior rank. These missions are not given to a single member and they can’t be shared with others. They are given to a collective group assembled by the church to accomplish a church objective. The rewards for such a quest were different from a normal quest. Usually a normal quest would give some fame, experience, contribution, or some item of sorts. Church Quests usually gave high experience gains, contribution to the church, increased skill expertise, and increased the influence of the church. In some cases, it was possible to receive a job promotion and new high tier skills. Since equipment was provided for members of the church, there was no need for monetary gain from a church quest. Unless a great achievement was made by a singular person, there was hardly any equipment handed out. Gold was given out according to their rank within the church so there was no money given out. Fame was not given out either. The reason for this was because, as a member of the church, influence had a similar effect to fame so the collective influence of the church increased each member’s reputation. To put it simply, a Church Quest was a quest performed for the good of the group rather than the individual. The increase in level and skills would raise the quality of the church’s members and improve the church’s overall strength. “Careful.” The small girl, Alena, that they had picked up from the bandit camp had spoken to him suddenly while he was checking the quest window. “What?” Sun was caught off-guard by the little 10 year old girl’s sudden remark. “You will be faced with a challenge that where your actions will decide your fate and the fate of those around you.” Before Sun could ask her what she meant by that, she had already walked away and went to sleep in the carriage. He thought of going over to ask her but then a voice called out to him. “Sun, it’s time for the strategy meeting.” Calvin called Sun over into the tent. At this time they were about five hundred meters from the enemy shrine. With a spell of shrouding cast over them, the undead would not be able to detect their movements. They briefly set up a base to prepare for the assault on the enemy headquarters. Sun walked over into the tent, looking over to see the rest of the members that have been gathered. Calvin was the leader of the expedition so it was natural that he present during the briefing. As the main representative from Somuren, Alveron was seen as a high ranking member and a crucial part to the execution of the plan. Aside from those two, there were five other paladins in the tent. These paladins were the high ranking paladins that oversaw the rest of the troops. These paladins were one rank above the other paladins and roughly 40 levels higher. Everyone in the tent walked over to a large table that was set down in the middle of the room. On the table was a rough map that they had sketched of the area with a number of different colored rocks placed on it to signify units. “So what’s the situation with the shrine?” Sun asked, looking over to Calvin who had received a report from one of their scouts. Calvin took out a couple of piece of paper as he began to report about the undead shrine. “As you can see from this map that we spread out, these small white pebbles represent our forces. Of this time, the enemy still does not know of our presence but since we have wiped out a number of their undead they will be on guard for attacks.” Calvin then motioned over to a picture of a building surrounded by many small rocks. “This is the enemy’s headquarters. From what we have seen, the enemy are great in numbers and clearly there are high rank Necromancers that have been producing these undead. Unlike the undead that our fellow brother Sun wiped out back in the Corpse Tomb, these undead are of much higher quality and can only be summoned by at least a second tier Necromancer.” “What other conditions are we currently faced with?” Alveron asked Calvin to elaborate on the finer details. With a situation such as their own, every little fact was vital. Calvin flipped a couple pages ahead through his report before continuing with the details. “The lesser undead we should have no problem taking care of. With our holy light we can purify them quickly. However, there is a considerable number of lesser undead and they make up most of the undead army. With our current level of holy light, we could purify about 80% of their forces at once. The remaining 20% is the troubling part though. The reason for this is because most of these remaining undead are at least second tier undead. A few third tier undead may be thrown in as well.” They thought about these facts for a moment and saw the problem with blasting through with holy light. Assuming that they did just go with that tactic then they would deplete all of their mana and would be forced to fight the higher tier undead while they were empty. The Necromancer leaders wouldn’t simply stand by either. “A few gigantic class undead were sighted in the area as well. From our reports there are approximately 3 of the gigantic class undead that are approximately 10 meters in height. Most likely these undead are created from Giants, Trolls, or other large monsters. Though they are weaker than a normal giant monster, they are still problematic.” Giant class monsters. These monsters were quite strong compared to ordinary monsters. They were still nowhere close to dragons or legendary monsters but they were still difficult for the average user to deal with. With their large bodies it would take a considerable amount of holy light to destroy them. “Is there anything else we need to know?” “No, that is the current status update that we have regarding the undead forces.” “I see. So let us begin to talk about our strategy. I believe that you said that priest Sun had one in mind?” The paladin that was speaking looked over to Sun. Unlike player that discriminated against certain classes, the NPCs saw any capable person as a useful addition to their forces. “Yes, Sun had told me before of his plan and it seems highly feasible.” “Then, would you care to explain your plan Sun?” Everyone in the tent directed their gaze towards Sun. Other than Calvin, he had not explained his plan to anyone yet. “Keoheom!” Sun took a brief moment to clear his throat before he began. ***** “What is with this plan?” The others in the tent looked on with disbelief. Even under normal circumstances did they expect such a tactic to be used. “Are you certain that this tactic will work? It does seem possible but that’s only on the theoretical level.” “It will work, I am certain of it.” Sun had confirmed his tactic before on other undead and certain that it would succeed. “This will take out a majority of the lesser rank undead while conserving our mana to take out the higher rank undead. To make this plan work we need to kill all the giant class undead before we start.” Everyone in the tent looked at each other before a smile came onto their faces. If this plan worked then there was a chance for them after all. Alveron had a smile on his face as he let out a slight laugh. ‘I was right. Grisia, you really are an interesting person.’ ***** “Do you have the positions of the giant class undead?” Sun asked the rest of the expedition. This part of the plan was crucial to implementing the rest of it so they had to succeed. “Two of them are approximately 100 meters from us while the other is 250 meters away.” Since the giant undeads were crude undead they did not have high intellect. Gifted with large bodies however, they could show off extremely high levels of strength. Not matter their strength, they could be outwitted easily and they were not smart enough to call for help. “Is it ready?” Sun asked some of the paladins that he had asked to run a task for him earlier. “Yes, it took quite a lot of resources but we have managed to prepare it.” “Lure it over.” On Sun’s command, a few paladins charged at the two giant class undead. They quickly threw a few holy spells at them before turning around and running back to the group. The large undead monsters quickly became aggressive and started chasing after them. “Not yet..” Sun and the rest of the expedition waited for the perfect moment. The giant monster rapidly approached their hiding location. “Now!” Everyone scattered from the place they were hiding at. The giants were too slow to respond to the sudden change in their situation. They were faced with a larger number of enemies than they thought and their movements threw them off. For a brief moment they were unable to make any decision and stood there. That moment was more than enough time. Before they had lured the monsters into a trap, Sun had requested the paladins to dig as large a hole as possible. It wasn’t a very large or deep hole, only a few meters deep and wide, but it would suit their purposes. Now that the two giant monsters were on top of the hole, the plan could start. Under the weight of the giant monsters, the hole caved in and the giants fell inside. Given that the hole was only 5 meters deep, the monsters were still poking out from the top. Their feet could not get out but they could easily use their hands to get out. That was only if they gave the monsters enough time to get out. “Sacred Rain!” Sun, Calvin, and Alveron called forth a spell that would create rain clouds over an area and shower the area with rain. This rain would increase the effects of plant growth but that was not the purpose that they were using it for. The rain clouds quickly gathered and covered the area in water. Prior to luring over the monsters, Sun had made sure to burn away the surrounding plants. Though it seemed to be against the doctrine of the Goddess Freya, the sacred rain would allow the plants to quickly regrow. The ground rapidly became muddy under the torrential rainfall. With the ground the way it was the giant monsters could not hope to escape from the pit, leaving them to flail around in vain. This muddy earth made it impossible for the paladins to attack the giants with their swords, but that did not mean that they were completely ill prepared for this situation. A number of paladins pulled out crossbows while other used throwing objects against the giants. Aside from ranged attacks, the paladins used what little holy spells that they had. The damage individually wasn’t much but they could deal a fair amount of damage together since they were currently buffed with support spells. Sun, Calvin, and Alveron were not idling either. As soon as they finished casting Sacred Rain, they immediately began using their holy magic. Holy Fire and other related spells would not work in this situation, but there were plenty of other skills that they could utilize. Pew, pew, pew! Arrow after arrow of Holy Arrows were shot at the vital points of the undead monsters. “Kugraah!” The monsters were getting weakened but showed no signs of falling yet. “The remaining giant class undead is approaching.” “Damn it! It’s too soon!” They had yet to kill these giant class undead and the last remaining one was quickly approaching. They had thought that they would have more time before it showed up, but it had seen the Sacred Rain spell that was cast and was coming over to find its source. Luckily for them there were only a few lesser undead in the area, but it was already bad enough that the remaining giant undead was coming at them. Tch. Sun quickly sounded his frustration before yelling to his men. “I’ll try and distract this one. Be sure to finish these two off!” Sun quickly ran ahead towards the giant undead that was approaching them. Avoiding the muddy areas, he looked to see how far the undead was from them. ‘Still about 100 meters or so.’ Sun started chanting a spell to draw away the monster’s attention. “Holy Fire!” He threw his spell at the giant undead’s face. It dealt a considerable amount of damage since it was undead, but it was far from killing it. The Holy Fire that he cast had only served to switch its aggression to him. Notching light arrows into his bow of light, he shot them as quickly as he could while running. Guided by arcane holy magic, the arrows only slightly deviated from their mark. With every chance he got, he would use the holy arrows to shoot at the undead giant’s eyes. Since in Royal Road damage was distributed by a number of different factors, the holy arrows dealt a decent amount of damage. They were not strong enough to pierce the monster’s eyes, but it still dealt high damage and blinded the enemy for a moment. Sun continued to run while shooting arrows at it. The monster used one of its hands to shield its eyes from the attack. “So much for that…” Sun muttered quietly. He switched the target of his arrows to the monster’s feet to try and slow it down as much as possible. Though the monster was slow, as a priest he did not have the kind of stamina to run forever. “Hah hah…” Sun sprinted as fast as he could from the monster. Even though he had cast a number of spells on himself earlier to supplement his weak body, his base stats were far too low to benefit from it much. The monster, at this time, began to pick up large rocks to throw at him. Crash! Using the trees as cover, he managed to avoid the flying rocks that were being thrown at him. “Holy Fire!” His Holy Fire spell was one of his stronger spells that he had at his disposal. It would slowly eat away at an undead’s health with a burning effect. Since the giant undead had large resistance it would only work for a few seconds but it was still better damage than his Holy Arrows. The spell that he cast was targeted at the monster’s free arm that was throwing rocks at him. He wanted to damage it as much as possible so that it wouldn’t be able to throw stuff at him. After a few more spells the undead’s arm started to show signs of damage but it simply started using its other hand to throw stuff and use its injured arm to defend its face. Sun did not waste any time and continued to pour down spells on the monster’s hand, the injured one blocking its face. The giant undead made a sweeping motion with his hand and knocked up a large gust of air blowing Sun away. Sun was knocked into the air and bounced against the ground a couple of times before being stopped by smashing into a tree. “Kuh!” Sun yelled in pain before he coughed out some blood from his mouth. He got up with his injuries and continued to run. With whatever spare time he had, he would cast a Healing Hand spell on himself. With his more severe injuries healed, he looked back to check his distance from the giant undead. Thankfully he had damaged the undead’s legs enough to gain some distance from it and the gust of wind had knocked him a far distance away. The large number of trees between them caused the undead to slow down quite a bit as well. “Holy Fire!” Sun could not afford for it to lose aggro from him now and jeopardize the entire mission. He had not checked how much health the other two undead were at, but it looked like they were only at 80% health from the condition they were in when he left. He had not been keeping track of time since he started his diversion but it didn’t feel like it had been very long. His fire spell exploded onto the monster’s arm once more but it was not enough to blow its hand off. “Human!” Even though things were bad enough already, a small dispatchment of undead roaming the area had found him. They were rather small in number and could be easily dealt with...if he was with the paladins. Now that he was alone it was going to be difficult. There were two undead mages, an undead assassin, and an undead archer. Luckily there was no undead warriors but the assassin would prove troublesome since they had high agility. “Illuminate!” For now he decided to blind the lesser undead with a light spell. It was already in the afternoon so the sun was not as strong as it would be in the morning, but this illumination spell would serve to weaken the undead with its light. Using Holy Arrows, he quickly killed the archer and the assassin. “Guah!” The undead mages had cast a hex spell on him, inflicting all sorts of curses on him. Sun cast healing spells to purge the undead mages before using a cleansing spell on himself. Sun ran as fast as his remaining stamina would let him. The monster was quickly approaching since he needed to stop to fight the undead and was running out of stamina so his speed was dropping. He could feel the monster’s footsteps shaking the ground as it got closer. He tried to slow it down with more spells but to no avail. He then decided to change his tactics a little. All of his previous spells had been meant to disable some of the monster’s function and deal damage. “Slow!” Sun cast a slow spell on the giant undead. While he ran he continued to stack the slow spell onto the giant undead monster. The monster was slowly down but only slightly. Looking into his bag, he reached in and took out a piece of bread that he had baked earlier. He quickly ate the bread while he was running so that he could replenish his stamina. The bad news was that he was now at the worst possible place to be. He had been running with all his might with no regard to direction. Soon he ran out of the densely packed forest into a wide opening. Now he was stuck at the edge of a cliff and surrounded by monsters for the second time since he’s arrive in this world. The giant undead would catch up to him in a minute and he could not run back the opposite direction since the monster would catch him if he did. He checked through his bag for anything that would help him in this situation, but he was poorly equipped to deal with it. He did have a grapple and rope that he could use to descend the cliff, but it would do him no good since it would take too long and the undead would catch up to finish him off. ‘Of all the times to not have teleport magic.’ Teleportation was a skill that was available to high level mages, as was the spell of flight. However, he was not high enough level to learn either of them. He tried to remember if he had any skills that could help him in this situation. There was nothing that could help him now that he was corner. All that remained for him now was death. “To think that it ends like this…” Sun lamented to himself. To think that he finally had gotten some clues to his world only to end up dying in a place like this. ‘At the very least I’m going to die fighting.’ Sun began charging up his final spell against the giant undead. The giant undead had finally caught up to him and was only moments away. As soon as it emerged from the forest he cast his spell. “Holy Burst!” In this one spell he put into everything he had. All of his remaining mana and almost all of his health. A gigantic wave of light wrapped itself around the giant undead. He could feel the mana and life draining from his body as the spell raged on. The more he put into the spell, the more damage it would do and the longer it would last. He shortly reached the point where he could not go any longer. Now he could only hope that the monster was dead or at least incapacitated. Weakly looking up, he checked to see what state the monster was in now. The monster was severely damaged all over its body and the spell had ignited it on fire. It was weakly standing and it had its damaged arm completely blown off. The monster tried to take a step forwards before falling onto the floor. ‘Please stay down.’ Sun prayed as hard as he could that the monster would stop moving. The undead was collapsed onto the floor and unmoving. Looking over the giant’s condition, it seemed that it was at the very least unable to move. “Haah…” Breathing a sigh of relief, Sun sat up from the ground and tried to catch his breath. His entire body was covered in sweat as well as dirt from the forest. “And to think that I took a proper bath a few days ago.” Sun started to laugh at the current state of his body. For now he decided that he would recover as much as he could before meeting back with the group. Rumble rumble. “You have to be kidding me…” The giant monster sluggishly made its way to its feet and stood back up. It was still severely injured but now Sun had no means to kill it, having depleted all of his mana. His health and stamina were at their minimum amounts and he could not run away even if he wanted to. The giant undead monster lifted its remaining hand and slowly made its way to pick up Sun and crush him, since it was so injured that it could not make any excessive movements. The undead’s hand slowly came closer to him, intent on squeezing the last drops of life from his body. The monster suddenly doubled over and fell over the cliff past Sun. Ttiring! -You have leveled up. “I hope that we’re not too late.” A familiar voice called out from the forest. He looked over to see Calvin’s smug ass face looking back at him. They had managed to finish off the rest of the undead giants and swiftly made their way over. Thankfully with the horse drawn carriage and the paladins’ running speed they had made it in time. “No. You guys are mad late.” Sun complained a little bit before collapsing onto to floor in exhaustion. “Let me rest for a bit…”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> A0 - Chapter 1<br><br>After calming down his heartbeat and rubbing his forehead, Kyle finally answered the message ignoring the stifled giggle the feminine voice produced after hearing him squeal and bang his head on the top of the capsule.<br><br>“Yes please”.<br><br>-The scan on your iris and your body (not to mention your girly scream) have determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?-<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Please be an extremely smart AI and not a GM</span>, though Kyle uselessly. After spending two hours in the capsule his mind wandered about his future in the new world. The voice had just startled him. The fact that the AI/GM noticed him screaming like a girl and banging his head on the top of the capsule was just embarrassing.<br><br>“Are you really an AI? Oh, and yes, I would like to create a new account, and it wasn't a girly scream!”.<br><br>-I am indeed an AI and I am in charge of welcoming new players to Versailles, even the ones that squeal when I greet them. Please, select the name of your avatar-<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">What the hell? That is one advanced AI. And why does it make me feel like i'm back in highschool? Best ignore it for now.</span><br><br>“Kalthier, K.A.L.T.H.I.E.R”.<br><br>-Select your gender from male, female or neutral. I strongly recomend female, it suits you-<br><br>"Neutral? What the hell is neutral? And would you keep your opinions to yourself?".<br><br>“Information Neutral”.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Normal gender:</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">-Neutral gender: You are perceived by those you talk to as a member of the opposite sex. your avatar gains androgynous traits (Warning: Mature content not available for neutral gender)-</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Male, definitely male please”. <br><br>-Hehe. Royal Road has forty-nine races, you may select your race from the current primary twenty-nine races-<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Did she just giggle?</span><br><br>A window showing a list of races appeared in front of Kyle. It contained a collection of races common to games and books, plus a couple Kyle had never heard about. One of them drew his attention the moment he saw it.<br><br>“Information Half-Dragon race”.<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Half-Dragon Race Information:</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">-Thanks to their great shapeshifting powers, dragons have been known to procreate across Versailles. The offspring of a dragon and another race. -<br>-(Warning: Some races view such union with one of their own as a sacrilege, the offspring nothing more than an abomination. If word gets out of your parentage, you will be regarded with extreme suspicion or even outright hostility by certain races in Versailles.)-<br>-You can select both members of your parent hood. The Dragon heritage available to Half-Dragons at this point consists of the following: Red Dragon Heritage, Black Dragon Heritage, Blue Dragon Heritage, Green Dragon Heritage, Silver Dragon Heritage, Bronze Dragon Heritage, Gold Dragon Heritage and White Dragon Heritage. You can select any of the other twenty-eight races to complete your heritage-</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">-(Warning: Due to the incompatibility of racial traits some mixes might experience loss of racial bonuses and increased penalties)-</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Details Dragon heritage”.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dragon Herritage Traits:</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">-The following traits apply to any half-dragon who chooses the heritage described. this bonuses might get canceled, buffed or reduced according to the race you complement your half-dragon with penalties may also vary-</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Red Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+5 Strength<br>+5 Agility<br>-5 Wisdom<br>-5 Luck<br>+20% Fire Resistance<br>+5% All Resistances<br>Your body possesses extremely angular features, a red tinge to your skin and red slitted eyes.<br>-5 Charisma and Appearance when obtained.<br>Guards in general regard you with suspicion.<br>Chaotic Alignment</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Black Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+5 Strength<br>+5 Intelligence<br>-10 Honour<br>+20% Dark Resistance<br>+5% All Resistances<br>-40 Light Resistance<br>Your Skin and eyes are deep black<br>Stealth Related Actions +30<br>Intimacy with all NPC -10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Blue Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+5 Strength<br>+5 Luck<br>-5 Wisdom<br>-5 Agility<br>+20% Cold Resistance<br>+5% All Resistances<br>Your eyes cast an unearthly pale blue light in the darkness Stealth related actions -10 <br>Your thirst satiety level drops at 2x the speed</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Green Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+5 to all Stats<br>Affinity with nature Intimacy with Animals +10<br>Your skin possesses a bark like texture, you have green hair<br>Charisma and Appearance stats (if gained) improve at half speed</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Silver Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+5 Luck<br>+5 Agility<br>+10% All Resistances<br>Teeth and Nails are silver. Can be extender for extra unharmed damage.<br>Fighting Spirit -50 (Silver dragons despise fighting as it it beneath them. most animals and monsters perceive you as prey until positive Fighting Spirit)<br>Lawful Alignment</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Bronze Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+5 to all stats<br>+5% All Resistances<br>Halfs the requirements for craft skills (ex. Repair LvL 5 for Blacksmithing)<br>Loose racial bonus for magic (5% skill gain)<br>Loose racial bonus for combat(5% skill gain)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Gold Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+10% All Resistances<br>Gain stats Charisma, Leadership<br>Hair made of pure strands of gold (Can be harvested when killed. Doubles death penalty. Tier 1 alchemy material)</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">White Dragon Heritage:</td><td colspan="3">+15 Luck<br>+20% Lighting Resist<br>+5% All Resistances<br>-40% Dark Resistance<br>Emit white aura in darkness. Cannot perform sneak related skills<br>Light Alignment</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">All Dragon Heritage sub-races provide:</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level)<br>+5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level)<br>+10 Intimacy with draconic creatures<br>Gain stats Honour, Fighting Spirit<br>Half fame gain, double infamy gain<br>Monster status. Skills and events that only target monsters affect you.<br>(Warning: Beware of classes with the ability to tame monsters, if they defeat you, they can bind you as their familiar/companion. Effects vary depending on tamer)<br>10% Chance of character having a tail. -5 Intimacy with NPC’s<br>10% Chance of character having horns. -5 Intimacy with NPC’s<br>10% Increased pain factor</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>“Woah”. Kyle was speechless. They were all good, amazingly so. In fact, finding the right combination of races would probably yield absurd bonuses, but the penalties were downright contradicting to the goal of Royal Road to ‘become the emperor’. Kyle read all of them over and over again and it was the last warning that made him hesitate.<br><br>“So scary, is this a BDSM only race?”. He couldn’t help but mutter, then an idea came to him.<br><br>“Hey, do you happen to know how many classes possess the ability to tame monsters?”<br><br>-...-<br><br>“...”<br><br>-Please wait while i contact the administrators-<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Hey, what's with the awkward pause.</span> Though Kayle as he went through the heritage descriptions once again.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Dark Elf-Black Dragon and Dwarf-Bronze Dragon are the only compatible races. I can think of that probably gain more than they lose from the mix. human is probably the safest bet.</span><br><br>-Sorry for the wait- Said the voice right next to his ear, making him jump once again. Thankfully he managed to hold the squeal that almost came out.<br><br>“Now you’re doing it on purpose, aren't you?”. He accused the empty space, embarrassed of letting AI get a reaction out of him.<br><br>-Not my fault, you just make it easy, and you have such delightful reactions too- She chuckled, the bloody AI actually chuckled.<br><br>-Anyhow, I have been allowed to inform you that the ability to tame monsters is restricted to secret and hidden classes only. You can play without worrying that a cute girl will enslave you to follow her around like a cute puppy.-<br><br>“That's not what I was worried about! And aren't you and AI? What´s with the crappy treatment?”<br><br>-You are the first player I've attended, I was bored before you came and you are fun to mess with. Now, have you decided which race you wish to be?-<br><br>“Half Human and Half Red Dragon”. The AI managed to annoy and embarrass Kyle to the point that he decided to forgot the race analysis and go with the safe bet.<br><br>-Humf, where is your sense of adventure? Well, you are almost set. Anything else I can help you with? It is my utmost pleasure, trust me- <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Scary, how can the game designers make this monster the first thing one encounters on Royal Road?</span><br><br>“Nope, i’m good. skip everything and let me get to the game already.” <br><br>-Delightful, bye bye Kalthier, hehehe-<br><br>A sinister laugh followed Kalthier as his vision went dark. It was only at this point that he remembered two very important aspects the AI forced him to skip over. He didn't get a chance to alter his appearance or chose where to start, or to be more precise, he was tricked by the evil AI to pass them.<br><br>*Ting*<br>*Ting*<br>*Ting*<br><br>Kalthier opened his eyes as soon as he heard bells ringing. Noticing and ignoring the system messages that popped out, he angrily cried out. <br><br>“System contact support”<br><br>-Hello?-<br><br>“Your bloody AI didn't give me a chance to alter my appearance, or choose my starting city!”<br><br>-Please wait for verification-<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Not good, they’ll see I passed on the chance to do both.</span><br><br>Spotting a fountain while he waited, Kalthier went to see if he could at least see his reflection. All hope and excitement regarding vanishing at what he saw.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">No way</span><br><br>What the reflection showed him was indeed his face, and yet... His eyes, his draconic menacing-blood-red--slitted eyes were big, round and so innocent looking it hurt him to see them. Somehow the AI had managed to alter his appearance, even when he passed his chance at doing it himself. Other changes, included the fact that, despite the low chance, he’d acquired both horns and a tail, only his horns, the majestic horns of a dragon barely extended an inch over his forehead.His tail was smooth, red, thin and long and it ended at its end was a spike make from the same material as his horns, and it looked just as dangerous. His fangs appeared to have elongated, but once again they seemed to convey playfulness, not danger.<br><br>Cute. The thought sent rage coursing through him. <br><br>”Why the the &lt;Censored&gt; do i look &lt;Censored&gt; cute? Get that bloody AI over here so i can &lt;Censored &gt; kill her. I can't believe the &lt;Censored&gt; &lt;Censored&gt; would do this to me. &lt;Censored&gt;. Somehow that &lt;Censored&gt;AI has managed to ruin the coolest &lt;Censored&gt; race in the whole &lt;Censored &gt; game.<br><br>“ System, delete character”<br><br>-Due to extremely high demand of our servers we have disabled this option for a week in real time. we apologize for the inconvenience. in part of the Royal Road team please accept this extra 5 stat points and for the next month try to enjoy your character, Royal Road is designed to provide entertainment for everyone regardless of their race or class.-<br><br>“...&lt;Censored&gt;”<br><br>-Sir, i am afraid to inform you that our records indicate that you voluntarily skipped half the character creation process not to mention the two hour tutorial. I'm afraid that I am unable to help you as your current predicament is a result of your own doing and Royal Road is designed with a persistent world in mind. Please, remember that actions always have consequences, and enjoy you time in the continent of Versailles.-<br><br>-And before I forget, you are currently in the City of Regus, Kourion Kingdom-<br><br>“...” Dejected, Kalthier sat at the fountain, his new tail trailing in the water behind him as he brooded, so it took a while for him to finally take a look at both the system messages he received and his surroundings. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">KINGDOM: You are the very first players to discover the Kourion Kingdom.</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">KINGDOM: You are the very first players to discover the Kourion Kingdom.<br>Reward: Fame +200. (400)<br>For two weeks, double EXP and quest rewards are double. <br>Intimacy with natives of Kourion Kingdom +10</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">CITY: You are the very first players to discover the City of Regus.</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">CITY: You are the very first players to discover the City of Regus.<br>Reward: Fame +100. (200)<br>For two weeks, double EXP and quest rewards are double. <br>Intimacy with citizens of City of Regus +15</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You are the first player to chose the Half-Dragon race</span></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Reward: Fame +10. (20)<br>Draconic Traits increased by 10%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Meh, I am going to delete this monster anyhow, but since I have to bear with it for a month: Character Status”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Character Name</td><td width="25%">Kalthier</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">Chaotic</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td colspan="3">1</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Profession</td><td width="25%">None</td><td width="25%">Titles</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">320</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">15</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">15</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Honour</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">5</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">5</td><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td colspan="3">3</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Defense</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Resistances</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">25%</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">5%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">5%</td><td width="25%">Air</td><td width="25%">5%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">5%</td><td width="25%">Black</td><td width="25%">5%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Unused stat points: 5</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Miscellaneous Bonuses and Penalties:</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level)<br> +5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level)<br> +10 Intimacy with draconic creatures<br> Gain stats Honour, Fighting Spirit<br> Half fame gain, double infamy gain<br> Monster status. Skills and events that only target Monsters can affect you.<br> 10% Increased pain factor.<br> Your body possesses elf like angular features<br> A red tinge colours your skin <br> You possess the red slitted eyes of a dragon.<br> -5 Charisma and Appearance when obtained.<br> Guards in general regard you with suspicion.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>He was in the middle of a huge plaza. The ground was paved with smooth stones of random shapes that somehow managed to fit each other. But by far, the most impressive sight was right in front of him. Taking up half the horizon was a church, more of a cathedral really. It appeared to have been carved from a single piece of white marble. A frightening monument of masonry and sculpture. A white cathedral of humongous proportions carved to such an incredible detail that even from a distance he could see beads of sweat on the sculptures adorning it. Surely built using vast amounts of magic and the greatest artists in the continent. It was beautiful enough for Kalthier to forget about his dreadful appearance for a while.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have seen Regus’ Cathedral of Light</td></tr><tr><td>Built centuries ago, this is the only church in Versailles dedicated to all the goods of light. This cathedral was built in a joint effort by uniting the resources from all the churches.<br><br>The names of both the sculptor and architect have long ago faded from memory. this cathedral is their only legacy.<br><br>For the next twenty four hours you gain:<br>+10 to all Stats<br>+100 HP<br>+100 Mana<br>+20 Honor<br>+10 fighting Spirit</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>For ten minutes Kalthier just sat on the fountain absorbing in the wonderful sight in front of him. He also noticed different types of people going about their business. They all managed to fit perfectly in the medieval setting marking them as NPC’s to Kalthier. He also noticed the covert looks they gave him, the ranged from curious to suspicious.<br><br>It was as he was reading this messages that he came upon a shocking realization. Somehow he could feel his tail. It was swinging back and forth in the water behind him, sending small ripples across the fountain and cooling him down, helping him relax. After spending ten minutes of intense concentration he managed to move it according to his will. He also got a system message.<br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained a new stat: Concentration.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><br><br>Being able to move his tail and the way it felt to move it, not to mention the system notice he got after so little effort, lifted his spirits. It also managed to make him a little bit curious and intrigued about his race, despite his appearance. That, added to the astounding beauty this world seemed to be filled with, was enough for him to recover some of his resolve. After all, this was a new world, never again would he let himself be shackled in hopelessness and despair. <br><br>“Show info Concentration”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Concentration: Stat</td></tr><tr><td>Ability to keep focused when performing a task<br>For magic users, concentration can prevent them from failing to cast a spell after being interrupted. Spellcasting assistance basically, possibly an increase in Magic Attack as well.For non spell casters this could have a similar effect for skills, allowing the skill to go through should it be interrupted, possibly increasing attack as well.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Not long after he recovered his enthusiasm he started to see multiple flashes of white appear around the plaza. Now the first system messages he got made sense. Given that he skipped half the character creation process, he somehow managed to be the first player to log in whose starting city was Regus. And, given the difference between game time and reality time, close to half an hour passed by after he logged in before other players started to join.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Whoa, asides from the way they are acting right now they look just like the NPC´s. I truly can't tell the difference</span>. Finally deciding, despite his monstrous appearance, to at least give his avatar a try, Kalthier left the plaza in a random direction, hoping to avoid unwanted attention to his appearance by the other players. The system warning about tamers hunting his steps was making him nervous. <br><br>After walking around the city for a couple of hours, Kalthier noticed that two bars at the edge of his vision steadily decreased. The longer he walked without stopping for a short rest, the faster his stamina seemed to deplete. And, despite not knowing what it meant, soon Kalthier decided to associate the satiety bar to his rising hunger. Remembering the list of commands he investigated during his research he whispered.<br><br>“Inventory” <br><br>A translucent window appeared in front of him. It gave details during his current equipment, consisting of a set of very simple clothes and a knapsack, which contained ten pieces of rye-bread and an empty canteen. He searched around his knapsack, taking out what soon proved to be to be the hardest piece of bread in existence. A more inquisitive search probed all his rye-bread to be in such condition. Slowly, and with great trepidation, he slowly took a bite out of it.<br><br>“Urgh...” Spiting the mouthful with with a grimace he ran as fast as he could towards the closest water fountain, taking both his stamina and satiety levels dangerously low. As soon as he was within reach of the fountain, Kalthier dunked his head inside, drinking as heavily as he could in order to remove the aftertaste of such a hellish flavor and restore his stamina and satiety levels.<br><br> *Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Stamina +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> *Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Agility +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><br>Once again ignoring the system messages, Kalthier realized his good mood had been broken by the hell-bread.<br><br>“Sadists, the bloody developers of this game are sadists” Not even in his college years, eating burnt ramen a couple of days old had he ever tasted something so vile, repugnant and plain ass evil.<br><br>“Do they seriously give this hell-bread to every new player? Or is it just mine, probably some sort of sick joke by that evil AI.” <br><br>Even if the AI from his capsule seemed to hate him for some unknown random reason, changing his bread into a hellish concoction went too far. But just as he was about to call the system admin, a terrible thought came to him. What if all the players get hell-bread instead of normal bread? What if it is not a mistake but a feature designed by those maniacs? In order to test his theory, Kalthier decided to compare his bread with the one carried by another player. Looking up from the fountain he saw a girl who was busy filling a canteen across. Since appeared to be wearing the same beginner clothes as he was, he decided she was probably a player and slowly approached her.<br><br>“Excuse me, miss? Are you by any chance a player?”<br><br>The girl looked up to see him and froze, after spending an unusual amount of time staring at him with wide eyes she finally seemed to remember his question.<br><br>“Err, yes, yes I just started, I'm Myla, Hi”.<br><br>Having completely forgotten his current appearance due to his traumatic experience with the hell-bread, Kalthier simply marked the girl as shy.<br><br>“Hello, I was wondering if you happened to get some bread at the start of the game, and if you, by any chance would mind trading some with me?”<br><br>The girl looked surprised for a moment. After giving an almost silent, high pitched squeal, she answered in a soft, kind voice, the kind you would use to approach a wounded animal.<br><br>“Well, yes, you see, everyone gets ten pieces of rye-bread along with an empty canteen. And, seeing as though I plan to learn the cooking skill soon, you can have one of mine, here”. Myla handed Kalthier a lump of rock that upon further inspection, appeared to be another piece of hell-bread.<br><br>Mentally preparing himself after giving her a mumbled “Thank you” Kalthier slowly nibbled at the hell-bread. Instantly his stomach revolted, his tail froze pointing skyward and he ended up with his head into the fountain once more. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">So, on the bright side, the whole there is an evil AI that hates my guts theory is busted. On the other hand, it appears that the whole development team of Unicorn Corp is evil.</span><br><br>Completely ignoring the kind girl who was currently giving him an amused, perplexed look. Kalthier started mumbling his ramblings to himself.<br><br>“There is no way I'm ever eating something like that again”.<br><br>Kalthier then took all his remaining bread and threw it at his feet. He filled his canteen with water and marched off with a new goal in mind.<br><br>“Food, I need to find a reliable source of food. Didn't that girl say something about a cooking skill? Need to get that, and fast.” Completely ignoring the girl, whose name the hell-bread wiped from his memory, Kalthier started walking.<br><br>For around five hours, Kalthier cruised the city. He went from restaurant to restaurant, the poor and the rich, looking for someone who would teach him the cooking skill. But try as he might the best offers, he got involved washing dishes for a week, then a series of tedious tasks in order to be deemed ‘worthy’ the skill.<br><br>“There is no way i'm spending my first week here washing dishes. Someone´d got to be able to teach me that bloody skill.”. His muttering, having reached a normal tone of voice, turned heads wherever he went. His simple minded obsession with the search of food making him oblivious to all that went around him.<br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Concentration +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Vitality +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Concentration +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Stamina +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><br>Finally, after hours of searching, he came across a small, rundown bakery. He was now searching under the assumption that the shabbier the place, the easier it would be to convince someone to teach him. <br><br>“Welcome” A cheery voice greeted him as he walked through the door. An old, heavyset woman with a kind, chubby face smiled at him from behind a counter.<br><br>“Hi, I'm looking for someone who is willing to teach someone completely inexperienced in the art of cooking with no conditions attached” After hours of asking, insisting and begging, Kalthier finally decided to ask for what he wanted in the bluntest way possible. Either they hired him or not, that way he saved himself hours of failing to charm those useless NPC’s..<br><br>The kind woman laughed, surprising him. Everywhere else he was received with scorn and suspicion, but this woman somehow didn't seem to mind the way he asked for such a huge favor, in fact she seemed amused by it.<br><br>“Oh i don't mind teaching you young one, but allow me to ask a simple question. What has driven you to such desperation to learn, as you call it, the art of cooking. My shop is not the first place, or the last people look for when hoping to learn how to cook. So tell me, did someone direct you towards me or where you simply driven here after exhausting all other roads?” The woman´s cheerfulness and happiness was in complete contrast to her words. I knew this place was shabby but it sounds as if she is the worst cook in the city.<br><br>Kyle decided to go with honesty, as she so easily deduced, he had exhausted all other options and at this pace he would be forced to cook the way he did in college, heat, broil or fry whatever you wished to eat until it looks somewhat edible. <br><br>“I got ten pieces of something called rye-bread when i got here, but it´s taste and consistency was so disgustingly vile i feared for my life after taking a single bite” Kalthier answered the old woman with hateful passion coating his voice. Only after he finished speaking did he notice that her demeanor had changed. she was gripping a rolling pin with so much strength, her knuckles were white, and the wood was beginning to splinter as she advanced towards him.<br><br>“I MADE THAT RYE-BREAD!” The woman´s scream was close to the wail of a banshee. Her presence started to increased and he barely got a glimpse at the system message that popped out.<br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You are frightened. All stats -5</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have gained Fighting Spirit +1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><br><br>Doing the best to overcome the fear this monster of a women somehow put in him and hoping his ears would stop ringing, he slowly beat the fear down. Once calm, Kalthier finally caught on to what the woman actually said, her scream having distorted the words. Realizing what that meant he screamed with disgust.<br><br>“ Nevermind then!, who would like to learn such a half-assed cooking skill, more like how dare you even call yourself a chef, i wouldn't feed that stuff to rats, much less humans” Kalthier then turned around and ran to the door. But before he could reach it something hit him in the back of his knee, causing him to stumble and slam head first into the wall besides the door.<br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have taken damage -10 HP</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have been tripped</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have taken damage -5 HP</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have taken damage -5 HP</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> *Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Kalthier has caused 5 damage to wall.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> *Ting* <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Kalthier has learned Skill Spiked Headbut.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br><br><br><br>“Huh” surprise at both the attack, and the unusual system notice caused Kalthier to miss his chance to escape. The furious woman was now standing over him, blocking the door and looking at him with tear filled eyes.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">HEY, you’re the one who hit me, how come you are crying?. Seriously, are all women NPC’s this randomly violent and vindictive?</span><br><br>“Do you think i make such a thing with joy? i had no choice, by order of the king all foreigners must be given ten pieces of bread. The cheap bastard is not willing to pay more than three coppers for each. Three bloody coopers!” The woman took another huge breath, and seeing Kalthier about to reply hurried on with her lecture.<br><br>“Do you have any idea how of hard it is to create such a thing, the materials for the simplest of breads alone come at five coopers. That i managed to, not only create something that was actually edible for such a meager price, but that i completely fill the consumers satiety is nothing short of a miracle. And you, not only do you come to my shop, demanding that i teach you my skills, which, i might add, i was more than ready to accept. But you had the nerve to criticize my skills as a cook based on such a lousy piece of work, something that, had i had the chance i would have never made in the first place?”<br><br>Now Kalthier felt bad. True, the hell-bread was indeed worthy of its nickname, but now that he had time to notice, the smells inside the bakery not only indicated the presence of high quality food, but where making his mouth water.<br><br>“Look, i...” A threatening glare silenced Kalthier.<br><br>Why does a cook possess such fighting spirit. Bloody developers.<br><br>“Shut up. Do not move a muscle” the old woman quickly went behind the counter and threw Kalthier a single slice of white fluffy bread, it smelled heavenly. <br><br>“EAT!” Cowed once again by the sounds coming from the rolling pin in the cook’s hand, and more than a little intrigued by the mouthwatering smell coming from the bread, Kalthier took a big bite of the bread.<br><br>Shocked, he looked at the bread in his hand and, not finding what he was looking for turned to stare at the woman who now sported a shit eating grin.<br><br>“Surprised you didn't I? That bread combines the tastes of and oven baked meatloaf, the crispness and taste of roasted potatoes and the smell of freshly baked bread. Yet, as you can see it’s texture and color differ in nothing from an ordinary bread. go ahead, finish it. you're in for a shocker” She nudged his hand, which was holding on to the piece of bread like it was the holy grail.<br><br>Slowly eating the last of the bread, and savoring every every second of it, Kalthier received a jaw dropping message.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have eaten a unique dish made by a master chef: Full Course Bread</td></tr><tr><td>For the next two days<br>maximum Satiety is doubled<br>Satiety is reduced at half speed<br>+1000 HP<br>+1000 Mana<br>+30 to all Stats<br>+20% to all Resists</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>“...”<br><br>“So?, how was it?, my cooking” She asked, eagerly awaiting Kalthier's verdict. but judging by the grin she directed at him Kalthier was certain she knew exactly what he felt and saw in the message. or maybe it was his tail, waggin uncontrollably behind him.<br><br>Not knowing what to say Kalthier meekly answered “Otherworldly. I am truly sorry for my behavior, my foul mood is no excuse for my comments on your hell-bread. Now more than ever i wish to be your apprentice, it would be an honour and a pleasure… If you’ll have me.”<br><br>“Hah!, hell-bread, i like that, an apt name if i ever hear one. Look kid...” Sensing a denial Kalthier rushed to interrupt her.<br><br>“Kalthier, my name is Kalthier. Please, by this point i’m certain i’ll do anything you require of me, i’ll wash the dishes for a weeks to no end, just please, reconsider teaching me. I must know how to make food that tastes like that even without the bonus it provides. Hell, I’ll even give you my oath to never stop searching for way to make hell-bread tasty or at the very least edible” To think she could do such wonders with a simple piece of breath. Imagining what a real meal from her would taste like made him dizzy.<br><br>“Oh Kalthier, you do not know what it is you promise to do. For three months i worked day and night, using every skill and resource available to mei and even then the best result i managed to make, was that foul tasting hell-bread. I really like that nickname by the way, too bad the recipe already shipped across Versailles under rye-bread. Hell-bread was the best i could do with the king’s meager budget and every cook in the continent was tasked with it’s creation. Sadly, there are no dishes for you to clean here, you are the first person to ever take a bite outside the kitchen” Now Kalthier was worried, it sounded like a denial.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">It seems living in this world is going to be harder than reality.</span><br><br>Somehow his eyes must have managed to convey his feeling, for she gently cupped his cheek and spoke with a smile. “Don’t look so sad my boy, that just means we can get right on to the cooking, and i’ll hold you to that promise, impossible as it may sound, no matter how long it takes i’ll wait for you. My name is Evangeline by the way, but anyone with the balls to nickname one of my dishes, even the worst i’ve ever made, hell-bread gets to call me you can call me Eva”<br><br><br>*Ting*<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto">[tr][td]New Quest: An Impossible recipe.<table><tbody><tr><td>Evangeline, a chef from the City of Regus was tasked with the creation of rye-bread, the only sustenance given the foreigners (Players) upon arrival in the continent of Versailles. <br>She is extremely dissatisfied with the product due to the extremely low budget of three coopers per bread she was given, even with her considerable skills she only managed to produce a rock solid, foul tasting blob of ingredients that somehow manages to fully restore one’s satiety.<br><br>Kalthier has given Evangeline his oath to improve her recipe, making the rye-bread taste like food edible by a human. in exchange Evangeline has promised to impart in him some of her vast knowledge in cooking.<br><br>Difficulty level: C<br><br>Quest requirements:<br>Show deep hate and revulsion for rye-bread.<br>Offend Evangeline, the creator of rye-bread.<br>Ask for an apprenticeship both before and after angering Evangeline<br>Promise to improve the rye-bread recipe.<br><br>No time limit. If canceled reputation with cooks -50, Evangeline will put a bounty on your head.<br><br>Rewards:<br> Instant: Evangeline will teach you how to cook.<br> Intimacy with Evangeline +30<br> On Completion: Unknown<br><br>This quest is accepted automatically.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Did i just give myself a quest?</span><br><br><br>*********AUTHOR'S NOTES********<br><br>I took me a long time to get used to making tables but here is chapter 1.<br>I need feedback on a lot of this in this chapter:<br>Balancing for the Half-Dragon race (I tried to make the powerful but with severe penalties) since i'm not quite sure all the dragon types balance each other out.<br>Also feedback on the story, characters, events and anything else is more than welcome.<br><br>Thanks for reading.<br><br>O.o and i'm looking for someone willing to Edit/PR this FF since i no matter how many time i go over it i still miss lots of spelling, consistency and narration errors. {[999aba}] </div>

A0 - Chapter 1 After calming down his heartbeat and rubbing his forehead, Kyle finally answered the message ignoring the stifled giggle the feminine voice produced after hearing him squeal and bang his head on the top of the capsule. “Yes please”. -The scan on your iris and your body (not to mention your girly scream) have determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you wish to create a new account?- Please be an extremely smart AI and not a GM, though Kyle uselessly. After spending two hours in the capsule his mind wandered about his future in the new world. The voice had just startled him. The fact that the AI/GM noticed him screaming like a girl and banging his head on the top of the capsule was just embarrassing. “Are you really an AI? Oh, and yes, I would like to create a new account, and it wasn't a girly scream!”. -I am indeed an AI and I am in charge of welcoming new players to Versailles, even the ones that squeal when I greet them. Please, select the name of your avatar- What the hell? That is one advanced AI. And why does it make me feel like i'm back in highschool? Best ignore it for now. “Kalthier, K.A.L.T.H.I.E.R”. -Select your gender from male, female or neutral. I strongly recomend female, it suits you- "Neutral? What the hell is neutral? And would you keep your opinions to yourself?". “Information Neutral”. | Normal gender: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | -Neutral gender: You are perceived by those you talk to as a member of the opposite sex. your avatar gains androgynous traits (Warning: Mature content not available for neutral gender)- | | | | “Male, definitely male please”. -Hehe. Royal Road has forty-nine races, you may select your race from the current primary twenty-nine races- Did she just giggle? A window showing a list of races appeared in front of Kyle. It contained a collection of races common to games and books, plus a couple Kyle had never heard about. One of them drew his attention the moment he saw it. “Information Half-Dragon race”. | Half-Dragon Race Information: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | -Thanks to their great shapeshifting powers, dragons have been known to procreate across Versailles. The offspring of a dragon and another race. --(Warning: Some races view such union with one of their own as a sacrilege, the offspring nothing more than an abomination. If word gets out of your parentage, you will be regarded with extreme suspicion or even outright hostility by certain races in Versailles.)--You can select both members of your parent hood. The Dragon heritage available to Half-Dragons at this point consists of the following: Red Dragon Heritage, Black Dragon Heritage, Blue Dragon Heritage, Green Dragon Heritage, Silver Dragon Heritage, Bronze Dragon Heritage, Gold Dragon Heritage and White Dragon Heritage. You can select any of the other twenty-eight races to complete your heritage- | | | | | -(Warning: Due to the incompatibility of racial traits some mixes might experience loss of racial bonuses and increased penalties)- | | | | “Details Dragon heritage”. | Dragon Herritage Traits: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | -The following traits apply to any half-dragon who chooses the heritage described. this bonuses might get canceled, buffed or reduced according to the race you complement your half-dragon with penalties may also vary- | | | | | Red Dragon Heritage: | +5 Strength+5 Agility-5 Wisdom-5 Luck+20% Fire Resistance+5% All ResistancesYour body possesses extremely angular features, a red tinge to your skin and red slitted eyes.-5 Charisma and Appearance when obtained.Guards in general regard you with suspicion.Chaotic Alignment | | | | Black Dragon Heritage: | +5 Strength+5 Intelligence-10 Honour+20% Dark Resistance+5% All Resistances-40 Light ResistanceYour Skin and eyes are deep blackStealth Related Actions +30Intimacy with all NPC -10 | | | | Blue Dragon Heritage: | +5 Strength+5 Luck-5 Wisdom-5 Agility+20% Cold Resistance+5% All ResistancesYour eyes cast an unearthly pale blue light in the darkness Stealth related actions -10 Your thirst satiety level drops at 2x the speed | | | | Green Dragon Heritage: | +5 to all StatsAffinity with nature Intimacy with Animals +10Your skin possesses a bark like texture, you have green hairCharisma and Appearance stats (if gained) improve at half speed | | | | Silver Dragon Heritage: | +5 Luck+5 Agility+10% All ResistancesTeeth and Nails are silver. Can be extender for extra unharmed damage.Fighting Spirit -50 (Silver dragons despise fighting as it it beneath them. most animals and monsters perceive you as prey until positive Fighting Spirit)Lawful Alignment | | | | Bronze Dragon Heritage: | +5 to all stats+5% All ResistancesHalfs the requirements for craft skills (ex. Repair LvL 5 for Blacksmithing)Loose racial bonus for magic (5% skill gain)Loose racial bonus for combat(5% skill gain) | | | | Gold Dragon Heritage: | +10% All ResistancesGain stats Charisma, LeadershipHair made of pure strands of gold (Can be harvested when killed. Doubles death penalty. Tier 1 alchemy material) | | | | White Dragon Heritage: | +15 Luck+20% Lighting Resist+5% All Resistances-40% Dark ResistanceEmit white aura in darkness. Cannot perform sneak related skillsLight Alignment | | | | All Dragon Heritage sub-races provide: | | | | | +5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level)+5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level)+10 Intimacy with draconic creaturesGain stats Honour, Fighting SpiritHalf fame gain, double infamy gainMonster status. Skills and events that only target monsters affect you.(Warning: Beware of classes with the ability to tame monsters, if they defeat you, they can bind you as their familiar/companion. Effects vary depending on tamer)10% Chance of character having a tail. -5 Intimacy with NPC’s10% Chance of character having horns. -5 Intimacy with NPC’s10% Increased pain factor | | | | “Woah”. Kyle was speechless. They were all good, amazingly so. In fact, finding the right combination of races would probably yield absurd bonuses, but the penalties were downright contradicting to the goal of Royal Road to ‘become the emperor’. Kyle read all of them over and over again and it was the last warning that made him hesitate. “So scary, is this a BDSM only race?”. He couldn’t help but mutter, then an idea came to him. “Hey, do you happen to know how many classes possess the ability to tame monsters?” -...- “...” -Please wait while i contact the administrators- Hey, what's with the awkward pause. Though Kayle as he went through the heritage descriptions once again. Dark Elf-Black Dragon and Dwarf-Bronze Dragon are the only compatible races. I can think of that probably gain more than they lose from the mix. human is probably the safest bet. -Sorry for the wait- Said the voice right next to his ear, making him jump once again. Thankfully he managed to hold the squeal that almost came out. “Now you’re doing it on purpose, aren't you?”. He accused the empty space, embarrassed of letting AI get a reaction out of him. -Not my fault, you just make it easy, and you have such delightful reactions too- She chuckled, the bloody AI actually chuckled. -Anyhow, I have been allowed to inform you that the ability to tame monsters is restricted to secret and hidden classes only. You can play without worrying that a cute girl will enslave you to follow her around like a cute puppy.- “That's not what I was worried about! And aren't you and AI? What´s with the crappy treatment?” -You are the first player I've attended, I was bored before you came and you are fun to mess with. Now, have you decided which race you wish to be?- “Half Human and Half Red Dragon”. The AI managed to annoy and embarrass Kyle to the point that he decided to forgot the race analysis and go with the safe bet. -Humf, where is your sense of adventure? Well, you are almost set. Anything else I can help you with? It is my utmost pleasure, trust me- Scary, how can the game designers make this monster the first thing one encounters on Royal Road? “Nope, i’m good. skip everything and let me get to the game already.” -Delightful, bye bye Kalthier, hehehe- A sinister laugh followed Kalthier as his vision went dark. It was only at this point that he remembered two very important aspects the AI forced him to skip over. He didn't get a chance to alter his appearance or chose where to start, or to be more precise, he was tricked by the evil AI to pass them. *Ting* *Ting* *Ting* Kalthier opened his eyes as soon as he heard bells ringing. Noticing and ignoring the system messages that popped out, he angrily cried out. “System contact support” -Hello?- “Your bloody AI didn't give me a chance to alter my appearance, or choose my starting city!” -Please wait for verification- Not good, they’ll see I passed on the chance to do both. Spotting a fountain while he waited, Kalthier went to see if he could at least see his reflection. All hope and excitement regarding vanishing at what he saw. No way What the reflection showed him was indeed his face, and yet... His eyes, his draconic menacing-blood-red--slitted eyes were big, round and so innocent looking it hurt him to see them. Somehow the AI had managed to alter his appearance, even when he passed his chance at doing it himself. Other changes, included the fact that, despite the low chance, he’d acquired both horns and a tail, only his horns, the majestic horns of a dragon barely extended an inch over his forehead.His tail was smooth, red, thin and long and it ended at its end was a spike make from the same material as his horns, and it looked just as dangerous. His fangs appeared to have elongated, but once again they seemed to convey playfulness, not danger. Cute. The thought sent rage coursing through him. ”Why the the <Censored> do i look <Censored> cute? Get that bloody AI over here so i can <Censored > kill her. I can't believe the <Censored> <Censored> would do this to me. <Censored>. Somehow that <Censored>AI has managed to ruin the coolest <Censored> race in the whole <Censored > game. “ System, delete character” -Due to extremely high demand of our servers we have disabled this option for a week in real time. we apologize for the inconvenience. in part of the Royal Road team please accept this extra 5 stat points and for the next month try to enjoy your character, Royal Road is designed to provide entertainment for everyone regardless of their race or class.- “...<Censored>” -Sir, i am afraid to inform you that our records indicate that you voluntarily skipped half the character creation process not to mention the two hour tutorial. I'm afraid that I am unable to help you as your current predicament is a result of your own doing and Royal Road is designed with a persistent world in mind. Please, remember that actions always have consequences, and enjoy you time in the continent of Versailles.- -And before I forget, you are currently in the City of Regus, Kourion Kingdom- “...” Dejected, Kalthier sat at the fountain, his new tail trailing in the water behind him as he brooded, so it took a while for him to finally take a look at both the system messages he received and his surroundings. | KINGDOM: You are the very first players to discover the Kourion Kingdom. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | KINGDOM: You are the very first players to discover the Kourion Kingdom.Reward: Fame +200. (400)For two weeks, double EXP and quest rewards are double. Intimacy with natives of Kourion Kingdom +10 | | | | | CITY: You are the very first players to discover the City of Regus. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | CITY: You are the very first players to discover the City of Regus.Reward: Fame +100. (200)For two weeks, double EXP and quest rewards are double. Intimacy with citizens of City of Regus +15 | | | | | You are the first player to chose the Half-Dragon race | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Reward: Fame +10. (20)Draconic Traits increased by 10% | | | | “Meh, I am going to delete this monster anyhow, but since I have to bear with it for a month: Character Status” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Character Name | Kalthier | Alignment | Chaotic | | Level | 1 | | | | Profession | None | Titles | None | | Fame | 320 | Infamy | 0 | | Health | 100 | Mana | 100 | | Strength | 15 | Agility | 15 | | Stamina | 10 | Honour | 10 | | Fighting Spirit | 10 | Luck | 5 | | Wisdom | 5 | Intellect | 10 | | Attack | 3 | | | | Defense | 0 | | | | Magic Resistances | | | | | Fire | 25% | Water | 5% | | Earth | 5% | Air | 5% | | Holy | 5% | Black | 5% | | Unused stat points: 5 | | | | | Miscellaneous Bonuses and Penalties: | | | | | +5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level) +5% Combat Skills Growth (Up to Intermediate Level) +10 Intimacy with draconic creatures Gain stats Honour, Fighting Spirit Half fame gain, double infamy gain Monster status. Skills and events that only target Monsters can affect you. 10% Increased pain factor. Your body possesses elf like angular features A red tinge colours your skin You possess the red slitted eyes of a dragon. -5 Charisma and Appearance when obtained. Guards in general regard you with suspicion. | | | | He was in the middle of a huge plaza. The ground was paved with smooth stones of random shapes that somehow managed to fit each other. But by far, the most impressive sight was right in front of him. Taking up half the horizon was a church, more of a cathedral really. It appeared to have been carved from a single piece of white marble. A frightening monument of masonry and sculpture. A white cathedral of humongous proportions carved to such an incredible detail that even from a distance he could see beads of sweat on the sculptures adorning it. Surely built using vast amounts of magic and the greatest artists in the continent. It was beautiful enough for Kalthier to forget about his dreadful appearance for a while. | You have seen Regus’ Cathedral of Light | | --- | | Built centuries ago, this is the only church in Versailles dedicated to all the goods of light. This cathedral was built in a joint effort by uniting the resources from all the churches.The names of both the sculptor and architect have long ago faded from memory. this cathedral is their only legacy.For the next twenty four hours you gain:+10 to all Stats+100 HP+100 Mana+20 Honor+10 fighting Spirit | For ten minutes Kalthier just sat on the fountain absorbing in the wonderful sight in front of him. He also noticed different types of people going about their business. They all managed to fit perfectly in the medieval setting marking them as NPC’s to Kalthier. He also noticed the covert looks they gave him, the ranged from curious to suspicious. It was as he was reading this messages that he came upon a shocking realization. Somehow he could feel his tail. It was swinging back and forth in the water behind him, sending small ripples across the fountain and cooling him down, helping him relax. After spending ten minutes of intense concentration he managed to move it according to his will. He also got a system message. *Ting* | You have gained a new stat: Concentration. | | --- | Being able to move his tail and the way it felt to move it, not to mention the system notice he got after so little effort, lifted his spirits. It also managed to make him a little bit curious and intrigued about his race, despite his appearance. That, added to the astounding beauty this world seemed to be filled with, was enough for him to recover some of his resolve. After all, this was a new world, never again would he let himself be shackled in hopelessness and despair. “Show info Concentration” | Concentration: Stat | | --- | | Ability to keep focused when performing a taskFor magic users, concentration can prevent them from failing to cast a spell after being interrupted. Spellcasting assistance basically, possibly an increase in Magic Attack as well.For non spell casters this could have a similar effect for skills, allowing the skill to go through should it be interrupted, possibly increasing attack as well. | Not long after he recovered his enthusiasm he started to see multiple flashes of white appear around the plaza. Now the first system messages he got made sense. Given that he skipped half the character creation process, he somehow managed to be the first player to log in whose starting city was Regus. And, given the difference between game time and reality time, close to half an hour passed by after he logged in before other players started to join. Whoa, asides from the way they are acting right now they look just like the NPC´s. I truly can't tell the difference. Finally deciding, despite his monstrous appearance, to at least give his avatar a try, Kalthier left the plaza in a random direction, hoping to avoid unwanted attention to his appearance by the other players. The system warning about tamers hunting his steps was making him nervous. After walking around the city for a couple of hours, Kalthier noticed that two bars at the edge of his vision steadily decreased. The longer he walked without stopping for a short rest, the faster his stamina seemed to deplete. And, despite not knowing what it meant, soon Kalthier decided to associate the satiety bar to his rising hunger. Remembering the list of commands he investigated during his research he whispered. “Inventory” A translucent window appeared in front of him. It gave details during his current equipment, consisting of a set of very simple clothes and a knapsack, which contained ten pieces of rye-bread and an empty canteen. He searched around his knapsack, taking out what soon proved to be to be the hardest piece of bread in existence. A more inquisitive search probed all his rye-bread to be in such condition. Slowly, and with great trepidation, he slowly took a bite out of it. “Urgh...” Spiting the mouthful with with a grimace he ran as fast as he could towards the closest water fountain, taking both his stamina and satiety levels dangerously low. As soon as he was within reach of the fountain, Kalthier dunked his head inside, drinking as heavily as he could in order to remove the aftertaste of such a hellish flavor and restore his stamina and satiety levels. *Ting* | You have gained Stamina +1 | | --- | *Ting* | You have gained Agility +1 | | --- | Once again ignoring the system messages, Kalthier realized his good mood had been broken by the hell-bread. “Sadists, the bloody developers of this game are sadists” Not even in his college years, eating burnt ramen a couple of days old had he ever tasted something so vile, repugnant and plain ass evil. “Do they seriously give this hell-bread to every new player? Or is it just mine, probably some sort of sick joke by that evil AI.” Even if the AI from his capsule seemed to hate him for some unknown random reason, changing his bread into a hellish concoction went too far. But just as he was about to call the system admin, a terrible thought came to him. What if all the players get hell-bread instead of normal bread? What if it is not a mistake but a feature designed by those maniacs? In order to test his theory, Kalthier decided to compare his bread with the one carried by another player. Looking up from the fountain he saw a girl who was busy filling a canteen across. Since appeared to be wearing the same beginner clothes as he was, he decided she was probably a player and slowly approached her. “Excuse me, miss? Are you by any chance a player?” The girl looked up to see him and froze, after spending an unusual amount of time staring at him with wide eyes she finally seemed to remember his question. “Err, yes, yes I just started, I'm Myla, Hi”. Having completely forgotten his current appearance due to his traumatic experience with the hell-bread, Kalthier simply marked the girl as shy. “Hello, I was wondering if you happened to get some bread at the start of the game, and if you, by any chance would mind trading some with me?” The girl looked surprised for a moment. After giving an almost silent, high pitched squeal, she answered in a soft, kind voice, the kind you would use to approach a wounded animal. “Well, yes, you see, everyone gets ten pieces of rye-bread along with an empty canteen. And, seeing as though I plan to learn the cooking skill soon, you can have one of mine, here”. Myla handed Kalthier a lump of rock that upon further inspection, appeared to be another piece of hell-bread. Mentally preparing himself after giving her a mumbled “Thank you” Kalthier slowly nibbled at the hell-bread. Instantly his stomach revolted, his tail froze pointing skyward and he ended up with his head into the fountain once more. So, on the bright side, the whole there is an evil AI that hates my guts theory is busted. On the other hand, it appears that the whole development team of Unicorn Corp is evil. Completely ignoring the kind girl who was currently giving him an amused, perplexed look. Kalthier started mumbling his ramblings to himself. “There is no way I'm ever eating something like that again”. Kalthier then took all his remaining bread and threw it at his feet. He filled his canteen with water and marched off with a new goal in mind. “Food, I need to find a reliable source of food. Didn't that girl say something about a cooking skill? Need to get that, and fast.” Completely ignoring the girl, whose name the hell-bread wiped from his memory, Kalthier started walking. For around five hours, Kalthier cruised the city. He went from restaurant to restaurant, the poor and the rich, looking for someone who would teach him the cooking skill. But try as he might the best offers, he got involved washing dishes for a week, then a series of tedious tasks in order to be deemed ‘worthy’ the skill. “There is no way i'm spending my first week here washing dishes. Someone´d got to be able to teach me that bloody skill.”. His muttering, having reached a normal tone of voice, turned heads wherever he went. His simple minded obsession with the search of food making him oblivious to all that went around him. *Ting* | You have gained Concentration +1 | | --- | *Ting* | You have gained Vitality +1 | | --- | *Ting* | You have gained Concentration +1 | | --- | *Ting* | You have gained Stamina +1 | | --- | Finally, after hours of searching, he came across a small, rundown bakery. He was now searching under the assumption that the shabbier the place, the easier it would be to convince someone to teach him. “Welcome” A cheery voice greeted him as he walked through the door. An old, heavyset woman with a kind, chubby face smiled at him from behind a counter. “Hi, I'm looking for someone who is willing to teach someone completely inexperienced in the art of cooking with no conditions attached” After hours of asking, insisting and begging, Kalthier finally decided to ask for what he wanted in the bluntest way possible. Either they hired him or not, that way he saved himself hours of failing to charm those useless NPC’s.. The kind woman laughed, surprising him. Everywhere else he was received with scorn and suspicion, but this woman somehow didn't seem to mind the way he asked for such a huge favor, in fact she seemed amused by it. “Oh i don't mind teaching you young one, but allow me to ask a simple question. What has driven you to such desperation to learn, as you call it, the art of cooking. My shop is not the first place, or the last people look for when hoping to learn how to cook. So tell me, did someone direct you towards me or where you simply driven here after exhausting all other roads?” The woman´s cheerfulness and happiness was in complete contrast to her words. I knew this place was shabby but it sounds as if she is the worst cook in the city. Kyle decided to go with honesty, as she so easily deduced, he had exhausted all other options and at this pace he would be forced to cook the way he did in college, heat, broil or fry whatever you wished to eat until it looks somewhat edible. “I got ten pieces of something called rye-bread when i got here, but it´s taste and consistency was so disgustingly vile i feared for my life after taking a single bite” Kalthier answered the old woman with hateful passion coating his voice. Only after he finished speaking did he notice that her demeanor had changed. she was gripping a rolling pin with so much strength, her knuckles were white, and the wood was beginning to splinter as she advanced towards him. “I MADE THAT RYE-BREAD!” The woman´s scream was close to the wail of a banshee. Her presence started to increased and he barely got a glimpse at the system message that popped out. *Ting* | You are frightened. All stats -5 | | --- | *Ting* | You have gained Fighting Spirit +1 | | --- | Doing the best to overcome the fear this monster of a women somehow put in him and hoping his ears would stop ringing, he slowly beat the fear down. Once calm, Kalthier finally caught on to what the woman actually said, her scream having distorted the words. Realizing what that meant he screamed with disgust. “ Nevermind then!, who would like to learn such a half-assed cooking skill, more like how dare you even call yourself a chef, i wouldn't feed that stuff to rats, much less humans” Kalthier then turned around and ran to the door. But before he could reach it something hit him in the back of his knee, causing him to stumble and slam head first into the wall besides the door. *Ting* | You have taken damage -10 HP | | --- | *Ting* | You have been tripped | | --- | *Ting* | You have taken damage -5 HP | | --- | *Ting* | You have taken damage -5 HP | | --- | *Ting* | Kalthier has caused 5 damage to wall. | | --- | *Ting* | Kalthier has learned Skill Spiked Headbut. | | --- | “Huh” surprise at both the attack, and the unusual system notice caused Kalthier to miss his chance to escape. The furious woman was now standing over him, blocking the door and looking at him with tear filled eyes. HEY, you’re the one who hit me, how come you are crying?. Seriously, are all women NPC’s this randomly violent and vindictive? “Do you think i make such a thing with joy? i had no choice, by order of the king all foreigners must be given ten pieces of bread. The cheap bastard is not willing to pay more than three coppers for each. Three bloody coopers!” The woman took another huge breath, and seeing Kalthier about to reply hurried on with her lecture. “Do you have any idea how of hard it is to create such a thing, the materials for the simplest of breads alone come at five coopers. That i managed to, not only create something that was actually edible for such a meager price, but that i completely fill the consumers satiety is nothing short of a miracle. And you, not only do you come to my shop, demanding that i teach you my skills, which, i might add, i was more than ready to accept. But you had the nerve to criticize my skills as a cook based on such a lousy piece of work, something that, had i had the chance i would have never made in the first place?” Now Kalthier felt bad. True, the hell-bread was indeed worthy of its nickname, but now that he had time to notice, the smells inside the bakery not only indicated the presence of high quality food, but where making his mouth water. “Look, i...” A threatening glare silenced Kalthier. Why does a cook possess such fighting spirit. Bloody developers. “Shut up. Do not move a muscle” the old woman quickly went behind the counter and threw Kalthier a single slice of white fluffy bread, it smelled heavenly. “EAT!” Cowed once again by the sounds coming from the rolling pin in the cook’s hand, and more than a little intrigued by the mouthwatering smell coming from the bread, Kalthier took a big bite of the bread. Shocked, he looked at the bread in his hand and, not finding what he was looking for turned to stare at the woman who now sported a shit eating grin. “Surprised you didn't I? That bread combines the tastes of and oven baked meatloaf, the crispness and taste of roasted potatoes and the smell of freshly baked bread. Yet, as you can see it’s texture and color differ in nothing from an ordinary bread. go ahead, finish it. you're in for a shocker” She nudged his hand, which was holding on to the piece of bread like it was the holy grail. Slowly eating the last of the bread, and savoring every every second of it, Kalthier received a jaw dropping message. | You have eaten a unique dish made by a master chef: Full Course Bread | | --- | | For the next two daysmaximum Satiety is doubledSatiety is reduced at half speed+1000 HP+1000 Mana+30 to all Stats+20% to all Resists | “...” “So?, how was it?, my cooking” She asked, eagerly awaiting Kalthier's verdict. but judging by the grin she directed at him Kalthier was certain she knew exactly what he felt and saw in the message. or maybe it was his tail, waggin uncontrollably behind him. Not knowing what to say Kalthier meekly answered “Otherworldly. I am truly sorry for my behavior, my foul mood is no excuse for my comments on your hell-bread. Now more than ever i wish to be your apprentice, it would be an honour and a pleasure… If you’ll have me.” “Hah!, hell-bread, i like that, an apt name if i ever hear one. Look kid...” Sensing a denial Kalthier rushed to interrupt her. “Kalthier, my name is Kalthier. Please, by this point i’m certain i’ll do anything you require of me, i’ll wash the dishes for a weeks to no end, just please, reconsider teaching me. I must know how to make food that tastes like that even without the bonus it provides. Hell, I’ll even give you my oath to never stop searching for way to make hell-bread tasty or at the very least edible” To think she could do such wonders with a simple piece of breath. Imagining what a real meal from her would taste like made him dizzy. “Oh Kalthier, you do not know what it is you promise to do. For three months i worked day and night, using every skill and resource available to mei and even then the best result i managed to make, was that foul tasting hell-bread. I really like that nickname by the way, too bad the recipe already shipped across Versailles under rye-bread. Hell-bread was the best i could do with the king’s meager budget and every cook in the continent was tasked with it’s creation. Sadly, there are no dishes for you to clean here, you are the first person to ever take a bite outside the kitchen” Now Kalthier was worried, it sounded like a denial. It seems living in this world is going to be harder than reality. Somehow his eyes must have managed to convey his feeling, for she gently cupped his cheek and spoke with a smile. “Don’t look so sad my boy, that just means we can get right on to the cooking, and i’ll hold you to that promise, impossible as it may sound, no matter how long it takes i’ll wait for you. My name is Evangeline by the way, but anyone with the balls to nickname one of my dishes, even the worst i’ve ever made, hell-bread gets to call me you can call me Eva” *Ting* [tr][td]New Quest: An Impossible recipe. | Evangeline, a chef from the City of Regus was tasked with the creation of rye-bread, the only sustenance given the foreigners (Players) upon arrival in the continent of Versailles. She is extremely dissatisfied with the product due to the extremely low budget of three coopers per bread she was given, even with her considerable skills she only managed to produce a rock solid, foul tasting blob of ingredients that somehow manages to fully restore one’s satiety.Kalthier has given Evangeline his oath to improve her recipe, making the rye-bread taste like food edible by a human. in exchange Evangeline has promised to impart in him some of her vast knowledge in cooking.Difficulty level: CQuest requirements:Show deep hate and revulsion for rye-bread.Offend Evangeline, the creator of rye-bread.Ask for an apprenticeship both before and after angering EvangelinePromise to improve the rye-bread recipe.No time limit. If canceled reputation with cooks -50, Evangeline will put a bounty on your head.Rewards: Instant: Evangeline will teach you how to cook. Intimacy with Evangeline +30 On Completion: UnknownThis quest is accepted automatically. | | --- | Did i just give myself a quest? *********AUTHOR'S NOTES******** I took me a long time to get used to making tables but here is chapter 1. I need feedback on a lot of this in this chapter: Balancing for the Half-Dragon race (I tried to make the powerful but with severe penalties) since i'm not quite sure all the dragon types balance each other out. Also feedback on the story, characters, events and anything else is more than welcome. Thanks for reading. O.o and i'm looking for someone willing to Edit/PR this FF since i no matter how many time i go over it i still miss lots of spelling, consistency and narration errors. {[999aba}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Alan had finally finished his classes for the day along with any homework that was given. He quickly ate something before heading to his dorm room. After putting his stuff away he quickly changed close and laid down on his bed. He quickly grabbed his Virtual head set and pressed the power button.<br><br>He saw a rainbow of colors as his headset created the neural connection. As the colors slowly became a bright white light they vanished revealing the Inn’s room that he had logged out at. The room had two beds, with a table and chairs along with a water basin. <br><br>Laying on the bed was Laee surrounded by empty bottles singing a little tone. Sitting at the table reading a book and some papers was Kris.<br><br>Laee, “Mead, Mead, the drink of the gods, a bottle for me and you, one glass for friends, a second for gatherings, a third for sweet dreams, a forth with your lover…”<br><br>[Enea, “Ah Aaron your back.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I told you I would.”]<br><br>Laee shot up off the bed while Kris set down what she was reading to look over at him. As Aaron began to tack a step forward Laee jumped at him tackling him to the floor.<br><br>Laee, “My precious Aaron I’ve missed you.”<br><br>Aaron sighed, “I was not gone that long Laee.”<br><br>She quickly gave him a kiss on his cheek.<br><br>Kris, “get off Aaron Laee he’s not yours.”<br><br>Laee, “Oh yes he is I won the contest.”<br><br>Kris, “No you cheated.”<br><br>Laee, “No I just used one of my better spells.”<br><br>Kris, “You Used Firestorm! How is that a spell that’s fare for any contest?”<br><br>Kris grabbed the back of Laee’s collar trying to drag her off of Aaron. Before Kris could finish-pulling Laee off she hugged him and held the embrace. Aaron began to blush as Laee’s breasts pressed up against him along with her breath on his neck.<br><br>[Enea, “get off Aaron Laee!”]<br><br>Laee, “Never Aaron is mine!”<br><br>Kris, “get off him before you regret it.”<br><br>Laee, “Make me.”<br><br>Kris summoned a mini Holy Hammer and hit Laee across the back of her head.<br><br>Laee, “That’s it Kris you want a taste of my fireball!”<br><br>Kris, “Bring it.”<br><br>Laee jumped at Kris while summoning a small fireball. Kris turned and tried to dodge but Laee’s fireball brushed her hair causing it to burn some of it.<br><br>Laee, “that’s what you get.”<br><br>Kris, “oh that’s it Laee!”<br><br>She jumped at Laee tackling her to the ground. They began to pull at each other’s hair and scratch at any exposed skin they could reach. Aaron was finally up off the ground wondering why this was happening to him.<br><br>Aaron, “Can you two stop this already.”<br><br>Laee and Kris, “Not until the other one leaves! Oh I’m not leaving!”<br><br>Their fight began to get even worse as tares in their clothes began to appear along with some blood being drawn.<br><br>Aaron, “Ok I’m leaving before you bring the building down.”<br><br>They did not notice as Aaron slipped out of the room and headed down the hall. He continued down the stairs to the common room where it was just starting to fill with people wanting drinks before dusk. <br><br>Inn Keeper, “Would you like anything chosen?”<br><br>Aaron, “I’m good for right now, but thanks.”<br><br>Inn Keeper, “Well I’m here if you need me.”<br><br>Aaron moved out of the inn and walked down the street.<br><br>[Enea, “where are you going Aaron?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I though I would take a walk and might even stop at city hall to work on improving the territory.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Are you sure that’s a good Idea?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “We need more repairs and military forces if we are going to end this war.”]<br><br>[Enea, “This war will not end that easily.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what war does?”]<br><br>[Enea, “and there is another good point.”]<br><br>Aaron noticed a cloaked figure standing at the end of a near by Ally way. He thought he recognized the person from somewhere. The person had the player emblem above their head making Aaron think for a moment. After he passed the person Aaron felt something was wrong about this.<br><br>[Enea, “What’s wrong Aaron.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “that person looks familiar to me.”]<br><br>[Enea, “He looked like one of the undead that we fought at the temple.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Temple, Undead, Player, Rouge… Hercules?!”]<br><br>Aaron quickly turned around to see the figure quickly rundown the ally. Aaron quickly moved to the head of the ally but did not see anyone there.<br><br>[Aaron, “I must be seeing things.”]<br><br>[Enea, “that is not right I saw them to.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Them, Wasn’t there just one?”]<br><br>[Enea, “There was three of them that I’ve seen now.”]<br><br>Aaron quickly headed down the street keeping an eye out for any more figures.<br><br>[Aaron, “This is not good.”]<br><br>[Enea, “What do you mean?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “they are dangerous player killers.”]<br><br>[Enea, “What is a player killer?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “people that kill adventures to take their items and gold.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Basically thieves or bandits.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “not quite. They may seem similar but they are far more dangerous. The last time I faced them was when I fell into your old ruins.”]<br><br>[Enea, “I’m grateful that they sent you to me.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “You won’t be once you meet them.”]<br><br>Aaron turned down another street to quickly get to city hall where there where a number of guards men. As he rounded a corner he noticed some cloaked figures heading towards him down the street. He quickly turned to see if he could head the way he had come from. There where more figures heading towards him. He began to notice that there where not many city foake out right now. <br><br>[Aaron, “Laee, Kris right now would be a good time for some help!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Aaron’s mine!”]<br><br>[Kris, “No he’s mine!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Will you two stop fighting already!”]<br><br>Aaron quickly ran for the nearest Ally way. It was clear so he ran down it to reach the next street.<br><br>[Laee, “just give me a minute to deal with her.”]<br><br>[Kris, “What’s the Matter Aaron?!”]<br><br>[Enea, “there are some people after Aaron right now.”]<br><br>[Laee, “you have got to be kidding me Aaron's right here… oh when did you leave idiot!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “after I could not stop you two from fighting.”]<br><br>Aaron finally came out at the next street seeing the figures coming out of other ally’s and begin to hop across roof tops.<br><br>[Aaron, “how can there have been so many of them. They only had three of them last time.”]<br><br>[Laee, “We are on our way!”]<br><br>[Enea, “where are the guardsmen?! There should have been patrols out.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “these players must have taken out the near by ones.”]<br><br>[Kris, “what are players?”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I don’t have time to explain right now.”]<br><br>He quickly looked back down the ally that he had come through. There where a few more figures running towards him. He quickly turned around again before heading for another open ally on the other side of the street. As he entered the Ally he saw that it was a dead end. Looking back he was now surrounded. Slowly he began to back himself further down the ally.<br><br>[Aaron, “just my luck.”]<br><br>[Laee, “what happened now and where are you!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “well I just hit a dead end of an ally way. Oh and I’m also surrounded now.”]<br><br>[Kris, “you moron there is only one blocked off ally in the entire city!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I don’t know much about this city!”]<br><br>one of the figures stepped forward pulling down his hood.<br><br>Hercules, “Ah what a pleaser it is to find you here Aaron.”<br><br>Aaron, “you guys sure like to fallow me around.”<br><br>Hercules, “oh we are just lucky enough to be given this chance by our Great Lord.”<br><br>Aaron, “Oh great so where’s Crazed this time.”<br><br>Mage, “Oh that one fellow, he had some business with another of your fallen somewhere.”<br><br>[Enea, “there already ahead of us!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’ll head for them as soon as I can Enea but we need to find a way out of this first.”]<br><br>[Laee, “we are almost there Aaron.”]<br><br>[Kris, “No we still have a few minutes until we get there.”]<br><br>[Aaron, You two might want to hurry.”]<br><br>Hercules, “summon Mot already.”<br><br>Mage, “Just give me a second.”<br><br>A glowing circle appeared and Mot stepped out of it.<br><br>Mot, “Ah what a nice job recruits you even got him while he is alone.”<br><br>Chionis, “ah we only saw him leaving the inn sir.”<br><br>Mot, “You moron then they are already on their way.”<br><br>Hercules, “I can deal with him boss the others can hold them off.”<br><br>Mot, “fine but be quick about it.”<br><br>Hercules, “with pleasure.”<br><br>Hercules stepped forward towards Aaron with Chionis and the mage right behind him. Aaron quickly drew one of his swords and a long knife.<br><br>Hercules, “looks like you’re in the same position as last time partner.”<br><br>Aaron, “I highly doubt it.”<br><br>Hercules lunged forward throwing a knife at him. Aaron quickly ducked and lunged forward to meet Hercules. Hercules brought up another dagger to strike at him but was blocked with Aarons Long knife.<br><br>Hercules quickly jumped to the side as Chionis brought down his great sword. Aaron Side stepped and struck Chionis’s hands with his sword. Chionis quickly stepped back dragging his sword with his good hand and shaking his injured while cussing.<br><br>A fireball flew at Aaron from off to his right. He quickly used shadow step to stab into the mage’s chest. He quickly slashed at the hand holding a spell book nocking it to the ground. <br><br>Hercules quickly lunged forward making Aaron jump back from the attack and the mage. He began to shake his dagger at Aaron.<br><br>Hercules, “You sure have gained a few nice abilities there.”<br><br>Aaron, “That’s not even the half of it.”<br><br>Aaron activated Fire Blade.<br><br>[Enea, “be careful Aaron the demons still here.”]<br>[Aaron, “I know.”]<br><br>Mage, “great he’s a spell sword!”<br><br>Chionis, “ah what’s a spell sword?”<br><br>Hercules, “it’s a swordsmen that can cast spells you idiot!”<br><br>Chionis, “owe.”<br><br>Aaron lunged forward to strike at the distracted Hercules. As he brought down his sword at Hercules the mage cast a lightning spell at him. Aaron quickly used Shadow step again to get behind Chionis. Aaron stabbed his sword into his back between armor plates before slitting his throat with the long knife.<br><br>Chionis fell to his knees grabbing at his throat while watching his health drop rapidly. A near by figure began to cast a healing spell on him. The mage quickly launched another fireball at him but missed as Aaron rolled to the side.<br><br>Hercules, “That was not nice Aaron, Look what you did to Chionis.”<br><br>Aaron, “Nice! You guys are player killers so who cares about you.”<br><br>Mage, “That’s not correct we are collectors that take things that do not belong to others.”<br><br> “thieves!” Aaron Spat.<br><br>[Kris, “we are close by Aaron but there are a lot of them between us.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Do what you can I haven’t lost any health yet.”]<br><br>[Laee, “these guys are small fry.”]<br><br>[Enea, “be carful Mot’s with them.”]<br><br>[Kris, “The Demon of death is here!”]<br><br>Hercules threw two daggers at Aaron as he charged him. Aaron quickly dogged the daggers and brought up his sword to block a long knife aiming for his throat. Chionis was enraged now and charged at Aaron. He quickly stepped back tripping Chionis onto Hercules.<br><br>Aaron, “that sight brings back memories.”<br><br>He quickly began hacking away at Chionis’s joints While Hercules tried to crawl out from under him. Aaron Stabbed into Hercules shoulder before dogging a ice javelin from the mage.<br><br>Aaron did not want to use up his Mana to fast so he did not use Shadow step again. Hercules and Chionis got up off of the ground. Aaron brought his sword down at Chionis sword hand but was blocked by Hercules.<br><br>Hercules, “that’s not going to happen.”<br><br>Hercules suddenly vanished leaving a mist where he had been. Aaron quickly backed up against the wall keeping his eye out for any movement. Chionis charged forward swinging his sword from the side a Aarons side. He quickly blocked the attack with both of his blades.<br><br>Hercules suddenly appeared stabbing his daggers into Aaron’s stomach. Aaron laughed since he was in his male form with his stomach still covered up by armor. As they stepped back Aaron began to glow.<br><br>Chionis, “What’s the bright light!”<br><br>Hercules, “He probably activated an ability so be careful.”<br><br>Aaron soon stopped glowing and was in Enea’s form. They just stared at him confused a moment before they began to laugh.<br><br>Hercules, “Ha he tuned into a woman.”<br><br>Chionis, “Ha its fun to teas woman.”<br><br>Mage, “I’ve never heard of a spell yet that can do this.”<br><br>[Aaron, “just great what bad timing.”]<br><br>[Enea, “is it.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’m more exposed to their attacks now.”]<br><br>[Kris, “what happened?”]<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron has currently changed to my form while in the fight.”]<br><br>[Laee, “I’ll get to you my precious!”]<br><br>[Kris, “I’ll get there before you do.”]<br><br>Aaron lunged forward at the laughing three stooges. As he was about to swing Hercules vanished again while Chionis blocked his attack.<br><br>Chionis, “um… where’s your manners woman.”<br><br>Mage, “you ate to slow Chionis.”<br><br>Aaron, “was already sliding around Chionis to find an opening. As he did that the mage through a fireball at him. Jumping back Hercules appeared behind hum stabbing his blade into Aarons exposed side. Aaron quickly grabbed his arm and began stabbing his own blade into Hercules.<br><br>Chionis grabbed Aaron’s shoulder and threw him against the ally wall while raising his sword. As he drove his blade towards Aarons throat. Aaron Quickly exposed his knife from his boot and stabbed it into Chionis’s crotch. He dropped his sword and fell to his knees giving an opening to Aaron. Aaron quickly chopped off Chionis’s head before facing the rest of the figures.<br><br>[Laee, “I’m sorry Aaron but we are having some trouble here.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what is it.”]<br><br>[Kris, “Mot’s come over and has summoned some more demons.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I’m having a hard time over here too.”]<br><br>He heard a scream from the end of the ally.<br><br>[Kris, “Laee!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what happened!”]<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron you don’t have time to stand there and talk.”]<br><br>Hercules, “how dare you do that to Chionis!”<br><br>Hercules quickly vanished as the mage cast a twin fireball at Aaron. He quickly rolled but was still hit from the resulting explosion sending him rolling across the ground. As he was getting back up Hercules grabbed him from behind while holding a dagger to his throat. The hand holding Aaron was squeezing his breast making him squeal. Aaron slowly began to rotate his long knife in his hand.<br><br>[Aaron, “I realy hate this armor in this form Enea!”]<br><br>[Enea, “If only I could get my hands on him.”]<br><br>Hercules was laughing, “He even sounds like a girl. Lets see what else he can do.”<br><br>Aarons knife was finally turned around in his hand as the mage walked up.<br><br>Mage, “now this is going to be fun.”<br><br>He quickly stabbed his knife into Hercules leg causing him to shift the dagger enough to slide out. Aaron quickly activated whirlwind cutting across Hercules face and opening up the mages chest. They fell back howling while the mage disintegrated. Aaron turned to Hercules to finish him off.<br><br>Mot, “I would not do that fallen.”<br><br>Aaron stopped and turned to Mot. He was dragging Laee and Kris who where cut up badly and unconscious. <br><br>Aaron, “what have you done to them!”<br><br>Mot, “nothing yet, though if you move I will kill them.”<br><br>Aaron, “you bastard!”<br><br>Mot, “Put down your weapons wench.” <br><br>[Enea, “Don’t do it Aaron.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “don't worry.”]<br><br>Aaron dropped his long knife while lowering his sword. As he bent over he quickly drew his demonic sword and used shadow step. He was about to strike Mot when he suddenly had a great sword drawn and blocked him.<br><br>Mot, “you really should have listened to me.”<br><br>Mot gabbed Aarons throat with lightning reflexes lifting him above the ground causing Aaron to drop his sword while managing to still hold the demonic sword.<br><br>Mot, “I should make you a gift to get the Great Lords favor. Will you surrender fallen.”<br><br>Aaron, “I will never surrender to the likes of you!”<br><br>Mot began to laugh until he noticed Aaron’s eyes. He was giving a pure look of hatred with bright glowing red eyes. A black mist began to form around Aaron.<br><br>Mot, “what sort of trickery is this.”<br><br>Aaron grabbed Mot’s rist with a crushing grip. Mot quickly dropped Aaron who landed on his feet.<br><br>Aaron, “How dare you touch those I care about.”<br><br>The mist continued to darken around Aaron.<br><br>Mot spat, “you are nothing before the great one!”<br><br>Aaron grabbed his fallen sword as he stepped towards Mot. Hercules moved quickly forward to take Aaron from behind. Aaron turned stabbing his sword through his chest and hacking off his head with the Demonic blade.<br><br>Mot, “that’s one of the seven blades! Why did Crazed not mention this?!”<br><br>Aaron turned back to him as Hercules disintegrated. <br><br>Aaron, “Ha sounds like he doesn’t like you.”<br><br>Mot, “I will take that blade from your corpse.”<br><br>Mot vanished from Aarons site. He felt like he should turn around so he turned to see mot swinging his sword at him. Aaron quickly blocked the Attack with his demonic blade while striking at him with his other sword. Mot stepped back dogging the blade.<br><br>Mot, “It’s about time I’ll leave you to my minions.”<br><br>As he said that a summoning circle appeared behind him with demons poring out. Aaron began to black out as his body began to move on its own.<br><br>[Laee, “ah what happened.”]<br><br>[Enea, “You must stop Aaron before he goes to far!”]<br><br>She began to get up off the ground while looking around to get her bearings. Next to her Kris was beginning to ster. Looking around she noticed some small piles of loot on the ground around her. Then she finally saw Aaron who had moved towards the mouth of the Ally. He was covered in blood and cuts with a wicked grin on his face looking even more amines with his glowing eyes.<br><br>[Laee, “whats happened to him.”]<br><br>[Enea, “I don’t know it seems like he’s going berserk but there are now signs showing that he is.”]<br><br>[Kris, “What’s happening? Is that Aaron!”]<br><br>Laee was already walking towards Aaron as he hacked apart another of Hercules’s guild members.<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron Listen to me!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “I must kill those that harm those close tom me.”]<br><br>[Kris, “Aaron Stop!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “kill, Kill, Kill!”]<br><br>Aaron severed a demon’s head from its body as Laee rushed at him from behind. He turned looking like he was going to attack her as she jumped to embrace him. He tensed as she hugged him but dropped his swords as she kissed him on the lips.<br><br>[Laee, “Aaron please stop.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “what happened… no not again please tell me I didn’t do something again.”]<br><br>Aaron broke the kiss by stepping back from her and pushing down her arms.<br><br>Kris, “what happened to you Aaron?”<br><br>Aaron, “I must get away from you before I do it again.”<br><br>[Enea, “do what.”]<br><br>Aaron turned to run from the end of the ally but stopped as he saw masses of demons and undead coming out of portals. What was left of Hercules’s guild was mixed in with their masses.<br><br>Laee and Kris moved up next to him.<br><br>Aaron, “this is not going to be good.” </div>

Alan had finally finished his classes for the day along with any homework that was given. He quickly ate something before heading to his dorm room. After putting his stuff away he quickly changed close and laid down on his bed. He quickly grabbed his Virtual head set and pressed the power button. He saw a rainbow of colors as his headset created the neural connection. As the colors slowly became a bright white light they vanished revealing the Inn’s room that he had logged out at. The room had two beds, with a table and chairs along with a water basin. Laying on the bed was Laee surrounded by empty bottles singing a little tone. Sitting at the table reading a book and some papers was Kris. Laee, “Mead, Mead, the drink of the gods, a bottle for me and you, one glass for friends, a second for gatherings, a third for sweet dreams, a forth with your lover…” [Enea, “Ah Aaron your back.”] [Aaron, “I told you I would.”] Laee shot up off the bed while Kris set down what she was reading to look over at him. As Aaron began to tack a step forward Laee jumped at him tackling him to the floor. Laee, “My precious Aaron I’ve missed you.” Aaron sighed, “I was not gone that long Laee.” She quickly gave him a kiss on his cheek. Kris, “get off Aaron Laee he’s not yours.” Laee, “Oh yes he is I won the contest.” Kris, “No you cheated.” Laee, “No I just used one of my better spells.” Kris, “You Used Firestorm! How is that a spell that’s fare for any contest?” Kris grabbed the back of Laee’s collar trying to drag her off of Aaron. Before Kris could finish-pulling Laee off she hugged him and held the embrace. Aaron began to blush as Laee’s breasts pressed up against him along with her breath on his neck. [Enea, “get off Aaron Laee!”] Laee, “Never Aaron is mine!” Kris, “get off him before you regret it.” Laee, “Make me.” Kris summoned a mini Holy Hammer and hit Laee across the back of her head. Laee, “That’s it Kris you want a taste of my fireball!” Kris, “Bring it.” Laee jumped at Kris while summoning a small fireball. Kris turned and tried to dodge but Laee’s fireball brushed her hair causing it to burn some of it. Laee, “that’s what you get.” Kris, “oh that’s it Laee!” She jumped at Laee tackling her to the ground. They began to pull at each other’s hair and scratch at any exposed skin they could reach. Aaron was finally up off the ground wondering why this was happening to him. Aaron, “Can you two stop this already.” Laee and Kris, “Not until the other one leaves! Oh I’m not leaving!” Their fight began to get even worse as tares in their clothes began to appear along with some blood being drawn. Aaron, “Ok I’m leaving before you bring the building down.” They did not notice as Aaron slipped out of the room and headed down the hall. He continued down the stairs to the common room where it was just starting to fill with people wanting drinks before dusk. Inn Keeper, “Would you like anything chosen?” Aaron, “I’m good for right now, but thanks.” Inn Keeper, “Well I’m here if you need me.” Aaron moved out of the inn and walked down the street. [Enea, “where are you going Aaron?”] [Aaron, “I though I would take a walk and might even stop at city hall to work on improving the territory.”] [Enea, “Are you sure that’s a good Idea?”] [Aaron, “We need more repairs and military forces if we are going to end this war.”] [Enea, “This war will not end that easily.”] [Aaron, “what war does?”] [Enea, “and there is another good point.”] Aaron noticed a cloaked figure standing at the end of a near by Ally way. He thought he recognized the person from somewhere. The person had the player emblem above their head making Aaron think for a moment. After he passed the person Aaron felt something was wrong about this. [Enea, “What’s wrong Aaron.”] [Aaron, “that person looks familiar to me.”] [Enea, “He looked like one of the undead that we fought at the temple.”] [Aaron, “Temple, Undead, Player, Rouge… Hercules?!”] Aaron quickly turned around to see the figure quickly rundown the ally. Aaron quickly moved to the head of the ally but did not see anyone there. [Aaron, “I must be seeing things.”] [Enea, “that is not right I saw them to.”] [Aaron, “Them, Wasn’t there just one?”] [Enea, “There was three of them that I’ve seen now.”] Aaron quickly headed down the street keeping an eye out for any more figures. [Aaron, “This is not good.”] [Enea, “What do you mean?”] [Aaron, “they are dangerous player killers.”] [Enea, “What is a player killer?”] [Aaron, “people that kill adventures to take their items and gold.”] [Enea, “Basically thieves or bandits.”] [Aaron, “not quite. They may seem similar but they are far more dangerous. The last time I faced them was when I fell into your old ruins.”] [Enea, “I’m grateful that they sent you to me.”] [Aaron, “You won’t be once you meet them.”] Aaron turned down another street to quickly get to city hall where there where a number of guards men. As he rounded a corner he noticed some cloaked figures heading towards him down the street. He quickly turned to see if he could head the way he had come from. There where more figures heading towards him. He began to notice that there where not many city foake out right now. [Aaron, “Laee, Kris right now would be a good time for some help!”] [Laee, “Aaron’s mine!”] [Kris, “No he’s mine!”] [Aaron, “Will you two stop fighting already!”] Aaron quickly ran for the nearest Ally way. It was clear so he ran down it to reach the next street. [Laee, “just give me a minute to deal with her.”] [Kris, “What’s the Matter Aaron?!”] [Enea, “there are some people after Aaron right now.”] [Laee, “you have got to be kidding me Aaron's right here… oh when did you leave idiot!”] [Aaron, “after I could not stop you two from fighting.”] Aaron finally came out at the next street seeing the figures coming out of other ally’s and begin to hop across roof tops. [Aaron, “how can there have been so many of them. They only had three of them last time.”] [Laee, “We are on our way!”] [Enea, “where are the guardsmen?! There should have been patrols out.”] [Aaron, “these players must have taken out the near by ones.”] [Kris, “what are players?”] [Aaron, “I don’t have time to explain right now.”] He quickly looked back down the ally that he had come through. There where a few more figures running towards him. He quickly turned around again before heading for another open ally on the other side of the street. As he entered the Ally he saw that it was a dead end. Looking back he was now surrounded. Slowly he began to back himself further down the ally. [Aaron, “just my luck.”] [Laee, “what happened now and where are you!”] [Aaron, “well I just hit a dead end of an ally way. Oh and I’m also surrounded now.”] [Kris, “you moron there is only one blocked off ally in the entire city!”] [Aaron, “I don’t know much about this city!”] one of the figures stepped forward pulling down his hood. Hercules, “Ah what a pleaser it is to find you here Aaron.” Aaron, “you guys sure like to fallow me around.” Hercules, “oh we are just lucky enough to be given this chance by our Great Lord.” Aaron, “Oh great so where’s Crazed this time.” Mage, “Oh that one fellow, he had some business with another of your fallen somewhere.” [Enea, “there already ahead of us!”] [Aaron, “I’ll head for them as soon as I can Enea but we need to find a way out of this first.”] [Laee, “we are almost there Aaron.”] [Kris, “No we still have a few minutes until we get there.”] [Aaron, You two might want to hurry.”] Hercules, “summon Mot already.” Mage, “Just give me a second.” A glowing circle appeared and Mot stepped out of it. Mot, “Ah what a nice job recruits you even got him while he is alone.” Chionis, “ah we only saw him leaving the inn sir.” Mot, “You moron then they are already on their way.” Hercules, “I can deal with him boss the others can hold them off.” Mot, “fine but be quick about it.” Hercules, “with pleasure.” Hercules stepped forward towards Aaron with Chionis and the mage right behind him. Aaron quickly drew one of his swords and a long knife. Hercules, “looks like you’re in the same position as last time partner.” Aaron, “I highly doubt it.” Hercules lunged forward throwing a knife at him. Aaron quickly ducked and lunged forward to meet Hercules. Hercules brought up another dagger to strike at him but was blocked with Aarons Long knife. Hercules quickly jumped to the side as Chionis brought down his great sword. Aaron Side stepped and struck Chionis’s hands with his sword. Chionis quickly stepped back dragging his sword with his good hand and shaking his injured while cussing. A fireball flew at Aaron from off to his right. He quickly used shadow step to stab into the mage’s chest. He quickly slashed at the hand holding a spell book nocking it to the ground. Hercules quickly lunged forward making Aaron jump back from the attack and the mage. He began to shake his dagger at Aaron. Hercules, “You sure have gained a few nice abilities there.” Aaron, “That’s not even the half of it.” Aaron activated Fire Blade. [Enea, “be careful Aaron the demons still here.”] [Aaron, “I know.”] Mage, “great he’s a spell sword!” Chionis, “ah what’s a spell sword?” Hercules, “it’s a swordsmen that can cast spells you idiot!” Chionis, “owe.” Aaron lunged forward to strike at the distracted Hercules. As he brought down his sword at Hercules the mage cast a lightning spell at him. Aaron quickly used Shadow step again to get behind Chionis. Aaron stabbed his sword into his back between armor plates before slitting his throat with the long knife. Chionis fell to his knees grabbing at his throat while watching his health drop rapidly. A near by figure began to cast a healing spell on him. The mage quickly launched another fireball at him but missed as Aaron rolled to the side. Hercules, “That was not nice Aaron, Look what you did to Chionis.” Aaron, “Nice! You guys are player killers so who cares about you.” Mage, “That’s not correct we are collectors that take things that do not belong to others.” “thieves!” Aaron Spat. [Kris, “we are close by Aaron but there are a lot of them between us.”] [Aaron, “Do what you can I haven’t lost any health yet.”] [Laee, “these guys are small fry.”] [Enea, “be carful Mot’s with them.”] [Kris, “The Demon of death is here!”] Hercules threw two daggers at Aaron as he charged him. Aaron quickly dogged the daggers and brought up his sword to block a long knife aiming for his throat. Chionis was enraged now and charged at Aaron. He quickly stepped back tripping Chionis onto Hercules. Aaron, “that sight brings back memories.” He quickly began hacking away at Chionis’s joints While Hercules tried to crawl out from under him. Aaron Stabbed into Hercules shoulder before dogging a ice javelin from the mage. Aaron did not want to use up his Mana to fast so he did not use Shadow step again. Hercules and Chionis got up off of the ground. Aaron brought his sword down at Chionis sword hand but was blocked by Hercules. Hercules, “that’s not going to happen.” Hercules suddenly vanished leaving a mist where he had been. Aaron quickly backed up against the wall keeping his eye out for any movement. Chionis charged forward swinging his sword from the side a Aarons side. He quickly blocked the attack with both of his blades. Hercules suddenly appeared stabbing his daggers into Aaron’s stomach. Aaron laughed since he was in his male form with his stomach still covered up by armor. As they stepped back Aaron began to glow. Chionis, “What’s the bright light!” Hercules, “He probably activated an ability so be careful.” Aaron soon stopped glowing and was in Enea’s form. They just stared at him confused a moment before they began to laugh. Hercules, “Ha he tuned into a woman.” Chionis, “Ha its fun to teas woman.” Mage, “I’ve never heard of a spell yet that can do this.” [Aaron, “just great what bad timing.”] [Enea, “is it.”] [Aaron, “I’m more exposed to their attacks now.”] [Kris, “what happened?”] [Enea, “Aaron has currently changed to my form while in the fight.”] [Laee, “I’ll get to you my precious!”] [Kris, “I’ll get there before you do.”] Aaron lunged forward at the laughing three stooges. As he was about to swing Hercules vanished again while Chionis blocked his attack. Chionis, “um… where’s your manners woman.” Mage, “you ate to slow Chionis.” Aaron, “was already sliding around Chionis to find an opening. As he did that the mage through a fireball at him. Jumping back Hercules appeared behind hum stabbing his blade into Aarons exposed side. Aaron quickly grabbed his arm and began stabbing his own blade into Hercules. Chionis grabbed Aaron’s shoulder and threw him against the ally wall while raising his sword. As he drove his blade towards Aarons throat. Aaron Quickly exposed his knife from his boot and stabbed it into Chionis’s crotch. He dropped his sword and fell to his knees giving an opening to Aaron. Aaron quickly chopped off Chionis’s head before facing the rest of the figures. [Laee, “I’m sorry Aaron but we are having some trouble here.”] [Aaron, “what is it.”] [Kris, “Mot’s come over and has summoned some more demons.”] [Aaron, “I’m having a hard time over here too.”] He heard a scream from the end of the ally. [Kris, “Laee!”] [Aaron, “what happened!”] [Enea, “Aaron you don’t have time to stand there and talk.”] Hercules, “how dare you do that to Chionis!” Hercules quickly vanished as the mage cast a twin fireball at Aaron. He quickly rolled but was still hit from the resulting explosion sending him rolling across the ground. As he was getting back up Hercules grabbed him from behind while holding a dagger to his throat. The hand holding Aaron was squeezing his breast making him squeal. Aaron slowly began to rotate his long knife in his hand. [Aaron, “I realy hate this armor in this form Enea!”] [Enea, “If only I could get my hands on him.”] Hercules was laughing, “He even sounds like a girl. Lets see what else he can do.” Aarons knife was finally turned around in his hand as the mage walked up. Mage, “now this is going to be fun.” He quickly stabbed his knife into Hercules leg causing him to shift the dagger enough to slide out. Aaron quickly activated whirlwind cutting across Hercules face and opening up the mages chest. They fell back howling while the mage disintegrated. Aaron turned to Hercules to finish him off. Mot, “I would not do that fallen.” Aaron stopped and turned to Mot. He was dragging Laee and Kris who where cut up badly and unconscious. Aaron, “what have you done to them!” Mot, “nothing yet, though if you move I will kill them.” Aaron, “you bastard!” Mot, “Put down your weapons wench.” [Enea, “Don’t do it Aaron.”] [Aaron, “don't worry.”] Aaron dropped his long knife while lowering his sword. As he bent over he quickly drew his demonic sword and used shadow step. He was about to strike Mot when he suddenly had a great sword drawn and blocked him. Mot, “you really should have listened to me.” Mot gabbed Aarons throat with lightning reflexes lifting him above the ground causing Aaron to drop his sword while managing to still hold the demonic sword. Mot, “I should make you a gift to get the Great Lords favor. Will you surrender fallen.” Aaron, “I will never surrender to the likes of you!” Mot began to laugh until he noticed Aaron’s eyes. He was giving a pure look of hatred with bright glowing red eyes. A black mist began to form around Aaron. Mot, “what sort of trickery is this.” Aaron grabbed Mot’s rist with a crushing grip. Mot quickly dropped Aaron who landed on his feet. Aaron, “How dare you touch those I care about.” The mist continued to darken around Aaron. Mot spat, “you are nothing before the great one!” Aaron grabbed his fallen sword as he stepped towards Mot. Hercules moved quickly forward to take Aaron from behind. Aaron turned stabbing his sword through his chest and hacking off his head with the Demonic blade. Mot, “that’s one of the seven blades! Why did Crazed not mention this?!” Aaron turned back to him as Hercules disintegrated. Aaron, “Ha sounds like he doesn’t like you.” Mot, “I will take that blade from your corpse.” Mot vanished from Aarons site. He felt like he should turn around so he turned to see mot swinging his sword at him. Aaron quickly blocked the Attack with his demonic blade while striking at him with his other sword. Mot stepped back dogging the blade. Mot, “It’s about time I’ll leave you to my minions.” As he said that a summoning circle appeared behind him with demons poring out. Aaron began to black out as his body began to move on its own. [Laee, “ah what happened.”] [Enea, “You must stop Aaron before he goes to far!”] She began to get up off the ground while looking around to get her bearings. Next to her Kris was beginning to ster. Looking around she noticed some small piles of loot on the ground around her. Then she finally saw Aaron who had moved towards the mouth of the Ally. He was covered in blood and cuts with a wicked grin on his face looking even more amines with his glowing eyes. [Laee, “whats happened to him.”] [Enea, “I don’t know it seems like he’s going berserk but there are now signs showing that he is.”] [Kris, “What’s happening? Is that Aaron!”] Laee was already walking towards Aaron as he hacked apart another of Hercules’s guild members. [Enea, “Aaron Listen to me!”] [Aaron, “I must kill those that harm those close tom me.”] [Kris, “Aaron Stop!”] [Aaron, “kill, Kill, Kill!”] Aaron severed a demon’s head from its body as Laee rushed at him from behind. He turned looking like he was going to attack her as she jumped to embrace him. He tensed as she hugged him but dropped his swords as she kissed him on the lips. [Laee, “Aaron please stop.”] [Aaron, “what happened… no not again please tell me I didn’t do something again.”] Aaron broke the kiss by stepping back from her and pushing down her arms. Kris, “what happened to you Aaron?” Aaron, “I must get away from you before I do it again.” [Enea, “do what.”] Aaron turned to run from the end of the ally but stopped as he saw masses of demons and undead coming out of portals. What was left of Hercules’s guild was mixed in with their masses. Laee and Kris moved up next to him. Aaron, “this is not going to be good.”

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> After Jinir's coronation ceremony, Crane was called by one of the attendants to follow him downstairs where he was asked to wait in a large stone room. Crane guessed from the interior walls and the thick door in the back that he was in the guard room near the entrance to the castle's dungeon. Crane did what had become a habit when he had to wait and took out his carving knife and some wood, but no sooner had he made his first cut did the door open revealing a long line of nervous looking noblemen. The first passed through the room and into the dungeon followed by the rest. Crane counted a few dozen entering before Jinir came through the door at the tail end of the group. <br><br><br>Crane had a flashback of when he lead a group of monsters to kill a large number of noblemen underground and vaguely wondered if he would see a repeat show. Jinir said to Crane, "Follow me, I want to speak with you afterwards." At least Crane wouldn't be apart of the massacre should there be one.<br><br><br>Within the dungeon was a room large enough to accommodate all the noblemen Jinir had called with some room to spare. The men talked amongst themselves about what was going on, none of them seemed to have any ideas. Crane saw that the seven noblemen who hired the Dark Djinns to rescue Jinir were also there but they too seemed clueless as to what was going on as well. <br><br><br>Jinir appeared from a hallway dragging in chains the man who, only a day before, was the ruler of the kingdom, Daxes. Jinir threw him before the noblemen and said, "I am going to interrogate my uncle on all the deeds he misused the power of the throne for. But before I do so I will give you men a chance. Anyone who has done something to shame their office can admit to doing so now by stepping forward."<br><br><br>Several people began twitching nervously. One of the men who was sweating the most consciously stepped forward. Jinir show no hostility, which prompted a few more to step forward. After a few minutes, it seemed like no one else would step forward, so Jinir continued speaking. "I see." However against everyone expectations, Jinir suddenly whipped his arm out at his uncle. Crane saw the instant extension and retraction of his shadow in the motion. The next moment, Daxes's whimpering stopped, and his head fell to the ground.<br><br><br>Jinir continued, "Truth be told I do not care what any of you have done before this point. That means nothing to me. I grew up in a prison and have done things far worse than most of you just to survive. I don't expect perfection. That being said, I will not accept deception or insubordination. From this point on you men will only be punished under two conditions, if you disobey my order, or try to deceive me. If you do something unbefitting of your position, do not try to hide it. If I disapprove, I shall order you to stop. That is all. You are dismissed back to your posts."<br><br><br>The nobles slowly walked around the body headless body of their former king, blood still dripping from his neck throughout Jinir's speech. They dared not speak until they were sure Jinir was out of earshot.<br><br><br>Crane walked up to Jinir and said, "Effective. I didn't think a person could make ruling a kingdom so simple."<br><br><br>Corruption and conspiracy within were some of the most dangerous components within a kingdom. But Jinir basically said nothing was illegal until he said it was except for hiding what you were doing. In such a system, blackmail threats of the past were useless since even if someone did something illegal in the past, the king didn't care so the threat of revealing such a thing was useless. In fact any who were controlled through blackmail could bring his deeds t the king himself and get off with a 'don’t do it again.'<br>Both corruption and conspiracy would be rendered useless, if the nobles obey the honesty policy then Jinir would know what they were up to and if they didn't then Jinir's newly acquired lie detection skill would see through them.<br><br><br>In a single meeting he removed all the challenges brought forth from being a king.<br><br><br>Jinir said, "I thought you would approve. Now, I need to know what you intend to do."<br><br><br>What a single user does should have no consequence to a king but Jinir understood the reach that this user's plans had. Should Crane's plans interfere with Jinir's own, it would be in Jinir's best interest that Crane never left the dungeon.<br><br><br>Knowing that lying was pointless Crane said, "Well, I want to gain access to the Mordin Shrine, the forest of Gorfil, the temple of Resshin, the island of Ur, the cave of Sartiel, and the Dorack mountain range. For starters."<br><br><br>Now Jinir seemed dumbstruck. At each of the locations was a either a method to make Crane stronger or possibly a new rune to discover, but Jinir had no way to know that. Jinir had in fact been expecting a far more impressive goal considering how much effort was put into reaching it.<br><br><br>After a moment Jinir said, "Most of those are places that an outsider would never be allowed to enter. All of them however are in kingdoms that were once part of the Muspelheim empire. You mean that you took the effort to make me king so that I would reclaim these kingdoms and then allow you access to these places once they were under my control?..."<br><br><br>Crane smiled and said, "That about sums it up. My first stop was going to be the Resshin temple."<br><br><br>The Resshin temple was built on the northern mountain range but had been closed by the late King Daxes. It was however one of the few places Crane listed that he could access immediately within the kingdom should it be re-opened.<br><br><br>Jinir nodded and said, "Very well, but take some men with you. I have some tasks that require a small team of skilled soldiers and my uncle left the military in a poor state. Take some men and train them the best you can, and I'll give you the quests as the head of the team."<br><br><br>Crane answered, "Alright, but I want to pick them out myself from your army. It would be easiest if you could get them all to one spot so I can talk to them."<br><br><br>Jinir said, "I can have a general arrange it that all the men show up tomorrow and arrange a time for you to pick them out. We have 1700 soldiers, about 400 can be taken out from any position without trouble. You will have to chose from these. How long will it take you to pick amongst them? They can't stay there all day."<br><br><br>Crane smiled and said, "Don't worry, it won’t take long."<br><br><br>After buying a large amount of hard wood, Crane go to work carving. The method of training he thought of required wooden weapons and Crane wanted a large variety.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have learned new Skill: Weapon Carving</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Crane had carved wooden knives before but he had never made so many wooden weapons at once and had received a skill for it. “Open Skill Window: Weapon Carving.”<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Weapon Carving [1] 0%<br>Weapons carved out of wood are stronger and more resilient.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>After thinking about it for a moment Crane scrapped the wooden weapons he had and made new ones. He was pleased to see the stats of his wooden weapons now had a higher durability and slightly higher attack. After making a large set of wood weapons he forged three steel weapons and carved runes into each. Now he was ready to sort out the soldiers.<br><br><br>The next day Crane was brought to a stage overlooking the training grounds where a square of twenty rows of twenty soldiers stood in formation. Crane took out six weapons of the weapons he made the previous night and placed them upright on the stage where they could easily been seen. As both a wooden weapon and rune engraved composite steel weapon Crane had on both sides of him a hand axe, long sword, and broadsword. <br><br><br>He placed the three steel rune weapons to his left and the three wooden weapons to his right. Then he said in a voice that echoed all the way to the back, "I will take some of you and make you stronger. How you become stronger is up to you. Under my command you can train with a weapon like this," he picked up the longsword with four Thurisaz runes carved into it, "a weapon that has magic applied to it making it stronger. If you fight with it you will kill monsters quickly and raise your level faster." Crane even swung the sword which sent a thunder wave out above the heads of the soldiers causing some excitement at the idea of possessing the sword. Crane then put it down and picked up the carved wooden sword and said, "Or you can train with this, this wooden weapon will deal less damage than a regular sword so you will have to attack more often to kill an enemy, slowing your leveling speed but also increasing how much you raise your skill proficiency and overall weapon skill per level."<br><br><br>No one sounded very excited about training with a wooden weapon. Crane then said, "Those of you who wish to train with the enhanced weapons, exit to the wall on my left, those who wish to train with the wooden weapons, exit to the wall on my right."<br><br><br>Crane even pointed to each exit with the corresponding weapon. People were practically pushing eachother out of the way to leave through the exit to Crane's left. They wanted the power of the magic sword he showed them, and it made sense that to become stronger you raise your level. Crane waited a few minutes for the whole of the crowd to leave before walking to the right exit. <br><br><br>On the other side of the wall were a few people, Crane counted them up to find the number only reached seventeen. <br><br><br>Crane went up to the group and said, "Gratz, you guys all pass."<br><br><br>"Wait, what?" The exclamation came from behind Crane where he saw the general who had organized everything. the man continued, "What kind of selection was that? What is it these guys have that the others don't?"<br><br><br>Crane picked out one of the seventeen and said, "What's your name?" <br><br><br>"Clint," the aloof man answered.<br><br><br>"Well Clint, time to show your stuff, explain to the general why you choose to train with a wooden weapon over the supercharged magic weapon."<br><br><br>Clint took a deep breath, sighed, then took another and began speaking. "Well sir, against the same opponent with a wooden sword, you would have to attack several times without getting killed yourself to defeat an opponent. With that super weapon you could defeat an opponent with fewer hits and not worry so much about defending."<br><br><br>The general interrupted, "That is why it is obviously the better choice!"<br><br><br>Clint sighed again and said, "Yes sir, for fighting, but this is training. Imagine if someone trained against a monster that the super sword could defeat in two hits, but the wooden sword took ten hits to beat. Now imagine that someone trained against this monster for a month with the super sword, and someone else trained with the wooden sword for a month without dying."<br><br><br>Clint paused to make sure the thick general understood the scenario before he continued, again after a sigh, "Now imagine that the two guys were each given a normal sword and told to fight. The guy who trained with the super sword, the one used to killing his opponents easily would just swing his sword, the only thing he needed to do during his training. But the guy who trained with the wooden sword, who had a difficult time would have learned how to hit rapidly to accumulate damage faster and avoid attacks while attacking since he never killed anything with one hit. Now between these two, who would win?"<br><br><br>The answer was obvious however not everyone thought of training in the long term in such a way, in fact only seventeen out of four hundred of these soldiers did.<br><br><br>Crane said, "Thankyou general, give my regards to the other men and the king of course."<br><br><br>The man left without a word and Crane said to the group, "Before we start I want everyone to introduce yourselves and get to know one another."<br><br><br>Crane got out ten more wooden swords and ten other weapons.<br><br><br>"I want everyone to pick a weapon and a partner, Clint, since the number is odd you're with me." Clint sighed and Crane continued, "The weapon mastery you have up to this point is nothing compared to what you will gain during this training, therefore now is the best time to try out different weapons and see what you feel you work best with. I carved the weapons myself so if you would like some adjustments on the weapon you choose or had another idea for a weapon you wanted, just ask."<br><br><br>Clint sighed and walked over to the pile where he picked up a Bo staff before getting out of the way for the others to browse through the selection. Some quickly picked up swords but some were adventurous enough to pick up the tonfas, the wooden fists (like iron knuckles that cover the whole hand), the short paired short sticks, the wooden knives, the wooden hand axes, and the wooden mace. Crane himself was going to fight unarmed.<br><br><br>After seeing that everyone had a partner he said, “Alright, we will practice at an even pace for thirty minutes. For the first ten one will attack and the other defend, switch for the next ten and for the last ten free sparring. After which will be a ten minute break where you can choose a new weapon or keep the one you have. Decide who will attack and defend first then begin.”<br><br><br>Crane looked at his lackluster opponent and said, “You attack first.”<br><br><br>Clint sighed again and tried to sweep the bo staff at Crane with one hand. Crane took a step forward and tapped the center of the bo staff which caused its to bend towards Crane then whip backwards and right out of Clint’s hand. Crane said, “ The best way to use a large weapon is with small movements. Grab the stick at two point and think of three ways to deliver a strong attack using small quick movements, then practice them for five minutes. I’ll check on the other guys.”<br><br><br>The guys with swords, knives and axes were doing ok, most soldiers can figure out how to use them, but the two guys who took tonfas, the guy with the short (one meter in length) pair of sticks, and the guy with the the wooden knuckles didn’t seem to have a knack for their weapons. Crane gave pointers to each. With a heavier fist the wooden knuckles were best with straight line punches, the tonfas uses at close range range were different from their uses at mid range, and the sticks required some minor footwork while striking that increased range and speed.<br><br><br>Crane went back to Clint who was practicing three distinct strikes. Clint tried a short thrust, quick low sweep, and a diagonal strike with the tip of the staff. Crane dodged in ways that showed small faults in Clint’s technique he could improve on like retracting the thrust quickly before Crane caught it, aiming just above the knee on the low sweep instead of the foot, and twisting his hip on the diagonal strike to increase speed.<br><br><br>After five more minutes had passed Crane yelled, “Switch.”<br><br><br>Crane then begun attacking Clint at a pace he could dodge while slowly increasing his speed. However Clint had no idea how to use the staff to defend without attacking. Crane asked for the staff so he could demonstrate basic blocking skills. Clint tried to punch Crane, but as he did, Crane aligned the edge of the staff with Clint’s striking fist and bopped it while quickly rotating the staff with his wrist. When the edge of the staff made contact with Clint’s wrist the spinning cause the punch to be deflected outward. Clint’s lazy appearance broke for a moment. To someone who didn’t know how much power rotation could impart on a technique, what he had just seen may have looked like magic. Crane showed him three moves that used a quick rotation to deflect attacks and had him practice it while Crane went around checking on the other guys. <br><br><br>The varied weapon practice kept up until everyone had chosen a weapon and Crane was satisfied with their capabilities with it. Crane was actually surprised that after practicing the defense skills, Clint stuck with the Bo staff and seemed a bit more lively. Just a bit.<br><br><br>When it was time for Crane to log out for lunch he brought everyone to a section with practice dummies and told them to practice until they got the mastery skill for their weapon. Once they had it they were to free spar until Crane’s return, which he told them would be in a few hours. <br><br><br>----------------------------------<br><br><br>After logging out, Do Hyup moved his legs out of the capsule where he placed himself on his wheelchair with the strength of his arms alone. His legs were slightly sore, a sign that the electric muscle stimulators had recently been active on them, contracting and releasing various muscle groups in his legs likely for the past hour. He checked his cell phone to see he had two new text messages, one from his mom, the other from his best friend<br><br><br>“Lunch is in the microwave when you get hungry.”<br>-Mom<br><br><br>“My capsule is coming in today, any pointers?”<br>-Yoochun<br><br><br>It wasn’t that his mother wasn’t home, she was just in her room. Hyup found out only recently that the Unicorn company truck that came to install Crane’s capsule had in fact installed a total of three capsules in his house. Crane had one in his room and his mother and father had one apiece in their room. In other words his parents had been playing Royal Road just as long as he had. When he asked why they never said anything his mom answered that they didn’t want to seem like they were watching over him. Both his mom and dad started in the Kingdom of Haven so he had of course never ran into them. And while they answered questions he had of them, they refrained from asking him, satisfied with whatever he was willing to share with them. <br><br><br>Crane texted his mom- “Thankyou,” she would read it when she next got out and he texted Yoochun- “You were born as yourself, in the game you can be something else, don’t let the opportunity pass by.”<br><br><br>The message had several meanings and Hyup wondered which Yoochun would take from it.<br><br><br>The microwave had some fried chicken, homemade by his mom with her own blend of spices. After microwaving it for thirty seconds they were steaming hot. He took took the food to his computer and logged onto a special website. His guild, the Dark Djinns, had a website which Crane was given a login ID and password to after becoming an Active member recently. His guild points, currently 1765, was displayed in the upper corner of the screen. From this site, Crane could chat on forums with other guild members, trade and sell information to other guild members, buy information from the guild with guild points, or sell information to the guild for guild points. <br><br><br>After first logging in he used a few points searching for info the guild had on runes. Rune spells, runes themselves, or locations that depict runes.<br><br><br>Several searches, (the searches themselves costing points) said that the guild had one available match, a single member of the guild with a rune related class who the guild would contact for you for a fee of 25 guild points. <br><br><br>Hyup was sure he knew who the person it was talking about was so he didn’t bother.<br><br><br>Although the site didn’t have much info for him to buy, there was still things he could sell. Hyup perused the listings for anything he might recognize.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>-Info needed on the lair of the Black Hydra<br>-Location needed of the Temple of Joelerick<br>-Introduction needed to the Sage Lorendo<br>-Searching for information on the NPC, Claudius Silver.<br>-Ancient language translator needed.<br>-Contact info needed of a blacksmith who can make Mithril armor</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>That last one made Crane want to go further into blacksmithing, so on impulse alone he searched for blacksmithing skills and came upon a list of skills, relating to blacksmithing and a guild point price on each for info on how to learn the skills.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sharpening- 30<br>Polishing- 30<br>Mineral Refining-60<br>Equipment Enhancement- 300</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Crane knew that he would get Sharpening and Polishing as a skill when he got to intermediate but the other two he didn’t recognize. He clicked on Mineral refining and accepted the 60 point charge in points.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Mineral Refining: <br>A skill used to refine ores by removing impurities, converting them into useful materials. <br>It requires a deep understanding of fire, water, and metal. <br>Obtained after refining two different types of ores.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Hyup almost smacked his head. The town he learned smithing in had only a iron mine around so although he was skilled in purification he had never refined anything other iron.<br><br><br>Crane clicked on Equipment Enhancement. 300 was a large amount but he didn’t have anything else he wanted to use it on.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Equipment Enhancement: <br>The blacksmith’s hand can draw out the hidden potential of equipment. After noticing various imperfections in equipment, they can be corrected.<br><br><br>Acquired at or after intermediate level blacksmithing is acquired after having made a large amount of different objects. Swords, axes, hammers, knives, steel pole arms and various types of armors must be made en masse to understand what works and what doesn’t while blacksmithing.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Hyup nodded. The method to acquire it was not so much a secret as a training regimen but it was something to do. Now that Hyup had a small group he could use to test weapons he felt he would be able to achieve the prerequisite before he hit intermediate level blacksmithing. His finished his meal and put the plate in the dishwasher before heading back to his capsule.<br><br><br>---------------------------------<br><br><br>Crane was pleased to see that all seventeen men were free sparring, meaning they had each acquired the mastery skill for their respective skills. Crane had them all line up and display it for him. Besides the guys with sword mastery who kept swords, the other guys had gotten their weapon mastery to about fifty percent of the first level. Crane needed one of the guys to switch to hammers and he needed Clint to try out some steel polearms if he wanted to get the Equipment enhancement skill when he hit intermediate blacksmithing. Crane told them all to get some rest and that the next day they would be heading out for extensive training. <br><br><br>After leaving the barracks the first thing Crane wanted to do was go to the local commodity exchange and buy 1500 gold worth of silver ore. He could have just bought silver ingots but he needed the experience purifying non-iron ores. The ore itself was cheap so he had been able to buy a massive volume of it but that was because all but the highest grade of silver ore yielded very low amounts of silver when smelting. He also bought a large amount of galena, a mineral crystal made silicon and lead, as well as bone ash, mortar powder, and more large cement crucibles. <br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>- Current weight has exceeded strength capacity.<br>Penalty: 25% increase in stamina consumption rate.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Crane slowly trotted away from the exchange, his feet pressing hard into the ground with each step of his overencumbered soles searching for a open area. <br><br><br>After finding a spot Crane got out several piles of what appeared to be useless rocks, dust, and sand. The first thing he did was make a mold of clay for an ashtray shaped container called a cupel. Crane heated the clay with his Kenaz spell until it was solid. He then got out a bowl and filled it with bone ash, a bit of mortar, some water, and mixed them together. He then scooped it into the mold and heated it till the mortar dried and solidified it into a bone ash cupel. <br><br><br>Crane used all the bone ash to make about sixty cupels. After which he started with the silver. In a crucible the size of a coffee pot Crane put silver ore, charcoal dust, sand, and galena. After capping and sealing the rim with clay he heated it beyond the melting point of silver with Kenaz, and slightly shook it while keeping it heated for a minute. Crane then set it down and did the same thing with the same mixture in another crucible, doing so until he had used up every single crucible.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill Level Up: Rune Call [5]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill Level Up: Rune Magic [6]</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Because he used Rune call to use Kenaz’s power the skill itself leveled up, as well as Rune magic in general which had been teetering since he got back from his quest. Crane was fortunate that silver melted at a much lower temperature than steel or it would have taken more time and more mana to bring each crucible to its melting point with Kenaz. <br><br><br>Crane then broke the first crucible which had cooled revealing a blackish mass with a shiny silvery bottom. The melted galena had broken into silicon and lead, the silicon from that and the sand bonded to the impurities, freeing the silver from it while the lead trickled down, bonding to the freed silver. The heavy lead silver mixture settled at the bottom where it cooled and Crane broke the excess slag off with a hammer revealing the button, the term used for the lead silver mixture remaining. Crane put the button on one of the cupels and heated it up carefully, making sure not to spill it after it melted. The bone ash combines with the liquid lead even better than silver, it slowly sucked up the lead until only pure silver remained. From the coffee pot sized crucible came only a pea sized lump of pure silver which Crane immediately dropped into a glass jar of oil. Pure silver, especially when hot, oxidizes with oxygen when solid so for now Crane would store them in oil until he decided what to do with it. <br><br><br>After having made enough silver pellets to fill his little jar, Crane got the long awaited message.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have learned new Skill: Mineral Refining</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Crane finished refining all the buttons into pure silver before packing everything and leaving. <br><br><br>-------------------------------------------<br><br><br>The next day Crane and his troop left the city. Crane had gotten enough iron and wood to make many weapons, and with his skills he would even be able to recycle broken or old equipment into new equipment, with only a small loss in total metal.<br><br><br>His men still had wooden weapons and for now, Crane would keep it like that. First he had to teach them how to fight, and the best way to do that was to get them massive amounts of fighting experience against something that couldn’t easily kill them but couldn’t easily be killed by wooden weapons. Crane knew just the place. On the side of the mountains north of the city was tomb that was filled with the dead. In the area in front of the tomb was a graveyard with ordinary skeletons, while inside the tomb itself were skeleton soldiers and stronger monsters.<br><br>It took four days to arrive there by road, Crane had only one day to arrange a schedule for his men to follow in his absence. His plan was that over the school week the men would fight with wooden weapons against the skeletons in the graveyard, and during the his three day weekends Crane would make weapons and armor for all of them and supervise training within the tomb against the stronger monsters. <br><br><br>The ancient tomb was of a local king who was worse than the Pharaohs about working his people to death making his resting place. The whole graveyard in fact was of the workers who died making the tomb. Crane tested the graveyard before sending his men. He walked through the path to the tomb causing half a dozen skeletons to pop out of the ground. The act of walking around caused the mobs to appear so it was relatively controllable. Crane busted them up and took a few hits to judge their strength. It was in fact perfect. The men he brought with him averages level sixty and these skeletons were about level fifty. While equipped with wooden weapons the men couldn’t kill them easily and the skeletons were not strong enough to kill them easily.<br>“Ok listen up. From now until I get back you will train by fighting these guys with your wooden weapons. I’ve made plenty of spares so no need to be gentle. When night falls and these guys get a 50% bonus you will practice group formations, no one fights alone at night. When I return I will make steel weapons for all of you and we will fight inside the tomb until I leave, at which point you will go back to practicing with wooden weapons against the skeletons until I return again.”<br><br><br>Crane first made sure everyone was capable of killing a skeleton without dying. A few had to be given pointers on the best way to dodge and attack an opening with their weapon but other than that they were doing great.<br><br><br>--------------------------------------<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">Connect to Royal Road?</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Yes|No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Crane logged back in thursday afternoon after school the get back the his men. All the men were accounted for and still using wooden weapons. Crane had not told them exactly when he would return so they did not just switch back to wooden on the last day. Their skills had improved greatly, all having reached at least level five in their respective mastery. Crane took out his blacksmith gear and started working. Although he made mostly swords and rapiers he was taught the technique to make most weapons and for the irregular ones he felt he could figure it out. First he made a few sets of Steel tonfas.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Steel Tonfas<br>Durability – 110/110.<br>Damage – 22~26<br>Steel Tonfas made with a thick steel shell over a soft iron core.<br>Requires: Level 60. STR 200.<br>Increase Critical chance on unarmored opponents</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>For the shaft of the steel bo staff Crane layered a shell of medium carbon steel over a core of low carbon steel and slowly quenched it to get a hard yet bendable stick, for the short sticks he made high carbon steel over medium carbon steel. That way it would impact hard but be able to absorb impacts without breaking. Crane was able to get one of the sword guys to switch to a hammer before they left the city so with that, the axes, knives and swords, he just needed to make armor for his men and he would be all set for his smithing practice regimen. <br><br><br>The men had only gains two or three levels a piece and the skeleton soldiers in the first section of the tomb were about level eighty, so this would be the first test to see the effectiveness of his own training. At the first skeleton warrior encounter Clint walked up to fight it alone. The skeleton swung its sword which Clint reflected back with a small move of the stick combined with a high speed wrist rotation. The powerful skeleton’s attack was only deflected slightly but it was enough to give Clint an opening he used to whack the head of the skeleton so hard the skull actually spun a few times before Clint had spun himself around and swept its legs, cracking the knee of the creature before he used the staff as a spring the jump a few feet into the air and smash the tip of the staff into the skeleton’s head in what Crane assumed was a polearm skill. It seemed he had nothing to worry about. The training had taught them to attack without being attacked as well as many different combinations of skills that could be used in succession against the skeletons. Each person was able to attack while dodging because the skeleton warrior’s movements were so similar to that of the ordinary skeleton. The only problem were the mages. The tomb was where the King’s warriors, knights, mages and few other things got buried with him. The skeleton mages had many curses they could use and without a priest they had to rely on the ever diminishing potion supply Crane had to keep making. Crane found that the best way to deal with mages was a three fold Isa spell. Crane was the only person who could take care of them instantly when they appeared so the group was unable to stay training in the tomb when Crane had to leave the following sunday night. <br><br><br>-----------------------------<br><br><br>And so it went for four weeks. Every thursday he logged back in and remade weapons and armor for each of his men after questioning them about how well the last one was and how they thought Crane could make them better. Crane got a little more insight on how his techniques affected the overall quality of the weapons and armor each time. After that Crane would escort them through the tomb, fighting skeleton soldiers, skeleton knights, and skeleton mages. At the end of the weekend Crane would carve new wooden weapons, destroy the steel weapons and armors, and repeat the cycle the following thursday. <br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Skill Level Up: Blacksmithing [10]<br>Your blacksmithing skill has exceeded level 10 and has reached the intermediate stage.<br>New skills:<br>Sword Grind, Armor Polish, and Equipment Enhancement<br>Sword Grind – Grinds the sword, weapon damage is amplified<br>Armor Polish – Confuses and dazzles enemies along with an increase in defense.<br>Equipment Enhancement –Can correct the various faults within equipment.<br><br><br>Rune Smith can be used without lowering durability.<br>+5 To all stats<br>Fame +50.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Crane let out a heavy sigh of relief and gratitude. After the message came out, a couple of pictures popped up illustrating a technique. Crane saw it was a blacksmith carving a line out of a sword. Next it showed him placing a small strip of metal the same width and depth on the section that was carved out, and the next had the smith hammering it in. The picture after that showed him heating it and the last showed the glowing rune Isa on a sword, but not as an indentation but as a strip of different colored metal. <br><br><br>Now Crane knew what he needed to do, basically after having carved out the rune he needed to replace the metal and melt it into the work. That way the loss metal and structural integrity is restored.<br><br><br>His men were about level 90, they could defeat skeleton soldiers (lvl 80) with wooden weapons and skeletons knights (lvl 100) one on one with normal weapons. Now it was time to up the stakes.<br><br><br>First thing he wanted to do was test Rune smith’s full power, the Equipment enhancement skill, as well as sword grind and armor polish.<br><br><br>Crane first made a steel shield, after letting it cool and polishing it he got a base reading. “Identify.”<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Composite Steel Shield<br>Durability – 130/130.<br>Defense – 21<br>A round shield made with different types of iron by a skilled smith.<br>Requires: Level 75. STR 230.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>First the skill he spent so many guild points to find out how to learn it. “Enhance equipment.” <br>Suddenly Crane noticed several points on the shield were a slightly different shade than the area around it, he hadn’t noticed it before, but the carbon that permeated that area had very few cross sections. From experience Crane knew this was because the carbon had not uniformly mixed, but there was nothing he could have done to prevent it. Crane removed the hide and wooden lining of the shield and got a little bit of iron and charcoal. In his own hands used kenaz to melt the iron and thoroughly mix the carbon into it. When finished he divided it into five and put each over the weakspots. After heating up the shield in the same areas, Crane hammered the carbon iron into the spots until completely flattened, and let it cool. Crane observed that the carbon lines that formed on cooling now criss crossed with the lines in the rest of the shield. He then hammered the edges and polished until one couldn’t even tell new metal had been added, after which he reattached the wood handle and hide backing. “Identify.”<br><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Composite Steel Shield<br>Durability – 140/140.<br>Defense – 23<br>A round shield made with different types of iron by a skilled smith.<br>Requires: Level 80. STR 240.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>The stats of the shield increased, it was now a higher quality equipment, meaning the requirements also increased. This meant he couldn’t enhance the equipment of someone when it was close to or matched their level. Crane used the skill again to see if there was anything he missed, but there wasn’t. The shield wasn’t perfect, but it no longer had flaws that brought down its stats. Now it was time for the next test. Crane got out a carving knife and a small hammer. He then skillfully proceeded to carve four Thurisaz runes into four sides of the shield. Before casting, Crane took out the silver pellets he had made and heated them until malleable. He drew a few out into a long piece the same width of the carved runes and broke the thin silver rod into segments he placed into the indentation of the runes, and heated them up again. Crane hammered them flat and polished them, the result was a pure silver symbol on a shiny grey surface. Crane imagined Thurisaz’s power of defense and protection being added to the shield and said, “Thurisaz.”<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Maximum Mana decreases by 200<br>Composite Steel Shield has been added to Rune List</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>The four silver runes now glowed dimly on the edges of the shield’s face. “Identify.”<br><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Composite Steel Shield<br>Durability – 140/140.<br>Defense – 23<br>A round shield made with different types of iron by a skilled smith. Powerful rune magic has been inscribed into this shield.<br>Options:<br>+15% Defense<br>+20% Magic Resistance<br>Reflects 10% Physical Damage as lightning magic<br>Requires: Level 80. STR 240.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>The shield he upgraded back in purgatory had more damage reflection, but for this one he focused on defense and magic defense to counter the skeleton mages. Overall it was an excellent shield, especially since adding Rune magic didn’t increase the level requirement. Crane proceeded to make weapons and armor for everyone. He enhanced the equipments who owners were a higher level, and after that he carved runes onto everything. For the weapons he carved either fire, ice, or lightning attributes, and for the armor and remaining shields he carved various combinations of runes, mostly Thurisaz and Isa.<br><br><br>After a practice session where Crane ensured that everyone could handle their new weapons properly, Crane sharpened every weapon with an edge, polished everyone’s armor, and lead the troop into the deeper part of the tomb where the king’s elite guards were buried, after they were beheaded for trying to rise up against their king. They were the level 140 Dullahans. Before this point Crane had not given them rune enhanced weapons, how they fought with these against a monster about fifty levels stronger then they were would determine the true effectiveness of the training.<br><br><br>The first Dullahan they found was a muscular brute of a knight, a black axe in one hand and a his own head carried in the other. Before the group approached the severed head spoke. “Are you lot warriors?” At the query the whole group raised their weapons. A smile could clearly be seen on the dullahan’s face. He charged forward, abnormally fast for someone with such a large body. Two of the swordsmen in the troop rushed to meet the oncoming axe. In perfect unison they raised their shields overlapping one another and took the axe’s hit. The men’s knees buckled under the weight and power of the strike but in the same moment the hammer and mace users jumped over the kneeling soldiers and smashed their thirty-five pound weapons into the Dullahan’s chest armor. Crane could only smile. Spending equal time fighting individually and in self assigned teams made the whole of unit stronger than the sum of its parts. Of course it wasn’t just that. Crane gave both the hammer and mace user weapons with lightning damage, and had them practice such maneuvers. The simultaneous blow from the two lightning weapons sent a thunderbolt throw the dullahan as well as sent him back about seven feet. The dullahan’s face went red, his severed head roared as he got back up and shouted “DEVIL”S STRIKE!” as he threw his axe at the group. The shield users raised their shields and ducked low, at the moment just before impact they bumped their shield’s up. It was the same trick Crane’s blacksmith instructor used and Crane taught to them. The impact of the axe sent the shields back but the axe was bumped into the air above them where it dug into the ceiling. The Dullahan charged after producing another axe and the swordsman charged as well. With the men ducking and weaving when the monster slashed they attacked relentlessly until the brute finally fell. <br><br><br>Even if the men were able to notice the dullahan’s fighting pattern they probably wouldn’t be able to use it to predict the movement of their opponent. Crane learned awhile ago the strengths and limits of NPCs in combat. At low levels an NPC was unable to recognize patterns and use them to predict movements like a reasonably skilled user could do. They could however be trained to work together with far more efficiently than users with the same experience. A fact which Crane did everything in his power to utilize to best effect. <br><br><br>After seeing how well his men and their new equipment were doing he assigned the men into four groups and set them loose on the dungeon with instructions to wipe everything out. There was something he wanted to do himself. It had been a while since he he last wore armor and he wanted a challenge. He saved the dungeon boss for last.<br><br><br>In a large room on a stone throne sat a skeleton wearing a gold crown. <br>In a voice that seemed to be coming from the walls themselves spoke, “Bow before the great King!”<br><br><br>Crane looked around for a moment and said, “Great King? What great king? All I see is a rotten old man who can’t let go of the past.”<br><br><br>The king answered, “My reign is eternal, my subjects, forever bound to my service. As long as I wear this crown. I am King!” The skeleton raised his hand into the air, all around him Crane could hear the sound of coffins opening.<br><br><br> Crane took noble step and majestic stance. He then wrote the Thurisaz rune three times with his rapier and took a step into it with the thought, ‘Imbue my armor with the cosmic force of defense through lightning,’ before calling, “Thurisaz.” <br><br><br>Crane’s armor glowed bright yellow, this was only the third time he had successfully buffed equipment that had a rune carved into it. In previous attempts he had made a knife, carved thurisaz on it, cast thurisaz four times with rune sword on the knife then doubled the effect with rune call but that combined with the already charged knife caused an explosion. He tried several combinations only to find that just like rune call and rune sword stacked with a doubling effect, so did rune smith. Crane learned the hard way the effects of overcharging a weapon with runes, and since it did not increase the spell’s power unless it was the same type, it was better not to use weapons with runes on them for now. This applied to his armor as well but this situation was an exception. The pure silver Crane had used to fill the carved out Thurisaz runes in the armor was a perfect conductor of electricity. This slightly increased the limit the equipment could be charged with the lightning based Thurisaz rune before exploding. (The armor had only two thurisaz runes carved onto it so it stacked to twelve times the power of a single thurisaz.)<br><br>From the coffins emerged skeletons, skeleton soldiers, and skeleton mages. Crane dashed to the king but was blocked off by the quick casting of the mages and the four skeleton knights who emerged from the ground and now stood in between Crane and his target. The king himself seemed content to watch Crane struggle to reach him. The skeletons, the mages, and knights numbered in about forty total. However they were all so weak Crane could take them out with one or two blows a piece. Crane dashed from one to another slashing off skull after skull, with each skeleton falling into a heap of bones. After half a minute Crane had killed about half of them and was moving to the king who started a low cackling laugh. The next moment the bones started reassembling themselves back into skeletons. The king stated, “As I said, forever bound to my service.”<br><br><br>In other words the subjects were enslaves even in death to whatever magic the king was using. Attacking them with normal attacks just broke them. He would have to either burn or freeze every bone there and he didn’t have nearly enough mana to do it after having lost more than half of it making equipment for his men. Crane still had his trump card of course, but he needed an opening to make the most of it.<br><br><br>He tried going for the king again but the knights got in the mage and the mages cast curse spells at his back. He couldn’t afford to ignore them so he rushed to kill just the mages before returning to fight the king. However the mages resurrected as soon as his back was turned, the king laughed as Crane wasted his stamina trying to get through them. Crane found another mage and cast “Isa,” but before the black wave got to it, several other skeletons jumped into the path, taking the hit. Crane could use Fehu but that spell costed almost five hundred mana and he couldn’t waste that on the mages and the skeletons before fighting the king. <br><br><br>Crane resorted to taunting. “You think you’re strong, you have nothing but the strength of your men, you’re nothing!.”<br><br><br>At this the king stood up, seething for a moment. He yelled, “THEIR STRENGTH IS MY STRENGTH!!”<br><br><br>All of the skeletons fell apart to the ground, but as if they were on an inclined slope they fell sideways towards the king. The bones then flew to him, assembling around him into a giant mass that slowly took shape into an enormous bone behemoth. <br><br><br>Crane stared up at the towering monster and said, “Well, its now or never, Call Keagan.”<br>Keagan appeared in the room and set himself ablaze in response to the presence of the bone behemoth. Crane went to one side while Keagan went to the other. The bone monster roared as a dark aura enveloped the bones, likely a spell from the skeleton mages that were now apart of him. Keagan pounched on the beast causing it to topple for a moment, his jaw and claws ripped bones off the body. Crane cast rune sword Thurisaz, Fehu, Fehu, Fehu, while Keagan distracted it. The moment the spell was ready Crane used battle aura to signal Keagan to jump off before Crane shot an enormous torrent of fire at the creature’s back. The dark aura was blown away and the bones were now on fire. Crane saw a shining spec among the fire at the top of the beast, Crane shouted, “Get the Crown!”<br><br><br>Keagan jumped back onto the burning behemoth but was swatted away before he could climb to the top. Crane made another runesword spell aimed at the monster’s composite bone feet, the only place that wasn’t on fire. Isa! Crane coated as much of the feet as he could in ice before, with the last of his mana cast with rune sword, ‘Thurisaz Fehu.’ The fire pillar struck the iced legs causing them to emit steam for a moment before they completely exploded. With its feet suddenly gone it buckled over giving Keagan the opportunity to rush in and grab the crown. Keagan crushed it in his teeth before jumping off the behemoth.<br><br><br>What at first appeared to be white steam started evaporating out of the bones. Only a moment later did the white mist coalesce into many spirits who floated up to the ceiling. Form the pile Crane heard a quiet, “Thankyou.” <br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Your familiarity towards spirits of the dead has increased.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>The remainder of the skeleton behemoth dissolved into a pile of bones but Crane’s experience points since entering had remained unchanged. Crane waited for a moment but the pile wasn’t moving. “Keagan, go get him.” The skeleton king was actually hiding, hiding in plain sight among the giant pile of bones. Too bad Keagan could sense his fighting spirit. The fire cat dug through the pile, grabbed the skull of the king and ran with it in his teeth back to Crane who said, “Any last words?”<br><br><br>Keagan crunched the skull anyways. “Too late.” <br><br><br>Crane didn’t get any experience for the infinite responding skeletons he defeated and the King was about his level so he only got moderate exp for it, but the king did drop a key. But after searching a bit Crane found a chest with about seven hundred and sixty gold and some jewels. Crane had not actually sold the jewels he had been accumulating, he wanted to wait till he was a better sculptor and carve runes into the jewels and make accessories or impart the jewels into weapons to make them look cooler and have stronger magic effects. <br><br><br>Crane returned Keagan to his necklace and went around the dungeon to see that it was mostly empty, either his men killed everything off or all the skeletons vanished with the destruction of the crown. Crane found his men at the dungeon’s entrance and asked each one questions about the efficacy of the weapons before retrieving them. For many of the weapons he gave different attributes and he wanted to know the differences between effects. After asking question and examining the weapons, Crane had a general idea of the strengths and limits of rune smith. The strengths were obviously the incredible increase in damage and defense, of both physical and magic. However after examining all the equipment he found that the weapon’s durability degraded at a terrifying rate. Between a sword with two runes on it and a sword with four from two swordsmen who fought together and roughly the same amount, the sword with more runes lost durability much faster. Also between a sword with three Thurisaz runes and a sword with three Fehu runes, the sword with the lightning damage had more durability than the sword with fire damage. Crane attributed this to the silver giving the sword greater compatibility with the rune. The only exception was the weapons and armor that only had one or more Isa runes on them. Those pieces barely lost any durability since the fight started. However from the reports, Crane found out that the weapons with just Isa for ice damage did less overall damage than the other weapons, and the armor with Isa did not absorb as much damage as regular armor. Crane concluded that Isa preserved the weapons and armor by bypassing damage. So a weapon with high durability and less attack will last longer than a weapon with high durability and high attack. And armor needs to be able to take damage to absorb impacts, otherwise it seamlessly passes through the armor into the wearer. <br><br><br>Crane concluded that the weapons degraded faster to to the incompatibility of the foreign power. Crane wasn’t a true magic blacksmith, nor a proper enchanter so he couldn’t add magic attributes without a cost. Until higher levels of skill mastery at least Crane would have to limit production to expendable weapons or weapons made of compatible materials. Crane would try for a silver alloy lightning blade another day. For now Crane destroyed all the equipment, he couldn’t afford having his men rely on glass cannon. <br><br><br>Crane addressed his men. “Congratulations, you have the basics down. Our next destination is Resshin temple.” There was some murmuring in the ranks. Resshin temple was built by the great Warrior Resshin and his disciples as an all purpose training ground. The descendents of his disciples still keep it in operation, though the late King Daxes had closed it off in fear that an army would train there and gain enough strength to overthrow him. Under the order of Jinir, the temple was re-opened and brought back to working order a few days ago.<br><br><br>Crane continued, “Herios Goldking sent specific instructions to the temple that it will receive a boost in funding on the condition that individual training is giving to each man in this unit. Your specialties will be expanded and refined, you will become the strongest unit in this kingdom.” Many of the men seemed excited, they were picked because of their appreciation of the merits of training and they understood what receiving personal training at Resshin temple meant.<br><br><br>It was also time for Crane’s own martial training to start. But first he checked on the progress of his craft training. “Open Skill list.”<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Alchemy [9] 70%<br>Enables you to create quality potions from ingredients</td></tr><tr><td>Rune Smith [5] 31%<br>Can carve Runes into weapons and armor that grant additional options without decreasing max durability<br>Effect of Rune Determined by intention when used<br>For every rune carved, Maximum mana decreases by 50<br>Mana returns upon item's destruction<br>Effect Strength determined by Sculpture mastery</td></tr><tr><td>Sculpture Mastery Intermediate [2] 89%<br>Enables you to produce complicated works.</td></tr><tr><td>Handicraft skill Intermediate [5] 72%<br>Dexterity Rating. Enhances your craft skills in every field<br>Increases attack power with melee and long range weapons. (+65% ATK)<br>Increases attack power with fists. (+90% ATK)</td></tr><tr><td>Cooking [5] 69%</td></tr><tr><td>Blacksmith Intermediate [1] 12%<br>Enables you to craft equipment from metal.</td></tr><tr><td>Weapon Carving [5] 81%<br>Weapons carved out of wood are stronger and more resilient.</td></tr><tr><td>Mineral Refining [2] 60%<br>Increases ability to remove impurity from various metals</td></tr><tr><td>Sword Grind [1] 54%<br>Grinds the sword, weapon damage is amplified</td></tr><tr><td>Polishing [2] 77%<br>Confuses and dazzles enemies along with an increase in defense</td></tr><tr><td>Equipment Enhancement [2] 96%<br>Can correct the various faults within equipment<br>Mana cost: 50</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>Besides making weapons and armor he was also making food and brewing potions. Over the last month each of his craft skills improved by at least one level and he gained nearly half a dozen new ones. </div>

After Jinir's coronation ceremony, Crane was called by one of the attendants to follow him downstairs where he was asked to wait in a large stone room. Crane guessed from the interior walls and the thick door in the back that he was in the guard room near the entrance to the castle's dungeon. Crane did what had become a habit when he had to wait and took out his carving knife and some wood, but no sooner had he made his first cut did the door open revealing a long line of nervous looking noblemen. The first passed through the room and into the dungeon followed by the rest. Crane counted a few dozen entering before Jinir came through the door at the tail end of the group. Crane had a flashback of when he lead a group of monsters to kill a large number of noblemen underground and vaguely wondered if he would see a repeat show. Jinir said to Crane, "Follow me, I want to speak with you afterwards." At least Crane wouldn't be apart of the massacre should there be one. Within the dungeon was a room large enough to accommodate all the noblemen Jinir had called with some room to spare. The men talked amongst themselves about what was going on, none of them seemed to have any ideas. Crane saw that the seven noblemen who hired the Dark Djinns to rescue Jinir were also there but they too seemed clueless as to what was going on as well. Jinir appeared from a hallway dragging in chains the man who, only a day before, was the ruler of the kingdom, Daxes. Jinir threw him before the noblemen and said, "I am going to interrogate my uncle on all the deeds he misused the power of the throne for. But before I do so I will give you men a chance. Anyone who has done something to shame their office can admit to doing so now by stepping forward." Several people began twitching nervously. One of the men who was sweating the most consciously stepped forward. Jinir show no hostility, which prompted a few more to step forward. After a few minutes, it seemed like no one else would step forward, so Jinir continued speaking. "I see." However against everyone expectations, Jinir suddenly whipped his arm out at his uncle. Crane saw the instant extension and retraction of his shadow in the motion. The next moment, Daxes's whimpering stopped, and his head fell to the ground. Jinir continued, "Truth be told I do not care what any of you have done before this point. That means nothing to me. I grew up in a prison and have done things far worse than most of you just to survive. I don't expect perfection. That being said, I will not accept deception or insubordination. From this point on you men will only be punished under two conditions, if you disobey my order, or try to deceive me. If you do something unbefitting of your position, do not try to hide it. If I disapprove, I shall order you to stop. That is all. You are dismissed back to your posts." The nobles slowly walked around the body headless body of their former king, blood still dripping from his neck throughout Jinir's speech. They dared not speak until they were sure Jinir was out of earshot. Crane walked up to Jinir and said, "Effective. I didn't think a person could make ruling a kingdom so simple." Corruption and conspiracy within were some of the most dangerous components within a kingdom. But Jinir basically said nothing was illegal until he said it was except for hiding what you were doing. In such a system, blackmail threats of the past were useless since even if someone did something illegal in the past, the king didn't care so the threat of revealing such a thing was useless. In fact any who were controlled through blackmail could bring his deeds t the king himself and get off with a 'don’t do it again.' Both corruption and conspiracy would be rendered useless, if the nobles obey the honesty policy then Jinir would know what they were up to and if they didn't then Jinir's newly acquired lie detection skill would see through them. In a single meeting he removed all the challenges brought forth from being a king. Jinir said, "I thought you would approve. Now, I need to know what you intend to do." What a single user does should have no consequence to a king but Jinir understood the reach that this user's plans had. Should Crane's plans interfere with Jinir's own, it would be in Jinir's best interest that Crane never left the dungeon. Knowing that lying was pointless Crane said, "Well, I want to gain access to the Mordin Shrine, the forest of Gorfil, the temple of Resshin, the island of Ur, the cave of Sartiel, and the Dorack mountain range. For starters." Now Jinir seemed dumbstruck. At each of the locations was a either a method to make Crane stronger or possibly a new rune to discover, but Jinir had no way to know that. Jinir had in fact been expecting a far more impressive goal considering how much effort was put into reaching it. After a moment Jinir said, "Most of those are places that an outsider would never be allowed to enter. All of them however are in kingdoms that were once part of the Muspelheim empire. You mean that you took the effort to make me king so that I would reclaim these kingdoms and then allow you access to these places once they were under my control?..." Crane smiled and said, "That about sums it up. My first stop was going to be the Resshin temple." The Resshin temple was built on the northern mountain range but had been closed by the late King Daxes. It was however one of the few places Crane listed that he could access immediately within the kingdom should it be re-opened. Jinir nodded and said, "Very well, but take some men with you. I have some tasks that require a small team of skilled soldiers and my uncle left the military in a poor state. Take some men and train them the best you can, and I'll give you the quests as the head of the team." Crane answered, "Alright, but I want to pick them out myself from your army. It would be easiest if you could get them all to one spot so I can talk to them." Jinir said, "I can have a general arrange it that all the men show up tomorrow and arrange a time for you to pick them out. We have 1700 soldiers, about 400 can be taken out from any position without trouble. You will have to chose from these. How long will it take you to pick amongst them? They can't stay there all day." Crane smiled and said, "Don't worry, it won’t take long." After buying a large amount of hard wood, Crane go to work carving. The method of training he thought of required wooden weapons and Crane wanted a large variety. | You have learned new Skill: Weapon Carving | | --- | Crane had carved wooden knives before but he had never made so many wooden weapons at once and had received a skill for it. “Open Skill Window: Weapon Carving.” | Weapon Carving [1] 0%Weapons carved out of wood are stronger and more resilient. | | --- | After thinking about it for a moment Crane scrapped the wooden weapons he had and made new ones. He was pleased to see the stats of his wooden weapons now had a higher durability and slightly higher attack. After making a large set of wood weapons he forged three steel weapons and carved runes into each. Now he was ready to sort out the soldiers. The next day Crane was brought to a stage overlooking the training grounds where a square of twenty rows of twenty soldiers stood in formation. Crane took out six weapons of the weapons he made the previous night and placed them upright on the stage where they could easily been seen. As both a wooden weapon and rune engraved composite steel weapon Crane had on both sides of him a hand axe, long sword, and broadsword. He placed the three steel rune weapons to his left and the three wooden weapons to his right. Then he said in a voice that echoed all the way to the back, "I will take some of you and make you stronger. How you become stronger is up to you. Under my command you can train with a weapon like this," he picked up the longsword with four Thurisaz runes carved into it, "a weapon that has magic applied to it making it stronger. If you fight with it you will kill monsters quickly and raise your level faster." Crane even swung the sword which sent a thunder wave out above the heads of the soldiers causing some excitement at the idea of possessing the sword. Crane then put it down and picked up the carved wooden sword and said, "Or you can train with this, this wooden weapon will deal less damage than a regular sword so you will have to attack more often to kill an enemy, slowing your leveling speed but also increasing how much you raise your skill proficiency and overall weapon skill per level." No one sounded very excited about training with a wooden weapon. Crane then said, "Those of you who wish to train with the enhanced weapons, exit to the wall on my left, those who wish to train with the wooden weapons, exit to the wall on my right." Crane even pointed to each exit with the corresponding weapon. People were practically pushing eachother out of the way to leave through the exit to Crane's left. They wanted the power of the magic sword he showed them, and it made sense that to become stronger you raise your level. Crane waited a few minutes for the whole of the crowd to leave before walking to the right exit. On the other side of the wall were a few people, Crane counted them up to find the number only reached seventeen. Crane went up to the group and said, "Gratz, you guys all pass." "Wait, what?" The exclamation came from behind Crane where he saw the general who had organized everything. the man continued, "What kind of selection was that? What is it these guys have that the others don't?" Crane picked out one of the seventeen and said, "What's your name?" "Clint," the aloof man answered. "Well Clint, time to show your stuff, explain to the general why you choose to train with a wooden weapon over the supercharged magic weapon." Clint took a deep breath, sighed, then took another and began speaking. "Well sir, against the same opponent with a wooden sword, you would have to attack several times without getting killed yourself to defeat an opponent. With that super weapon you could defeat an opponent with fewer hits and not worry so much about defending." The general interrupted, "That is why it is obviously the better choice!" Clint sighed again and said, "Yes sir, for fighting, but this is training. Imagine if someone trained against a monster that the super sword could defeat in two hits, but the wooden sword took ten hits to beat. Now imagine that someone trained against this monster for a month with the super sword, and someone else trained with the wooden sword for a month without dying." Clint paused to make sure the thick general understood the scenario before he continued, again after a sigh, "Now imagine that the two guys were each given a normal sword and told to fight. The guy who trained with the super sword, the one used to killing his opponents easily would just swing his sword, the only thing he needed to do during his training. But the guy who trained with the wooden sword, who had a difficult time would have learned how to hit rapidly to accumulate damage faster and avoid attacks while attacking since he never killed anything with one hit. Now between these two, who would win?" The answer was obvious however not everyone thought of training in the long term in such a way, in fact only seventeen out of four hundred of these soldiers did. Crane said, "Thankyou general, give my regards to the other men and the king of course." The man left without a word and Crane said to the group, "Before we start I want everyone to introduce yourselves and get to know one another." Crane got out ten more wooden swords and ten other weapons. "I want everyone to pick a weapon and a partner, Clint, since the number is odd you're with me." Clint sighed and Crane continued, "The weapon mastery you have up to this point is nothing compared to what you will gain during this training, therefore now is the best time to try out different weapons and see what you feel you work best with. I carved the weapons myself so if you would like some adjustments on the weapon you choose or had another idea for a weapon you wanted, just ask." Clint sighed and walked over to the pile where he picked up a Bo staff before getting out of the way for the others to browse through the selection. Some quickly picked up swords but some were adventurous enough to pick up the tonfas, the wooden fists (like iron knuckles that cover the whole hand), the short paired short sticks, the wooden knives, the wooden hand axes, and the wooden mace. Crane himself was going to fight unarmed. After seeing that everyone had a partner he said, “Alright, we will practice at an even pace for thirty minutes. For the first ten one will attack and the other defend, switch for the next ten and for the last ten free sparring. After which will be a ten minute break where you can choose a new weapon or keep the one you have. Decide who will attack and defend first then begin.” Crane looked at his lackluster opponent and said, “You attack first.” Clint sighed again and tried to sweep the bo staff at Crane with one hand. Crane took a step forward and tapped the center of the bo staff which caused its to bend towards Crane then whip backwards and right out of Clint’s hand. Crane said, “ The best way to use a large weapon is with small movements. Grab the stick at two point and think of three ways to deliver a strong attack using small quick movements, then practice them for five minutes. I’ll check on the other guys.” The guys with swords, knives and axes were doing ok, most soldiers can figure out how to use them, but the two guys who took tonfas, the guy with the short (one meter in length) pair of sticks, and the guy with the the wooden knuckles didn’t seem to have a knack for their weapons. Crane gave pointers to each. With a heavier fist the wooden knuckles were best with straight line punches, the tonfas uses at close range range were different from their uses at mid range, and the sticks required some minor footwork while striking that increased range and speed. Crane went back to Clint who was practicing three distinct strikes. Clint tried a short thrust, quick low sweep, and a diagonal strike with the tip of the staff. Crane dodged in ways that showed small faults in Clint’s technique he could improve on like retracting the thrust quickly before Crane caught it, aiming just above the knee on the low sweep instead of the foot, and twisting his hip on the diagonal strike to increase speed. After five more minutes had passed Crane yelled, “Switch.” Crane then begun attacking Clint at a pace he could dodge while slowly increasing his speed. However Clint had no idea how to use the staff to defend without attacking. Crane asked for the staff so he could demonstrate basic blocking skills. Clint tried to punch Crane, but as he did, Crane aligned the edge of the staff with Clint’s striking fist and bopped it while quickly rotating the staff with his wrist. When the edge of the staff made contact with Clint’s wrist the spinning cause the punch to be deflected outward. Clint’s lazy appearance broke for a moment. To someone who didn’t know how much power rotation could impart on a technique, what he had just seen may have looked like magic. Crane showed him three moves that used a quick rotation to deflect attacks and had him practice it while Crane went around checking on the other guys. The varied weapon practice kept up until everyone had chosen a weapon and Crane was satisfied with their capabilities with it. Crane was actually surprised that after practicing the defense skills, Clint stuck with the Bo staff and seemed a bit more lively. Just a bit. When it was time for Crane to log out for lunch he brought everyone to a section with practice dummies and told them to practice until they got the mastery skill for their weapon. Once they had it they were to free spar until Crane’s return, which he told them would be in a few hours. ---------------------------------- After logging out, Do Hyup moved his legs out of the capsule where he placed himself on his wheelchair with the strength of his arms alone. His legs were slightly sore, a sign that the electric muscle stimulators had recently been active on them, contracting and releasing various muscle groups in his legs likely for the past hour. He checked his cell phone to see he had two new text messages, one from his mom, the other from his best friend “Lunch is in the microwave when you get hungry.” -Mom “My capsule is coming in today, any pointers?” -Yoochun It wasn’t that his mother wasn’t home, she was just in her room. Hyup found out only recently that the Unicorn company truck that came to install Crane’s capsule had in fact installed a total of three capsules in his house. Crane had one in his room and his mother and father had one apiece in their room. In other words his parents had been playing Royal Road just as long as he had. When he asked why they never said anything his mom answered that they didn’t want to seem like they were watching over him. Both his mom and dad started in the Kingdom of Haven so he had of course never ran into them. And while they answered questions he had of them, they refrained from asking him, satisfied with whatever he was willing to share with them. Crane texted his mom- “Thankyou,” she would read it when she next got out and he texted Yoochun- “You were born as yourself, in the game you can be something else, don’t let the opportunity pass by.” The message had several meanings and Hyup wondered which Yoochun would take from it. The microwave had some fried chicken, homemade by his mom with her own blend of spices. After microwaving it for thirty seconds they were steaming hot. He took took the food to his computer and logged onto a special website. His guild, the Dark Djinns, had a website which Crane was given a login ID and password to after becoming an Active member recently. His guild points, currently 1765, was displayed in the upper corner of the screen. From this site, Crane could chat on forums with other guild members, trade and sell information to other guild members, buy information from the guild with guild points, or sell information to the guild for guild points. After first logging in he used a few points searching for info the guild had on runes. Rune spells, runes themselves, or locations that depict runes. Several searches, (the searches themselves costing points) said that the guild had one available match, a single member of the guild with a rune related class who the guild would contact for you for a fee of 25 guild points. Hyup was sure he knew who the person it was talking about was so he didn’t bother. Although the site didn’t have much info for him to buy, there was still things he could sell. Hyup perused the listings for anything he might recognize. | -Info needed on the lair of the Black Hydra-Location needed of the Temple of Joelerick-Introduction needed to the Sage Lorendo-Searching for information on the NPC, Claudius Silver.-Ancient language translator needed.-Contact info needed of a blacksmith who can make Mithril armor | | --- | That last one made Crane want to go further into blacksmithing, so on impulse alone he searched for blacksmithing skills and came upon a list of skills, relating to blacksmithing and a guild point price on each for info on how to learn the skills. | Sharpening- 30Polishing- 30Mineral Refining-60Equipment Enhancement- 300 | | --- | Crane knew that he would get Sharpening and Polishing as a skill when he got to intermediate but the other two he didn’t recognize. He clicked on Mineral refining and accepted the 60 point charge in points. | Mineral Refining: A skill used to refine ores by removing impurities, converting them into useful materials. It requires a deep understanding of fire, water, and metal. Obtained after refining two different types of ores. | | --- | Hyup almost smacked his head. The town he learned smithing in had only a iron mine around so although he was skilled in purification he had never refined anything other iron. Crane clicked on Equipment Enhancement. 300 was a large amount but he didn’t have anything else he wanted to use it on. | Equipment Enhancement: The blacksmith’s hand can draw out the hidden potential of equipment. After noticing various imperfections in equipment, they can be corrected.Acquired at or after intermediate level blacksmithing is acquired after having made a large amount of different objects. Swords, axes, hammers, knives, steel pole arms and various types of armors must be made en masse to understand what works and what doesn’t while blacksmithing. | | --- | Hyup nodded. The method to acquire it was not so much a secret as a training regimen but it was something to do. Now that Hyup had a small group he could use to test weapons he felt he would be able to achieve the prerequisite before he hit intermediate level blacksmithing. His finished his meal and put the plate in the dishwasher before heading back to his capsule. --------------------------------- Crane was pleased to see that all seventeen men were free sparring, meaning they had each acquired the mastery skill for their respective skills. Crane had them all line up and display it for him. Besides the guys with sword mastery who kept swords, the other guys had gotten their weapon mastery to about fifty percent of the first level. Crane needed one of the guys to switch to hammers and he needed Clint to try out some steel polearms if he wanted to get the Equipment enhancement skill when he hit intermediate blacksmithing. Crane told them all to get some rest and that the next day they would be heading out for extensive training. After leaving the barracks the first thing Crane wanted to do was go to the local commodity exchange and buy 1500 gold worth of silver ore. He could have just bought silver ingots but he needed the experience purifying non-iron ores. The ore itself was cheap so he had been able to buy a massive volume of it but that was because all but the highest grade of silver ore yielded very low amounts of silver when smelting. He also bought a large amount of galena, a mineral crystal made silicon and lead, as well as bone ash, mortar powder, and more large cement crucibles. | - Current weight has exceeded strength capacity.Penalty: 25% increase in stamina consumption rate. | | --- | Crane slowly trotted away from the exchange, his feet pressing hard into the ground with each step of his overencumbered soles searching for a open area. After finding a spot Crane got out several piles of what appeared to be useless rocks, dust, and sand. The first thing he did was make a mold of clay for an ashtray shaped container called a cupel. Crane heated the clay with his Kenaz spell until it was solid. He then got out a bowl and filled it with bone ash, a bit of mortar, some water, and mixed them together. He then scooped it into the mold and heated it till the mortar dried and solidified it into a bone ash cupel. Crane used all the bone ash to make about sixty cupels. After which he started with the silver. In a crucible the size of a coffee pot Crane put silver ore, charcoal dust, sand, and galena. After capping and sealing the rim with clay he heated it beyond the melting point of silver with Kenaz, and slightly shook it while keeping it heated for a minute. Crane then set it down and did the same thing with the same mixture in another crucible, doing so until he had used up every single crucible. | Skill Level Up: Rune Call [5] | | --- | | Skill Level Up: Rune Magic [6] | | --- | Because he used Rune call to use Kenaz’s power the skill itself leveled up, as well as Rune magic in general which had been teetering since he got back from his quest. Crane was fortunate that silver melted at a much lower temperature than steel or it would have taken more time and more mana to bring each crucible to its melting point with Kenaz. Crane then broke the first crucible which had cooled revealing a blackish mass with a shiny silvery bottom. The melted galena had broken into silicon and lead, the silicon from that and the sand bonded to the impurities, freeing the silver from it while the lead trickled down, bonding to the freed silver. The heavy lead silver mixture settled at the bottom where it cooled and Crane broke the excess slag off with a hammer revealing the button, the term used for the lead silver mixture remaining. Crane put the button on one of the cupels and heated it up carefully, making sure not to spill it after it melted. The bone ash combines with the liquid lead even better than silver, it slowly sucked up the lead until only pure silver remained. From the coffee pot sized crucible came only a pea sized lump of pure silver which Crane immediately dropped into a glass jar of oil. Pure silver, especially when hot, oxidizes with oxygen when solid so for now Crane would store them in oil until he decided what to do with it. After having made enough silver pellets to fill his little jar, Crane got the long awaited message. | You have learned new Skill: Mineral Refining | | --- | Crane finished refining all the buttons into pure silver before packing everything and leaving. ------------------------------------------- The next day Crane and his troop left the city. Crane had gotten enough iron and wood to make many weapons, and with his skills he would even be able to recycle broken or old equipment into new equipment, with only a small loss in total metal. His men still had wooden weapons and for now, Crane would keep it like that. First he had to teach them how to fight, and the best way to do that was to get them massive amounts of fighting experience against something that couldn’t easily kill them but couldn’t easily be killed by wooden weapons. Crane knew just the place. On the side of the mountains north of the city was tomb that was filled with the dead. In the area in front of the tomb was a graveyard with ordinary skeletons, while inside the tomb itself were skeleton soldiers and stronger monsters. It took four days to arrive there by road, Crane had only one day to arrange a schedule for his men to follow in his absence. His plan was that over the school week the men would fight with wooden weapons against the skeletons in the graveyard, and during the his three day weekends Crane would make weapons and armor for all of them and supervise training within the tomb against the stronger monsters. The ancient tomb was of a local king who was worse than the Pharaohs about working his people to death making his resting place. The whole graveyard in fact was of the workers who died making the tomb. Crane tested the graveyard before sending his men. He walked through the path to the tomb causing half a dozen skeletons to pop out of the ground. The act of walking around caused the mobs to appear so it was relatively controllable. Crane busted them up and took a few hits to judge their strength. It was in fact perfect. The men he brought with him averages level sixty and these skeletons were about level fifty. While equipped with wooden weapons the men couldn’t kill them easily and the skeletons were not strong enough to kill them easily. “Ok listen up. From now until I get back you will train by fighting these guys with your wooden weapons. I’ve made plenty of spares so no need to be gentle. When night falls and these guys get a 50% bonus you will practice group formations, no one fights alone at night. When I return I will make steel weapons for all of you and we will fight inside the tomb until I leave, at which point you will go back to practicing with wooden weapons against the skeletons until I return again.” Crane first made sure everyone was capable of killing a skeleton without dying. A few had to be given pointers on the best way to dodge and attack an opening with their weapon but other than that they were doing great. -------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road? | | | --- | --- | | Yes|No | | Crane logged back in thursday afternoon after school the get back the his men. All the men were accounted for and still using wooden weapons. Crane had not told them exactly when he would return so they did not just switch back to wooden on the last day. Their skills had improved greatly, all having reached at least level five in their respective mastery. Crane took out his blacksmith gear and started working. Although he made mostly swords and rapiers he was taught the technique to make most weapons and for the irregular ones he felt he could figure it out. First he made a few sets of Steel tonfas. | Steel TonfasDurability – 110/110.Damage – 22~26Steel Tonfas made with a thick steel shell over a soft iron core.Requires: Level 60. STR 200.Increase Critical chance on unarmored opponents | | --- | For the shaft of the steel bo staff Crane layered a shell of medium carbon steel over a core of low carbon steel and slowly quenched it to get a hard yet bendable stick, for the short sticks he made high carbon steel over medium carbon steel. That way it would impact hard but be able to absorb impacts without breaking. Crane was able to get one of the sword guys to switch to a hammer before they left the city so with that, the axes, knives and swords, he just needed to make armor for his men and he would be all set for his smithing practice regimen. The men had only gains two or three levels a piece and the skeleton soldiers in the first section of the tomb were about level eighty, so this would be the first test to see the effectiveness of his own training. At the first skeleton warrior encounter Clint walked up to fight it alone. The skeleton swung its sword which Clint reflected back with a small move of the stick combined with a high speed wrist rotation. The powerful skeleton’s attack was only deflected slightly but it was enough to give Clint an opening he used to whack the head of the skeleton so hard the skull actually spun a few times before Clint had spun himself around and swept its legs, cracking the knee of the creature before he used the staff as a spring the jump a few feet into the air and smash the tip of the staff into the skeleton’s head in what Crane assumed was a polearm skill. It seemed he had nothing to worry about. The training had taught them to attack without being attacked as well as many different combinations of skills that could be used in succession against the skeletons. Each person was able to attack while dodging because the skeleton warrior’s movements were so similar to that of the ordinary skeleton. The only problem were the mages. The tomb was where the King’s warriors, knights, mages and few other things got buried with him. The skeleton mages had many curses they could use and without a priest they had to rely on the ever diminishing potion supply Crane had to keep making. Crane found that the best way to deal with mages was a three fold Isa spell. Crane was the only person who could take care of them instantly when they appeared so the group was unable to stay training in the tomb when Crane had to leave the following sunday night. ----------------------------- And so it went for four weeks. Every thursday he logged back in and remade weapons and armor for each of his men after questioning them about how well the last one was and how they thought Crane could make them better. Crane got a little more insight on how his techniques affected the overall quality of the weapons and armor each time. After that Crane would escort them through the tomb, fighting skeleton soldiers, skeleton knights, and skeleton mages. At the end of the weekend Crane would carve new wooden weapons, destroy the steel weapons and armors, and repeat the cycle the following thursday. | Skill Level Up: Blacksmithing [10]Your blacksmithing skill has exceeded level 10 and has reached the intermediate stage.New skills:Sword Grind, Armor Polish, and Equipment EnhancementSword Grind – Grinds the sword, weapon damage is amplifiedArmor Polish – Confuses and dazzles enemies along with an increase in defense.Equipment Enhancement –Can correct the various faults within equipment.Rune Smith can be used without lowering durability.+5 To all statsFame +50. | | --- | Crane let out a heavy sigh of relief and gratitude. After the message came out, a couple of pictures popped up illustrating a technique. Crane saw it was a blacksmith carving a line out of a sword. Next it showed him placing a small strip of metal the same width and depth on the section that was carved out, and the next had the smith hammering it in. The picture after that showed him heating it and the last showed the glowing rune Isa on a sword, but not as an indentation but as a strip of different colored metal. Now Crane knew what he needed to do, basically after having carved out the rune he needed to replace the metal and melt it into the work. That way the loss metal and structural integrity is restored. His men were about level 90, they could defeat skeleton soldiers (lvl 80) with wooden weapons and skeletons knights (lvl 100) one on one with normal weapons. Now it was time to up the stakes. First thing he wanted to do was test Rune smith’s full power, the Equipment enhancement skill, as well as sword grind and armor polish. Crane first made a steel shield, after letting it cool and polishing it he got a base reading. “Identify.” | Composite Steel ShieldDurability – 130/130.Defense – 21A round shield made with different types of iron by a skilled smith.Requires: Level 75. STR 230. | | --- | First the skill he spent so many guild points to find out how to learn it. “Enhance equipment.” Suddenly Crane noticed several points on the shield were a slightly different shade than the area around it, he hadn’t noticed it before, but the carbon that permeated that area had very few cross sections. From experience Crane knew this was because the carbon had not uniformly mixed, but there was nothing he could have done to prevent it. Crane removed the hide and wooden lining of the shield and got a little bit of iron and charcoal. In his own hands used kenaz to melt the iron and thoroughly mix the carbon into it. When finished he divided it into five and put each over the weakspots. After heating up the shield in the same areas, Crane hammered the carbon iron into the spots until completely flattened, and let it cool. Crane observed that the carbon lines that formed on cooling now criss crossed with the lines in the rest of the shield. He then hammered the edges and polished until one couldn’t even tell new metal had been added, after which he reattached the wood handle and hide backing. “Identify.” | Composite Steel ShieldDurability – 140/140.Defense – 23A round shield made with different types of iron by a skilled smith.Requires: Level 80. STR 240. | | --- | The stats of the shield increased, it was now a higher quality equipment, meaning the requirements also increased. This meant he couldn’t enhance the equipment of someone when it was close to or matched their level. Crane used the skill again to see if there was anything he missed, but there wasn’t. The shield wasn’t perfect, but it no longer had flaws that brought down its stats. Now it was time for the next test. Crane got out a carving knife and a small hammer. He then skillfully proceeded to carve four Thurisaz runes into four sides of the shield. Before casting, Crane took out the silver pellets he had made and heated them until malleable. He drew a few out into a long piece the same width of the carved runes and broke the thin silver rod into segments he placed into the indentation of the runes, and heated them up again. Crane hammered them flat and polished them, the result was a pure silver symbol on a shiny grey surface. Crane imagined Thurisaz’s power of defense and protection being added to the shield and said, “Thurisaz.” | Maximum Mana decreases by 200Composite Steel Shield has been added to Rune List | | --- | The four silver runes now glowed dimly on the edges of the shield’s face. “Identify.” | Composite Steel ShieldDurability – 140/140.Defense – 23A round shield made with different types of iron by a skilled smith. Powerful rune magic has been inscribed into this shield.Options:+15% Defense+20% Magic ResistanceReflects 10% Physical Damage as lightning magicRequires: Level 80. STR 240. | | --- | The shield he upgraded back in purgatory had more damage reflection, but for this one he focused on defense and magic defense to counter the skeleton mages. Overall it was an excellent shield, especially since adding Rune magic didn’t increase the level requirement. Crane proceeded to make weapons and armor for everyone. He enhanced the equipments who owners were a higher level, and after that he carved runes onto everything. For the weapons he carved either fire, ice, or lightning attributes, and for the armor and remaining shields he carved various combinations of runes, mostly Thurisaz and Isa. After a practice session where Crane ensured that everyone could handle their new weapons properly, Crane sharpened every weapon with an edge, polished everyone’s armor, and lead the troop into the deeper part of the tomb where the king’s elite guards were buried, after they were beheaded for trying to rise up against their king. They were the level 140 Dullahans. Before this point Crane had not given them rune enhanced weapons, how they fought with these against a monster about fifty levels stronger then they were would determine the true effectiveness of the training. The first Dullahan they found was a muscular brute of a knight, a black axe in one hand and a his own head carried in the other. Before the group approached the severed head spoke. “Are you lot warriors?” At the query the whole group raised their weapons. A smile could clearly be seen on the dullahan’s face. He charged forward, abnormally fast for someone with such a large body. Two of the swordsmen in the troop rushed to meet the oncoming axe. In perfect unison they raised their shields overlapping one another and took the axe’s hit. The men’s knees buckled under the weight and power of the strike but in the same moment the hammer and mace users jumped over the kneeling soldiers and smashed their thirty-five pound weapons into the Dullahan’s chest armor. Crane could only smile. Spending equal time fighting individually and in self assigned teams made the whole of unit stronger than the sum of its parts. Of course it wasn’t just that. Crane gave both the hammer and mace user weapons with lightning damage, and had them practice such maneuvers. The simultaneous blow from the two lightning weapons sent a thunderbolt throw the dullahan as well as sent him back about seven feet. The dullahan’s face went red, his severed head roared as he got back up and shouted “DEVIL”S STRIKE!” as he threw his axe at the group. The shield users raised their shields and ducked low, at the moment just before impact they bumped their shield’s up. It was the same trick Crane’s blacksmith instructor used and Crane taught to them. The impact of the axe sent the shields back but the axe was bumped into the air above them where it dug into the ceiling. The Dullahan charged after producing another axe and the swordsman charged as well. With the men ducking and weaving when the monster slashed they attacked relentlessly until the brute finally fell. Even if the men were able to notice the dullahan’s fighting pattern they probably wouldn’t be able to use it to predict the movement of their opponent. Crane learned awhile ago the strengths and limits of NPCs in combat. At low levels an NPC was unable to recognize patterns and use them to predict movements like a reasonably skilled user could do. They could however be trained to work together with far more efficiently than users with the same experience. A fact which Crane did everything in his power to utilize to best effect. After seeing how well his men and their new equipment were doing he assigned the men into four groups and set them loose on the dungeon with instructions to wipe everything out. There was something he wanted to do himself. It had been a while since he he last wore armor and he wanted a challenge. He saved the dungeon boss for last. In a large room on a stone throne sat a skeleton wearing a gold crown. In a voice that seemed to be coming from the walls themselves spoke, “Bow before the great King!” Crane looked around for a moment and said, “Great King? What great king? All I see is a rotten old man who can’t let go of the past.” The king answered, “My reign is eternal, my subjects, forever bound to my service. As long as I wear this crown. I am King!” The skeleton raised his hand into the air, all around him Crane could hear the sound of coffins opening. Crane took noble step and majestic stance. He then wrote the Thurisaz rune three times with his rapier and took a step into it with the thought, ‘Imbue my armor with the cosmic force of defense through lightning,’ before calling, “Thurisaz.” Crane’s armor glowed bright yellow, this was only the third time he had successfully buffed equipment that had a rune carved into it. In previous attempts he had made a knife, carved thurisaz on it, cast thurisaz four times with rune sword on the knife then doubled the effect with rune call but that combined with the already charged knife caused an explosion. He tried several combinations only to find that just like rune call and rune sword stacked with a doubling effect, so did rune smith. Crane learned the hard way the effects of overcharging a weapon with runes, and since it did not increase the spell’s power unless it was the same type, it was better not to use weapons with runes on them for now. This applied to his armor as well but this situation was an exception. The pure silver Crane had used to fill the carved out Thurisaz runes in the armor was a perfect conductor of electricity. This slightly increased the limit the equipment could be charged with the lightning based Thurisaz rune before exploding. (The armor had only two thurisaz runes carved onto it so it stacked to twelve times the power of a single thurisaz.) From the coffins emerged skeletons, skeleton soldiers, and skeleton mages. Crane dashed to the king but was blocked off by the quick casting of the mages and the four skeleton knights who emerged from the ground and now stood in between Crane and his target. The king himself seemed content to watch Crane struggle to reach him. The skeletons, the mages, and knights numbered in about forty total. However they were all so weak Crane could take them out with one or two blows a piece. Crane dashed from one to another slashing off skull after skull, with each skeleton falling into a heap of bones. After half a minute Crane had killed about half of them and was moving to the king who started a low cackling laugh. The next moment the bones started reassembling themselves back into skeletons. The king stated, “As I said, forever bound to my service.” In other words the subjects were enslaves even in death to whatever magic the king was using. Attacking them with normal attacks just broke them. He would have to either burn or freeze every bone there and he didn’t have nearly enough mana to do it after having lost more than half of it making equipment for his men. Crane still had his trump card of course, but he needed an opening to make the most of it. He tried going for the king again but the knights got in the mage and the mages cast curse spells at his back. He couldn’t afford to ignore them so he rushed to kill just the mages before returning to fight the king. However the mages resurrected as soon as his back was turned, the king laughed as Crane wasted his stamina trying to get through them. Crane found another mage and cast “Isa,” but before the black wave got to it, several other skeletons jumped into the path, taking the hit. Crane could use Fehu but that spell costed almost five hundred mana and he couldn’t waste that on the mages and the skeletons before fighting the king. Crane resorted to taunting. “You think you’re strong, you have nothing but the strength of your men, you’re nothing!.” At this the king stood up, seething for a moment. He yelled, “THEIR STRENGTH IS MY STRENGTH!!” All of the skeletons fell apart to the ground, but as if they were on an inclined slope they fell sideways towards the king. The bones then flew to him, assembling around him into a giant mass that slowly took shape into an enormous bone behemoth. Crane stared up at the towering monster and said, “Well, its now or never, Call Keagan.” Keagan appeared in the room and set himself ablaze in response to the presence of the bone behemoth. Crane went to one side while Keagan went to the other. The bone monster roared as a dark aura enveloped the bones, likely a spell from the skeleton mages that were now apart of him. Keagan pounched on the beast causing it to topple for a moment, his jaw and claws ripped bones off the body. Crane cast rune sword Thurisaz, Fehu, Fehu, Fehu, while Keagan distracted it. The moment the spell was ready Crane used battle aura to signal Keagan to jump off before Crane shot an enormous torrent of fire at the creature’s back. The dark aura was blown away and the bones were now on fire. Crane saw a shining spec among the fire at the top of the beast, Crane shouted, “Get the Crown!” Keagan jumped back onto the burning behemoth but was swatted away before he could climb to the top. Crane made another runesword spell aimed at the monster’s composite bone feet, the only place that wasn’t on fire. Isa! Crane coated as much of the feet as he could in ice before, with the last of his mana cast with rune sword, ‘Thurisaz Fehu.’ The fire pillar struck the iced legs causing them to emit steam for a moment before they completely exploded. With its feet suddenly gone it buckled over giving Keagan the opportunity to rush in and grab the crown. Keagan crushed it in his teeth before jumping off the behemoth. What at first appeared to be white steam started evaporating out of the bones. Only a moment later did the white mist coalesce into many spirits who floated up to the ceiling. Form the pile Crane heard a quiet, “Thankyou.” | Your familiarity towards spirits of the dead has increased. | | --- | The remainder of the skeleton behemoth dissolved into a pile of bones but Crane’s experience points since entering had remained unchanged. Crane waited for a moment but the pile wasn’t moving. “Keagan, go get him.” The skeleton king was actually hiding, hiding in plain sight among the giant pile of bones. Too bad Keagan could sense his fighting spirit. The fire cat dug through the pile, grabbed the skull of the king and ran with it in his teeth back to Crane who said, “Any last words?” Keagan crunched the skull anyways. “Too late.” Crane didn’t get any experience for the infinite responding skeletons he defeated and the King was about his level so he only got moderate exp for it, but the king did drop a key. But after searching a bit Crane found a chest with about seven hundred and sixty gold and some jewels. Crane had not actually sold the jewels he had been accumulating, he wanted to wait till he was a better sculptor and carve runes into the jewels and make accessories or impart the jewels into weapons to make them look cooler and have stronger magic effects. Crane returned Keagan to his necklace and went around the dungeon to see that it was mostly empty, either his men killed everything off or all the skeletons vanished with the destruction of the crown. Crane found his men at the dungeon’s entrance and asked each one questions about the efficacy of the weapons before retrieving them. For many of the weapons he gave different attributes and he wanted to know the differences between effects. After asking question and examining the weapons, Crane had a general idea of the strengths and limits of rune smith. The strengths were obviously the incredible increase in damage and defense, of both physical and magic. However after examining all the equipment he found that the weapon’s durability degraded at a terrifying rate. Between a sword with two runes on it and a sword with four from two swordsmen who fought together and roughly the same amount, the sword with more runes lost durability much faster. Also between a sword with three Thurisaz runes and a sword with three Fehu runes, the sword with the lightning damage had more durability than the sword with fire damage. Crane attributed this to the silver giving the sword greater compatibility with the rune. The only exception was the weapons and armor that only had one or more Isa runes on them. Those pieces barely lost any durability since the fight started. However from the reports, Crane found out that the weapons with just Isa for ice damage did less overall damage than the other weapons, and the armor with Isa did not absorb as much damage as regular armor. Crane concluded that Isa preserved the weapons and armor by bypassing damage. So a weapon with high durability and less attack will last longer than a weapon with high durability and high attack. And armor needs to be able to take damage to absorb impacts, otherwise it seamlessly passes through the armor into the wearer. Crane concluded that the weapons degraded faster to to the incompatibility of the foreign power. Crane wasn’t a true magic blacksmith, nor a proper enchanter so he couldn’t add magic attributes without a cost. Until higher levels of skill mastery at least Crane would have to limit production to expendable weapons or weapons made of compatible materials. Crane would try for a silver alloy lightning blade another day. For now Crane destroyed all the equipment, he couldn’t afford having his men rely on glass cannon. Crane addressed his men. “Congratulations, you have the basics down. Our next destination is Resshin temple.” There was some murmuring in the ranks. Resshin temple was built by the great Warrior Resshin and his disciples as an all purpose training ground. The descendents of his disciples still keep it in operation, though the late King Daxes had closed it off in fear that an army would train there and gain enough strength to overthrow him. Under the order of Jinir, the temple was re-opened and brought back to working order a few days ago. Crane continued, “Herios Goldking sent specific instructions to the temple that it will receive a boost in funding on the condition that individual training is giving to each man in this unit. Your specialties will be expanded and refined, you will become the strongest unit in this kingdom.” Many of the men seemed excited, they were picked because of their appreciation of the merits of training and they understood what receiving personal training at Resshin temple meant. It was also time for Crane’s own martial training to start. But first he checked on the progress of his craft training. “Open Skill list.” | Alchemy [9] 70%Enables you to create quality potions from ingredients | | --- | | Rune Smith [5] 31%Can carve Runes into weapons and armor that grant additional options without decreasing max durabilityEffect of Rune Determined by intention when usedFor every rune carved, Maximum mana decreases by 50Mana returns upon item's destructionEffect Strength determined by Sculpture mastery | | Sculpture Mastery Intermediate [2] 89%Enables you to produce complicated works. | | Handicraft skill Intermediate [5] 72%Dexterity Rating. Enhances your craft skills in every fieldIncreases attack power with melee and long range weapons. (+65% ATK)Increases attack power with fists. (+90% ATK) | | Cooking [5] 69% | | Blacksmith Intermediate [1] 12%Enables you to craft equipment from metal. | | Weapon Carving [5] 81%Weapons carved out of wood are stronger and more resilient. | | Mineral Refining [2] 60%Increases ability to remove impurity from various metals | | Sword Grind [1] 54%Grinds the sword, weapon damage is amplified | | Polishing [2] 77%Confuses and dazzles enemies along with an increase in defense | | Equipment Enhancement [2] 96%Can correct the various faults within equipmentMana cost: 50 | Besides making weapons and armor he was also making food and brewing potions. Over the last month each of his craft skills improved by at least one level and he gained nearly half a dozen new ones.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Reunion</span><br> <br><br> The trade plaza was filled with players this afternoon, as I watched from the middle near the giant fountain. My eyes wonder from left to right in search of a friend that I’ve forgotten when I got here. I sighed as each race that passed by gave me looks as if I was an NPC. It was probably because I was acting like an npc yelling out.<br>“The tales of the sea of kings travel east and you shall find treasure beyond belief.”<br>“If you want the exact location, then it would only cost you 1 gold.”<br>“Very cheap for the price of finding the forgotten treasure, which was lost from ages past?”<br>As I said those words, in my mind I was hoping for someone to take the bait. Too my surprise a group of players walked up to me, it was none other than Ayla the human player that thought I was a utter big disappointment. She was followed by her friend the dwarf that really needs to go on diet or he would be too fat to fit through a door soon. I silently laughed at that notion hoping to keep a straight face and not give it away. But another thing caught my eye I saw that she was carrying a giant sword, and then I thought.<br><br>“She must be a warrior or a knight or maybe she’s a fan of final fantasy?<br>“Cloud most likely, what a fan girl.”<br>But as I analyzed her friend the big fat dwarf, I thought in my head once more.<br>“This guy holds a shield and an axe as a weapon.”<br>“He’s probably a defender or a meat shield.”<br><br>But then I noticed that she was with other people as well, two other female type players. The closest one I saw was wearing a blue robe as bright of as the moon from the night sky. Her avatar was average looking with a prickly face, wearing glasses that looked like you would see at a rave. I thought to myself.<br>“This girl probably is into fashion or just likes to party.”<br>“oh ho, she must be a human too.”<br><br>The other girl next to her had a sharp look in her eyes as if you were looking at a snake or an evil girl. What caught my eye was that she was wearing black robes as dark as the shadows. She was an elf with a nice body and a face that stands out from the crowed as if you were looking at Asian model from the magazines but with pointy ears and then the thought came up to me.<br>“She looks like a true lolicon.”<br>Before I finished checking out the group of 4 players, Ayla was already in my face as I took a closer look, I noticed that she kinda resembled Reimi but was more beautiful in the game as if she made herself hotter looking and more refined. My eyes looked down to see her breast. She then saw what I was looking at and made a pissed off notion.<br><br>“Wow, you must be a perverted Npc to be staring at my boobs.”<br>At that moment, I wanted to defend myself as I heard the other three started to giggle. Then I said with a calm expression as if I was a true gentleman.<br>“My fair lady my eyes have been lazy since the day I was born.”<br>“It is a deadly habit that I look down because I’ve never had enough money to cure them.”<br>“I’ve come from a small village that considered very poor.”<br>“Each newborn child that born has this lazy eye, that makes them look down once every few minutes, it’s something that I can’t ever control.”<br><br>As I told the fake story with emotions from my heart as if the tale was true. I saw that the groups of four were really taking the bait. Ayla really believed my story because I saw her show sympathy on her pretty face. That look almost made me lose my composure but I held fast as this could get me some gold soon. In my mind I held the evil laughter.<br><br>“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA.”<br>With a look that pity a poor soul, Ayla then said.<br>“Awww, I am sorry for branding you as a pervert.”<br>“But can you tell us about the treasure of the kings.”<br>“Maybe where it’s located.”<br>A bright smile was brimming around my face as I try to keep my cool, then I said.<br>“My fair lady, if you would spare one gold coin.”<br>“Then all the information you seek shall be yours.”<br>The group look at each other as if one gold coin was a huge price to pay, Then the one in the dark robe spoke with an uneasy look.<br><br>“If we all pitch in to give this poor soul one gold coin.”<br>“we would all be broke.”<br>Then the one in the blue robe padded her friend shoulder and said with a calm expression.<br>“Don’t worry if this elf information is true, we would make more gold when we complete this quest for the treasure of kings.”<br>Gimpy then with a annoyed look after looking at them three chattering and deciding then said.<br>“Sister I got a gold coin to spare, I’ve made it while working as a thief for 3 hours.”<br>He was looking at Ayla, and then I thought this guy could be her brother. Then the 2 girls in robes said with a happy nod.“Ayla you really do have a reliable brother, ho ho ho.”<br>Ayla then started to pat her brother head and with a smile said.<br>“Little brother you sure know how to make money in the game world quick.”<br>Gimpy looked like he was the happiest guy in the world to be praised by his older sister.<br>I started to think to myself, this could work to my advantage in the future. Then gimpy started to bring out 1 gold coin and gave it to me but then he said a couple words as if he knew something was up.<br>“Elf here a gold coin, but if this tale of lost treasure is fake.”<br>“Then I the warrior thief will hunt u down until your nothing but a rotten corpse.”<br>With a smile I returned the threat as if it meant nothing to me and said with a calm expression of a loyal knight would do.<br><br>“Oh sir Gimpy, you will thank me in time when you come across treasure that have been lost during the great war of the dark ages few hundred years ago.”<br>“What you seek is right outside the out skirts of this city, there a cave invested with monsters and trolls.”<br>“Inside you will find the lost treasure hidden from the naked eye of man.”<br>“When you least expect it, the treasure will come forth and then your strength will be put to the test.”<br>Then I decided to share the quest I have with these four and in my mind. The rule book I’ve read said sharing quest is acceptable. This was the perfect time to test it.<br><br>“Poor fools, if you complete this quest for me, then I will receive credit for it.”<br>“I am so evil, hahahahahaa.”<br>“This is all for profit.”<br>I stayed calm to keep my cool, then as the quest pop up in there screen with a message saying. <br>“Clean Out the infested Cave”<br><br>Rosenheim Kingdom near the outskirts of the city, a cave not so far has been invested with Ravager Trolls, knights and warriors we need your arms to help the order of the southern knights vanquish this evil that threatens our land.<br>Quest Difficulty: Rank E<br>Quest Requirement: Time to complete you have 60 days, Failed if you are killed.<br>Ayla looked at her friends and said with a calm expression.<br>“Let’s venture out and seek this quest and gain glory and treasure.”<br>The other three looked at her with eager eyes that could only mean they were dying for an adventure. The two girls in the robe shouted.<br>“All the kills will be ours and we shall pk the crap out of any fool that stand’s in our way hahahahaha.”<br>I thought to myself.<br>“Wow, these girls are really scary.”<br>“I should stay away from them when I go out on an adventure.”<br><br>Then the fat dwarf Gimpy cheered on.<br>“I shall protect my sisters from the dangers of men, RAWR.”<br>Then Ayla came up to me one last time and said with a small gesture.<br>“Thanks for the information, I hope you haven’t sold any one else this priceless quest.”<br>With a smile I returned her doubts with a remark.<br><br>“My only rule is that I sell one information per customer and its never the same, loyalty among sellers id say.”<br>“I promise to the stars of my village that you’re the only one to receive this quest.”<br>With those words spoken, she was satisfied with my answer and turned to her group and grinning smile.<br>“Well, it’s time we go kick some monster booty.”<br>The 3 in the group all had evil smiles and started following Ayla as she walked away. But as Ayla walked further away I saw she looked back and said in her mind.<br>“That guy does look familiar as if I’ve seen him at the capsule room that time when I was waiting in line.”<br>Her guess was right for that guy Ren was actually Allen Wu, the guy she thought was her type.<br>In the corner of the street, behind the couple of trader merchants was Sky. He was watching Ren the whole time talking to those girls. In his mind his thoughts said.<br><br>“What a schemer, Ren Is really feeding them lies for gold.”<br>“That girl in the black robes is Fei, OMG the girl that tricked me.”<br>Tears started coming down sky face as if he was meeting the grim reaper from hell all over again. Those moments of his life he would never get back, then he thought.<br>“Women are nothing but trouble, but why are some men so lucky.”<br>“Why did she have to play that trick on me, I thought I finally met a girl that would understand me too.”<br>Sky became very depressed from thinking those thoughts then he wanted to find out the truth for his betrayal. He started heading straight to Ren with the intention to let his friend know what happen to him and plead for help.<br><br><br><span style="color: #0040BF;">Enjoy! </span> {[999abo}] </div>

Reunion The trade plaza was filled with players this afternoon, as I watched from the middle near the giant fountain. My eyes wonder from left to right in search of a friend that I’ve forgotten when I got here. I sighed as each race that passed by gave me looks as if I was an NPC. It was probably because I was acting like an npc yelling out. “The tales of the sea of kings travel east and you shall find treasure beyond belief.” “If you want the exact location, then it would only cost you 1 gold.” “Very cheap for the price of finding the forgotten treasure, which was lost from ages past?” As I said those words, in my mind I was hoping for someone to take the bait. Too my surprise a group of players walked up to me, it was none other than Ayla the human player that thought I was a utter big disappointment. She was followed by her friend the dwarf that really needs to go on diet or he would be too fat to fit through a door soon. I silently laughed at that notion hoping to keep a straight face and not give it away. But another thing caught my eye I saw that she was carrying a giant sword, and then I thought. “She must be a warrior or a knight or maybe she’s a fan of final fantasy? “Cloud most likely, what a fan girl.” But as I analyzed her friend the big fat dwarf, I thought in my head once more. “This guy holds a shield and an axe as a weapon.” “He’s probably a defender or a meat shield.” But then I noticed that she was with other people as well, two other female type players. The closest one I saw was wearing a blue robe as bright of as the moon from the night sky. Her avatar was average looking with a prickly face, wearing glasses that looked like you would see at a rave. I thought to myself. “This girl probably is into fashion or just likes to party.” “oh ho, she must be a human too.” The other girl next to her had a sharp look in her eyes as if you were looking at a snake or an evil girl. What caught my eye was that she was wearing black robes as dark as the shadows. She was an elf with a nice body and a face that stands out from the crowed as if you were looking at Asian model from the magazines but with pointy ears and then the thought came up to me. “She looks like a true lolicon.” Before I finished checking out the group of 4 players, Ayla was already in my face as I took a closer look, I noticed that she kinda resembled Reimi but was more beautiful in the game as if she made herself hotter looking and more refined. My eyes looked down to see her breast. She then saw what I was looking at and made a pissed off notion. “Wow, you must be a perverted Npc to be staring at my boobs.” At that moment, I wanted to defend myself as I heard the other three started to giggle. Then I said with a calm expression as if I was a true gentleman. “My fair lady my eyes have been lazy since the day I was born.” “It is a deadly habit that I look down because I’ve never had enough money to cure them.” “I’ve come from a small village that considered very poor.” “Each newborn child that born has this lazy eye, that makes them look down once every few minutes, it’s something that I can’t ever control.” As I told the fake story with emotions from my heart as if the tale was true. I saw that the groups of four were really taking the bait. Ayla really believed my story because I saw her show sympathy on her pretty face. That look almost made me lose my composure but I held fast as this could get me some gold soon. In my mind I held the evil laughter. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA.” With a look that pity a poor soul, Ayla then said. “Awww, I am sorry for branding you as a pervert.” “But can you tell us about the treasure of the kings.” “Maybe where it’s located.” A bright smile was brimming around my face as I try to keep my cool, then I said. “My fair lady, if you would spare one gold coin.” “Then all the information you seek shall be yours.” The group look at each other as if one gold coin was a huge price to pay, Then the one in the dark robe spoke with an uneasy look. “If we all pitch in to give this poor soul one gold coin.” “we would all be broke.” Then the one in the blue robe padded her friend shoulder and said with a calm expression. “Don’t worry if this elf information is true, we would make more gold when we complete this quest for the treasure of kings.” Gimpy then with a annoyed look after looking at them three chattering and deciding then said. “Sister I got a gold coin to spare, I’ve made it while working as a thief for 3 hours.” He was looking at Ayla, and then I thought this guy could be her brother. Then the 2 girls in robes said with a happy nod.“Ayla you really do have a reliable brother, ho ho ho.” Ayla then started to pat her brother head and with a smile said. “Little brother you sure know how to make money in the game world quick.” Gimpy looked like he was the happiest guy in the world to be praised by his older sister. I started to think to myself, this could work to my advantage in the future. Then gimpy started to bring out 1 gold coin and gave it to me but then he said a couple words as if he knew something was up. “Elf here a gold coin, but if this tale of lost treasure is fake.” “Then I the warrior thief will hunt u down until your nothing but a rotten corpse.” With a smile I returned the threat as if it meant nothing to me and said with a calm expression of a loyal knight would do. “Oh sir Gimpy, you will thank me in time when you come across treasure that have been lost during the great war of the dark ages few hundred years ago.” “What you seek is right outside the out skirts of this city, there a cave invested with monsters and trolls.” “Inside you will find the lost treasure hidden from the naked eye of man.” “When you least expect it, the treasure will come forth and then your strength will be put to the test.” Then I decided to share the quest I have with these four and in my mind. The rule book I’ve read said sharing quest is acceptable. This was the perfect time to test it. “Poor fools, if you complete this quest for me, then I will receive credit for it.” “I am so evil, hahahahahaa.” “This is all for profit.” I stayed calm to keep my cool, then as the quest pop up in there screen with a message saying. “Clean Out the infested Cave” Rosenheim Kingdom near the outskirts of the city, a cave not so far has been invested with Ravager Trolls, knights and warriors we need your arms to help the order of the southern knights vanquish this evil that threatens our land. Quest Difficulty: Rank E Quest Requirement: Time to complete you have 60 days, Failed if you are killed. Ayla looked at her friends and said with a calm expression. “Let’s venture out and seek this quest and gain glory and treasure.” The other three looked at her with eager eyes that could only mean they were dying for an adventure. The two girls in the robe shouted. “All the kills will be ours and we shall pk the crap out of any fool that stand’s in our way hahahahaha.” I thought to myself. “Wow, these girls are really scary.” “I should stay away from them when I go out on an adventure.” Then the fat dwarf Gimpy cheered on. “I shall protect my sisters from the dangers of men, RAWR.” Then Ayla came up to me one last time and said with a small gesture. “Thanks for the information, I hope you haven’t sold any one else this priceless quest.” With a smile I returned her doubts with a remark. “My only rule is that I sell one information per customer and its never the same, loyalty among sellers id say.” “I promise to the stars of my village that you’re the only one to receive this quest.” With those words spoken, she was satisfied with my answer and turned to her group and grinning smile. “Well, it’s time we go kick some monster booty.” The 3 in the group all had evil smiles and started following Ayla as she walked away. But as Ayla walked further away I saw she looked back and said in her mind. “That guy does look familiar as if I’ve seen him at the capsule room that time when I was waiting in line.” Her guess was right for that guy Ren was actually Allen Wu, the guy she thought was her type. In the corner of the street, behind the couple of trader merchants was Sky. He was watching Ren the whole time talking to those girls. In his mind his thoughts said. “What a schemer, Ren Is really feeding them lies for gold.” “That girl in the black robes is Fei, OMG the girl that tricked me.” Tears started coming down sky face as if he was meeting the grim reaper from hell all over again. Those moments of his life he would never get back, then he thought. “Women are nothing but trouble, but why are some men so lucky.” “Why did she have to play that trick on me, I thought I finally met a girl that would understand me too.” Sky became very depressed from thinking those thoughts then he wanted to find out the truth for his betrayal. He started heading straight to Ren with the intention to let his friend know what happen to him and plead for help. Enjoy! {[999abo}]

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> It has been a long day. I fail a mission and then find out I am going to be the Mentor for the Northern Assassin's. I feel like Alfred is just trying to get me to loosen up but I feel like this is going to stress me out even more than if I just was brooding on it like I usually would if I failed a mission.<br><br>Oh well. Since it has come to this I might as well try to research about this game before I actually start this game.<br><br>So I get on my computer and I find out that there are millions of different classes and you can begin as a minimum of 29 races but there are others that could be unlocked while adventuring. Skills can be created by doing unique things and can be earned by completing quests or purchasing them.<br><br>Now that I am seeing videos of it it seems that this game could have the potential to be something more. I also see why the Templars would want to put there influence into the game. It looks like the game could influence the world over simply by how you go into another world that is set in the middle ages and obviously murder and killing things is perfectly within the rules of the game so long as you are prepared for the consequences.<br><br>If the Templars gain control of this they can have a completely new market to dominate if they so wished it. Well before i start this damn game I better sleep.<br><br>In the morning.<br><br>I wake up and prepare breakfast since we all learn took cook and hunt anything we might need while on an assassination. I have a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. I think that I need to learn some new recipes because this is kinda getting old real fast. I decide to try playing my guitar for a bit before I begin playing royal road. So I went to the bar in the corner of the town with my guitar. I found some friends who help me with my performances and began playing. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-O-78QLLWg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-O-78QLLWg</a><br><br>After that was done I decided to log into Royal Road.<br><br>I walk home and inside my living room is the capsule. I take a look at the manual that I wasn't in the mood to read last night. It takes me a good while but I finally understand how it works but now I can finally use it.<br><br>I open up the capsule and lay inside to start it up.<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Connect to Royal Road? Yes/No</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>With reluctance I said,"Yes"<br><br>The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?<br>I looked around and told the computer,"Yes"<br><br>— Select the name of your avatar.<br><br>I think for a minute then reply,"Dusk"<br><br>— Select your gender from male, female or neutral.<br><br>What the heck is Neutral? I ask the A.I.,"What is the neutral gender?"<br><br>— Neutral gender is where you appear as the opposite gender.<br><br>I think for a moment about the possible advantages of that but then I decide that happens enough already and I don't need to encourage it any more than necessary.<br><br>"I will stay male thank you!!!"<br><br>— Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary 29 or sub-races.<br><br>"I'll stay human please."<br><br>— You may alter your appearance if you wish.<br><br>I think for a moment that this may actually be some kind of god-send. I can finally become more manly looking.<br><br>"I would like to look more many please but leave my other features the same"<br><br>— Okay we will make you more womanly looking but leaving your other features to be the same.<br><br>wait a second the game somehow misheard me.<br><br>"Wait a second!!! I said manly not womanly!!!"<br><br>— Sorry sir but the process has already gone through and you can't change it any more. But we can show you what you will look like.<br><br>Suddenly a figure of me looking even more girly appeared. Some muscle seems to be missing and I appear to be even slimmer. I suddenly feel like dieing. I am not even sure if I want to play this stupid game anymore. But Alfred told me to become the Mentor of the Northern continent so I guess I am going to have to soldier through all this crap.<br><br>"Alright fine I will go through this crap."<br><br>— Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road­<br><br>"Okay"<br><br>— Select a city and kingdom you want to start.<br><br>"Are there any kingdoms in the Norther continent?"<br><br>— There is only one and it is barely still alive so there is only one city you can start out at. Is that fine?<br><br>I think for a minute and end up deciding if I am going do do this I will go all the way.<br><br>"Yes that is perfectly fine."<br><br>— You will start is the city of Niflhel of the Niflheim empire of old.<br><br>— Welcome to Royal­ Road.<br><br><br>_Thank you for reading tell me how I am doing and please give me any advice and suggestions for the future. `:^:^)~ </div>

It has been a long day. I fail a mission and then find out I am going to be the Mentor for the Northern Assassin's. I feel like Alfred is just trying to get me to loosen up but I feel like this is going to stress me out even more than if I just was brooding on it like I usually would if I failed a mission. Oh well. Since it has come to this I might as well try to research about this game before I actually start this game. So I get on my computer and I find out that there are millions of different classes and you can begin as a minimum of 29 races but there are others that could be unlocked while adventuring. Skills can be created by doing unique things and can be earned by completing quests or purchasing them. Now that I am seeing videos of it it seems that this game could have the potential to be something more. I also see why the Templars would want to put there influence into the game. It looks like the game could influence the world over simply by how you go into another world that is set in the middle ages and obviously murder and killing things is perfectly within the rules of the game so long as you are prepared for the consequences. If the Templars gain control of this they can have a completely new market to dominate if they so wished it. Well before i start this damn game I better sleep. In the morning. I wake up and prepare breakfast since we all learn took cook and hunt anything we might need while on an assassination. I have a simple breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. I think that I need to learn some new recipes because this is kinda getting old real fast. I decide to try playing my guitar for a bit before I begin playing royal road. So I went to the bar in the corner of the town with my guitar. I found some friends who help me with my performances and began playing. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-O-78QLLWg> After that was done I decided to log into Royal Road. I walk home and inside my living room is the capsule. I take a look at the manual that I wasn't in the mood to read last night. It takes me a good while but I finally understand how it works but now I can finally use it. I open up the capsule and lay inside to start it up. | Connect to Royal Road? Yes/No | | --- | With reluctance I said,"Yes" The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? I looked around and told the computer,"Yes" — Select the name of your avatar. I think for a minute then reply,"Dusk" — Select your gender from male, female or neutral. What the heck is Neutral? I ask the A.I.,"What is the neutral gender?" — Neutral gender is where you appear as the opposite gender. I think for a moment about the possible advantages of that but then I decide that happens enough already and I don't need to encourage it any more than necessary. "I will stay male thank you!!!" — Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary 29 or sub-races. "I'll stay human please." — You may alter your appearance if you wish. I think for a moment that this may actually be some kind of god-send. I can finally become more manly looking. "I would like to look more many please but leave my other features the same" — Okay we will make you more womanly looking but leaving your other features to be the same. wait a second the game somehow misheard me. "Wait a second!!! I said manly not womanly!!!" — Sorry sir but the process has already gone through and you can't change it any more. But we can show you what you will look like. Suddenly a figure of me looking even more girly appeared. Some muscle seems to be missing and I appear to be even slimmer. I suddenly feel like dieing. I am not even sure if I want to play this stupid game anymore. But Alfred told me to become the Mentor of the Northern continent so I guess I am going to have to soldier through all this crap. "Alright fine I will go through this crap." — Your account has been activated. Your stats and class shall be determined while you are playing Royal Road­ "Okay" — Select a city and kingdom you want to start. "Are there any kingdoms in the Norther continent?" — There is only one and it is barely still alive so there is only one city you can start out at. Is that fine? I think for a minute and end up deciding if I am going do do this I will go all the way. "Yes that is perfectly fine." — You will start is the city of Niflhel of the Niflheim empire of old. — Welcome to Royal­ Road. \_Thank you for reading tell me how I am doing and please give me any advice and suggestions for the future. `:^:^)~

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Link for the docs for every volume<br><br>&lt;&lt;https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v6qzvaq1mqp90ts/AAAtnoFvK_8HxyxrukrILowea&gt;&gt;<br><br>I'm posting everything here so please only post in this topic.<br><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1257" target="_blank">Prologue - The Beginning of unfortunate events</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 1: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Done)</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1259" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - A New Beginning</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1266" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Savior or...</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1273" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - The Training Begins</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1275" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - Failure</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1281" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - Hell Training</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1288" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - Born from Misfortune</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1293" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - Unknown Forest</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1302" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - The Explorer Patrick</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1307" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - The Hellish Tomb</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1315" target="_blank">Chapter 10 - The Gluttony of the Giant Purple Rabbit</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1316" target="_blank">Chapter 10.5 - Report 1</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 2: The Sadist, Beauty and Trap Team (Done) </span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1378" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - The Return</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1445" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Some Racial Issues</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1529" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - Cyclop</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1579" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - New Friends</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1622" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - Holy Quest</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1681" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - Darkness Falls</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1699" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - The Trap Witch</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1719" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - The Long Trip</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1720" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - Bandit Attack</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1721" target="_blank">Chapter 10 - The Envy of the White Butterfly</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1722" target="_blank">Chapter 10.5 - Report 2</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 3: Life is one bugged out game (Done)</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1769" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - The Second Return</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1816" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Three Perverts</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1866" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - Negotiations</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1900" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - Revolt</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1977" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - As a Monster...</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2022" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - Into the Forest!</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2058" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - The Fairy Queen's Request</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2156" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - Capture</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2208" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - Monster in the Forest</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2211" target="_blank">Chapter 10 - Memories in Distant Past</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2284" target="_blank">Chapter 11 - The Sloth of the Grey Clam</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2290" target="_blank">Chapter 11.5- The 'Not a Report' Report 1</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 4: Rolling Towards the North (Done)</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2337" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - Hot Springs</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2386" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Boring Training Begins Once Again</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2477" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - Divine Sword</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2533" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - Might of Poseidon</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2581" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - Kraken Issues</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2621" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - City of the North</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2653" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - The Beast</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2681" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - Holy Quest</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2692" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - The Pride of the Pink Phoenix</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2695" target="_blank">Chapter 9.5 - The 'Not a Report' Report 2</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 5: Shadows of the West (Done)</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2696" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - The Separation of Three</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2699" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Crossroad of Hate</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2701" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - Light and Shadow</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2702" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - On the Run</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2703" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - The Nightmare Begins</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2704" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - The Greed of the Blue Gyarados</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2706" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - Noble Ball as a Maid</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2708" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - The Slaughter of Nobles</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2709" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - Tunnel of Darkness</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2710" target="_blank">Chapter 10 - The Temple of Dragons</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2711" target="_blank">Chapter 10.5 - The 'Not a Report' Report 3</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 6: To Kill a King (Done)</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2809" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - Chaotic Meetings</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2824" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Recklessly Attacking a Fort</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2841" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - As the Villain and the Monster</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2874" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - The Tea-party and Sage</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2887" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - Hellish Training</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2993" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - A fun....picnic....?</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2998" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - Alexandra and Linda</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3006" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - The Nature of a Destroyer</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3038" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - The Birth of a King</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3062" target="_blank">Chapter 10 - The Wrath of the Green Slime</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3071" target="_blank">Chapter 10.5 - Their First Meeting</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volume 7: The End of One Story (Done)</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3103" target="_blank">Chapter 1 - To a Chaotic Future</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3128" target="_blank">Chapter 2 - Tunnel of Hell</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3158" target="_blank">Chapter 3 - The Nether</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3186" target="_blank">Chapter 4 - Portal Home</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3205" target="_blank">Chapter 5 - The Mercenary King</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3221" target="_blank">Chapter 6 - The Black Demon</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3238" target="_blank">Chapter 7 - The Sage</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3269" target="_blank">Chapter 8 - The Lust of the Golden Dragon</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3289" target="_blank">Chapter 9 - Risene</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3356" target="_blank">Chapter 10 - The Final Battle</a><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=3357" target="_blank">Epilogue - One Story Ends, Misfortune Continues</a><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Extra Chapters:</span><br><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=2492" target="_blank">April Fools Day</a><br><br><br>Some Information<br><br><div class="spoiler"><div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom:2px"><b>Spoiler</b> : <input type="button" value="Show" class="spoilerButton"></div><div class="spoilerContent"><div style="display: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Elements</span><br><br>There are 12 universal elements in the world that make it up. New elements can be made using the 12. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">They are the 5 basic/primary elements:</span><br>Fire<br>Water<br>Earth<br>Lightning<br>Wind<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Polar Elements:</span><br>Light <br>Darkness<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Secondary Elements:</span><br>Ice<br>Wood<br>Poison<br>Metal<br>Neutral<br><br>The concept is that the first element in the list is weak against the next one and so on until the last one is weak against the first element. This does not affect the secondary elements. <br><br>Instead the Secondary elements are the polar opposites of the basic/primary elements. <br><br>The Neutral elements refers to the Gravity/Space. Don't ask about this I'm still trying to work on how to explain it....<br><br>Fire ? Ice<br>Water ? Wood<br>Earth ? Poison<br>Lightning ? Metal<br>Wind ? Neutral<br><br>Fire vibrates the air and Ice freezes the air<br>Wood can consume Water to grow but too much Water can kill Wood<br>Poison can do several things to Earth to corrode it but Earth can endure and purify Poison<br>Metal can conduct Lightning but as it conducts, Lightning can melt Metal through heat<br>Wind is invisible to Neutral and cannot be affected much and Wind cannot affect Neutral as much.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">General Spell Usage</span> (May be some spoiler. Look at your risk) <br><br>The Basic forms of MC's magic is the Formation of a Element. After the Element is Formed, a Basic Form is given to the Element. Then other characteristics such as Factors or other Forms can be given to the Element creating a spell is use.<br><br>Commands are the orders you give to spells. If you make a fireball and want it to hit a target then you have to command it to hit the target. If not then it stays where it is until such a command is given. The more complex the command the harder it is to use the more likely it will fail.<br><br>Examples of this is 'Multicast' where you use the same spell over and over again. Another example is 'Homing Shot' where the spell follows the target and 'Aim Shot' where you manually target something.<br><br>Element Formation ? Give Form ? Give Factor ? Extra Form/Factor ? Commands ? Use Spells<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spells that was Learnt so Far</span> (As of me writing this. May or may not be updated after a while)<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball<br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball<br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Expand Factor ? Expanding Fireball<br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Enlarge factor ? Explode Factor ? Great Exploding Fireball<br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Multicast(20) ? Homing Shot ? Fireball Barrage<br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Expand Factor ? Fire Shield<br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Sustain Factor ? Fire Bullet <br>Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Spin Factor ? Fire Spear<br>Fire Formation ? Spear Form ? Fire Spear<br>Fire Formation ? Spear Form ? Fire Spear ? Spin Factor ? Sustain Factor ? Fire Drill<br>Fire Formation ? Spear Form ? Spin Factor ? Sustain Factor ? Fire drill<br>Fire Formation ? Drill Form ? Fire Drill<br>Fire Formation ? Drill Form ? Sustain Factor ? Fire Drill<br>Fire Formation ? Wave Form ? Expand Form ? Fire Wave<br>Fire Formation ? Armour Form ? Fire Skin<br><br>Ice Formation ? Flower Form ? Hardening Factor ? Consume Factor ? Ice Flower Guard<br>Ice Formation ? Wave Form ? Spread factor ? Ice Wave<br>Ice Formation ? Bolt Form ? Ice Bolt<br>Ice Formation ? Wave Form ? Consume Factor ? Ice Prison<br>Ice Formation ? Spear Form ? Ice Spear<br><br>Lightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Lightning Bolt<br>Lightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Thunder Bolt<br>Lightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Expand Factor ? Large Thunder Bolt<br>Lightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Amplify Factor ? Destructive Thunder Bolt<br>Lightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Expand Factor ? Amplify Factor ? Multicast(50) ? Lightning Shower<br>Lightning Formation ? Wave Form ? Lightning Wave<br>Lightning Formation ? Shower Form ? Lightning Shower<br>Lightning Formation ? Axe Form ? Thunder Axe<br><br>Earth Formation ? Ground Form ? Break Factor ? Expand Factor ? Earth Break<br>Earth Formation ? Ground Form ? Rumble Factor ? Earthquake<br>Earth Formation ? Pillar Form ? Earth Pillar<br><br>Wind Formation ? Circular Form ? Area of Effect Factor ? Expand Factor ? Soundless Factor ? Sound Barrier<br>Wind Formation ? Enchant Factor ? Wind Legs<br>Wind Formation ? Blade Form ? Air Slash<br><br>Water Formation ? Wave Form ? Water Wave<br>Water Formation ? Web Form ? Water Web<br><br>Light Formation ? Light Balls<br><br>Neutral Formation ? Mana Shield</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div></div><br>More details of MC's Magic<br><br><div class="spoiler"><div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom:2px"><b>Spoiler</b> : <input type="button" value="Show" class="spoilerButton"></div><div class="spoilerContent"><div style="display: none;">As you know, Eden is a user of the very powerful and unstable ancient magic. However he was trained my Warlic and llyfr which leaves very little room to make him fail after a while. <br><br>Normal magic involves the usage of circles to cast the spell. Each circle represent some parameters that the spell has and the more complex the spell, the more circles it requires. An example is Flight magic which requires 6 circles to cast. Another thing to know about magic is that you must learn a spell before suing it via spell books or otherwise. A high amount of wisdom is needed to learn more powerful spells and due to the fact that a spell book will disappear regardless of whether the person succeed in learning the spell, many mages are careful in learning spells by equipping items that drastically increase their wisdom. General Magic is based upon Ancient magic which is much more powerful.<br><br>Ancient Magic is the literal overwriting of reality to a certain extent. This does not require circles and thus is much more unstable and can lead to more often explosions and the death of the caster. The most important thing to use Ancient magic is not a high intelligent or wisdom but a high level of concentration due to its nature. On a power scale of 1-10, Ancient magic would be a 7 while Normal magic would be a 3. Divine magic would be a 9 or 10 in this scale as well. While on the control scale of 1-10, Ancient magic would be a 1 or 2 while Normal magic would be a 8-9. Divine magic would still be a 9 or 10.<br><br>Eden however does not use pure Ancient magic as of chapter 7. The reason for this is (besides me being lazy) is that llyfr is unsatisfied with Eden's battle ability after the Doom Knight incident. As such after getting his Magic Control skill to intermediate level, llyfr has taught Eden a style of magic that is closer to normal magic with the usage of commands in spell casting. While doing this, ultimately lowers the power output of Eden's spells, it leads to much better stability and also allows him to make smaller adjustments to his spells. He still has the ability to 'create' spells nevertheless but it is restricted to the spells he can create via 'commands'. Due note that Eden can still use his former method of casting spells.</div></div></div><br>Skill Details<br><br><div class="spoiler"><div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom:2px"><b>Spoiler</b> : <input type="button" value="Show" class="spoilerButton"></div><div class="spoilerContent"><div style="display: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sword Mastery </span><br><br>Allows you to be more familiar with the way of the sword. This gives you great speed and power behind each strike.<br><br>Beginner<br>Increase sword speed by 3 x level%<br>Increase sword strength by 10 x level%<br><br>Intermediate<br>Increase sword speed by 7 x level%<br>Increase sword strength by 10 x level%<br>Gain a Bonus of 50% sword strength on reaching intermediate level<br>Reduce Cost of Sword Skills by half on reaching intermediate level<br><br>Advance<br>Increase sword speed by 10 x level%<br>Increase sword strength by 10 x level%<br>Gain a Bonus of 100% sword strength on reaching Advance level<br>Reduce Cost of Sword Skills by half on reaching Advance level<br><br>One of the basic skills Sword Wielding Classes will get. It has a simple but powerful effect on the character as it allows people to swing the sword more faster with increased power as well. When it reaches the intermediate level, the character will only use half the mana for sword skills.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic Mastery</span><br><br>The ability to manipulate mana. It serves to increase the ability to cast and learn magic of all kinds. Also augments the power of the magic you use. <br><br>Beginner<br>Increase casting speed by 3 x level%<br>Increase magic strength by 10 x level%<br><br>Intermediate<br>Increase casting speed by 7 x level%<br>Increase magic strength by 10 x level%<br>Gain a Bonus of 50% magic strength on reaching intermediate level<br>Reduce Cost of Magic Skills by half on reaching intermediate level<br><br>Advance<br>Increase casting speed by 10 x level%<br>Increase magic strength by 10 x level%<br>Gain a Bonus of 100% magic strength on reaching Advance level<br>Reduce Cost of Magic Skills by half on reaching Advance level<br><br>One of the basic skills Magic Classes will get. It has a simple but powerful effect on the character as it allows people to cast deadly and powerful spells faster than before. When it reaches the intermediate level, the character will only use half the amount of mana for spells.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elemental Mastery</span><br><br>The ability to master all elements. You can create spells or imitate ones you see if you want. The ultimate ability in magic that was lost long ago. As this skill increase in level you can manipulate the elements more easily and your resistance to the element will increase as well.<br><br>Increases Elemental damage by 10 x level%<br>Increase Elemental resistance by level of skill%<br><br>Something unique to those who want to master all elements. It is required to have mastery in several elements at once. This skill affects the amount of damage the character does which spells that have an element and also increase the resistance to all elements. This effect also stems to the resistance to all types of magicks as well as the combined resistance to all elements results in the overall resistance to magic.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ancient Magic Mastery</span><br><br>The power to distort reality itself. Ancient Magic is so rare not because it was deemed forbidden, but because of the high risk that comes with using it. Because of this, Ancient Magic Users often fail their powerful spells and kill themselves.<br><br>Spell Strength Bonus: 10 x level%<br>Spell Controllability Bonus: 10 x level%<br>Spell Success Cast Rate Bonus: 1 x level%<br><br>A skill that is unlocked for users that can use the highly dangerous Ancient Magic. It is similar to other magic skills but has the option to increase the rate of spells succeeding and not blowing up in your face. As the skill increases, the strength of the spell increases and the user's ability to control the spell is also increased. When this skill reaches intermediate level, it is possible to distort reality using your spells directly.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic Control</span><br><br>Allows you to manipulate and control magic more easily. It does not affect the speed of the magic but it'll increase your ability to control it properly. As this skill increase you will be able to control the range and trajectory of your magic more easily.<br><br>Increase success rate of all spells hitting the target by level%<br>Reduces chance of Spell Failing by level%<br><br>Another skill that all Magic Classes will get eventually. It allows the character to use and control more complex spells. As this skill increase in levels, the character is able to wield more powerful magicks. When this skill reaches the intermediate level, you are able to freely control magicks that you were previously unable to before. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Unarm Combat Mastery</span><br><br>Using the body as a weapon. With the increased mastery of this skill, the body will become more flexible and stronger as you use only hands and feet for combat.<br><br>Beginner<br>Increase strike speed by 3 x level%<br>Increase strike strength by 10 x level%<br><br>Intermediate<br>Increase strike speed by 7 x level%<br>Increase strike strength by 10 x level%<br>Gain a Bonus of 50% strike strength on reaching intermediate level<br><br>Advance <br>Increase strike speed by 10 x level%<br>Increase strike strength by 10 x level%<br>Gain a Bonus of 100% strike strength on reaching Advance level<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tri-Aura Mastery</span><br><br>The power to balance three auras at the same time. Along with the balance Golden Aura, you have unlocked the offence driven Red Aura and the Defence driven Blue Aura. According to modern thinking, is act is impossible without negative side effects but this body can handle it. This skills increases the abilities to use Aura as well as better control over all three types of Auras at once in order to balance the three auras at once<br><br>Aura Strength: +5 x level%<br>Aura Control: +5 x level%<br>Reduce Cost of Aura Skills by half on reaching intermediate level<br><br>WARNING: Having three types of Auras in the body will have negative side effects if the body cannot balance the Auras. Golden Aura has the property of Balance while Red and Blue Aura cannot be used at the same time. Golden Aura however can be used with either Red or Blue Aura<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mediation </span><br><br>Regain your mana by focusing on yourself. <br><br>Beginner<br>Regain (50 + 15 x Level Increase) mana per minute. <br><br>Intermediate<br>Regain (20 x Level Increase) mana per minute.<br>Reduces Damage Taken when mediating by ½ when reaching intermediate level<br><br>Advance<br>Regain (25 x Level Increase) mana per minute.<br>Reduces Damage Taken when mediating by ½ when reaching intermediate level<br><br>Exclusive to Magic Classes. Allows character to rapidly regain mana by focusing and ignoring everything around you. This skill isn't that useful for those who don't use much mana and even less useful for those who can absorb mana. When this skill reaches intermediate levels, the skill will rapidly increase the mana regeneration.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Absorption</span><br><br>The ability to use the force of the enemy and everything around you as fuel. Does not require direct contact and range cannot be controlled. As the skill increases the power of the drain and its strength increases.<br><br>Absorb (Level) mana per second passively <br>Range: 10 x Level metres<br>Reduce Mana Absorption to allies by 20% when reaching intermediate level<br>Reduce Mana Absorption to allies by 20% when reaching advance level<br>An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. This skill cannot be controlled and is very powerful when used correctly. As such this skill is perfect for mages that want to solo while it is the bane of being in a party. There is not way of effectively levelling this skill up since you cannot control it. It is unknown what will happen if the skill reaches intermediate level.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Shield</span><br><br>To create a shell to protect the user form all harm big and small. Also known as a borg in some places, magicians of the past often used this in battle to protect themselves from physical and magical attacks. Only one shell can be produced at a time but as the skill levels up the number of shells produced and the strength of each shell will increase.<br><br>Cost: 100 mana<br>Shield Health per use: 100 + 200 x Level Increase<br>Number of Shields can create at one time: 1 x Level<br>Reduce Damage on Shield by Level%<br>Able to Supply Mana Shields with mana to increase its Health and Defence<br><br>Intermediate<br>Cost half as much to cast<br>Damage to shield reduced by half<br><br>Advance <br>Cost half as much to cast<br>Damage to shield reduced by half<br><br>An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. They are fragile and yet durable at the same time. There is two way to level the skill up. The first is to cast the spell and the second is to let the shield gets destroyed. The shield is also transparent and is quite flexible as well in terms of its shape. Another feature of the Mana Shield is the fact that it can withstand more damage then its 'Health' before breaking. When this skill reaches the intermediate level, the character is able to sustain one shield in exchange of directly taking damage to mana. However the amount of damage the shield takes dramatically decrease.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creation Magic</span><br><br>The power that rivals gods themselves. To create matter requires energy. This comes from any source in exchange to bypass the laws set at the beginning of time. Anything can be create as long as there is enough energy or mana to make it. The strength of the object made and the length at which it lasts will increase with the level. <br><br>Mana used per square metre: 1000<br><br>Intermediate<br>Items have half durability when of the original reaching intermediate level<br><br>Advance<br>Items have full durability when of the original reaching advance level<br><br>An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. This skill allows the character to create anything and everything as long as they have enough mana to create it. The created product is inferior to the ones that are made without the skill in terms of damage and durability and have a time limit on its usage. When this skill reaches intermediate level, the products of the skill will no longer be inferior in quality and the time limit is removed.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flight Magic</span><br><br>The power to fly freely in the air. Using several complicated formulas to set the skill up, flight is possible. Using Flight magic however requires a large amount of mana to sustain the flight and thus using other spells at the same time is highly difficult.<br><br>Mana Cost: 100 per minute<br><br>Intermediate <br>Easier to fly using this flight magic when reaching intermediate level<br>Magic take only ½ of what it cost<br><br>Advance<br>Easier to fly using this flight magic when reaching advance level<br>Magic take only ½ of what it cost<br><br>A type of Skill that Advance Mages can get after their second Class Advancement. This skill is highly complicated being a 6-circle spell. However there are some beings that naturally get this skill either way. The method of flight is up to the user as well which makes the skill highly flexible to use but it still has issues with sustaining the skill for long periods of time. The skill can take on in many forms, the most common is the use of a boom or long staff to allow the user to sit on it to fly. Other forms may include the use of wings or other objects to allow the user to move about.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Negate Mana</span><br><br>Able to Negate partly the use of Mana in an area around you. In this state, mana cannot be used at all which includes the use of Magic, Magic Items or Skills that use Mana<br><br>Negate Mana Amount: 10 + level%<br>Range: 1 x level Metre<br><br>Mana Cost: 100 Per Second<br><br>Intermediate<br>Magic take only ½ of what it cost<br>Able to Negate 50% more Mana in area when reaching intermediate Level<br>Passively able to negate 20% of magic attacks<br><br>Advance<br>Magic take only ½ of what it cost<br>Able to Negate 10% more Mana in area when reaching intermediate Level<br><br>A anti-magic skill that has high risks to a person like Eden. While his mana will not disappear due to this skill, it does however render him unable to use spells while this is active. The range and power of this skill is dependant of its level.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Soul Scan</span><br><br>The ability to see the raw essence of all creation. With this skill you will be able to sense the presence of others at will.<br><br>Range: 3 x level metres<br><br>Intermediate <br>Able to sense uncommon and rare souls in the area<br><br>Advance<br>Able to sense non-living beings in the area<br><br>This skill is an unique one to use since it changes that way you look at things in relation to souls. While this skill is used mainly to scout out enemies, it can also be used to search for things that do not exist in the physical world such as spirits. Lost souls may also come to you for guidance.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Channelling</span><br><br>The power to manipulate mana in a finer way. With this skill, using mana will become easier as well as spell having less mana requirements in order to cast. While this skill has been gained, there are properties to be unlocked in this skill via special actions<br><br>Current Properties:<br>- Prevents Mana from leaking from body (Mana Regeneration +5 + 5 x level%)<br>- Rotates Mana in body (Mana Regeneration +10 + 10 x level%, Mana Control +10 + 10 x level%)<br>- Able to gather Mana in parts of Body (Attack and Defence +5 + 5 x level %)<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spacial Teleportation</span><br><br>The ability to bend space itself in order to travel great distances at once. However right now the skill is incomplete to the user as it was made recently. Levelling this skill up however will correct this skill. At this stage you can only teleport to prepared stations for teleportation.<br><br>Man Cost: 10 000 per person<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crystal Palace of Reflection</span><br><br>Creates small mirrors of crystal that is magical charged to move about in space and deflect all attacks that are coming towards the user. With this skill, the small crystal mirrors can only take a certain amount of damage before being destroyed however you can create several of these plates at once and will continue to be created as this skill is active. Mana will be drained as the mirrors are continued to be created.<br><br>Mirror Cost: 100 mana each<br>Number of times it can deflect attacks each: 3 (+1 when reaches intermediate and advance levels)<br>Number that can be created at a time: 10 + 1 x level<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garden of Eden</span><br><br>An AOE skill that allows the user to use any and all spell in this area without restrictions, cool downs or mana cost at all. However in order to use this skills, you must supply it with mana first for a set period of time. The range of this skill while the mana costs will decrease as this skill levels up.<br><br>Range of skill: 5 x 1 level metres <br>Mana Cost to activate: 25 000<br>Mana Cost to maintain: 5/second<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dragon Transformation</span><br><br>Created to replace Body Transformation, this is a skill to transform your body into one of a Dragon, the absolute force of destruction in the world. This skill will help seal off the Body Transformation skill and cannot be used if Body Transformation is active or in skill list.<br><br>This skill is the core of power itself. One of the most powerful and deadest transformation skill in existence, it turns the user into a Dragon. Teeth turned to Fangs, hands turned into Claws, the body itself becomes a weapon that can destroy empires and create them anew. With an enormous amount of strength, this form can be sustained for a long period of time.<br><br>Skill can only be used after after the Quest 'Path to control the Dragon' is completed.<br><br>There are 5 stages in Dragon Transformation.<br><br>Stage 1: Initial Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Limbs) +1 x level% to all stats<br>Stage 2: Part Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Tail and Wings) +2 x level% to all stats<br>Stage 3: Half Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Transformation with human characteristics) +3 x level% to all stats<br>Stage 4: Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Human form Dragon) +4 x level% to all stats<br>Stage 5: Full Dragon Transformation (Final Form) +5 x level% to all stats<br><br>Full Dragon Size: 5 Metres x Level<br><br>Mana Cost Per Hour: <br>Stage 1: 1000<br>Stage 2: 5000<br>Stage 3: 10000<br>Stage 4: 30000<br>Stage 5: 50000<br><br>Intermediate<br>All stats increase by 10% when using this skill<br><br>Advance<br>All stats increase by 20% when using this skill<br><br>This skill while powerful has high risks that come with it. Namely if Eden is not careful, the mana usage may overcome his regeneration of mana. Also the appearance of the body will be more apparently change when using this compared to Body Transformation. The size of the full Body Transformation is also dependant on the level of this skill.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Magic King Drive</span><br><br>The act of exposing your basic nature to the extreme in the form of your aura. Doing this will drastically increase your stats and skills to the limit forcefully. However in exchange the burden on the body is increased several fold and can easily lead to death. As such it is more important to have a body that can sustain the state for as long as possible but it still requires some level of magic aptitude. As this skill levels up, the bluff on the user will increase as well.<br><br>Magic King Drive gives the Following benefits:<br>- Spell Damage Increase +10 x level%<br>- Spell Range Increase +10 x level%<br>- Freely able to use the Elements at Will (Locked until Intermediate)<br>- Mana Absorption is at maximum (Locked until Advance)<br>- Strength Increase +10 x level%<br>- Agility Increase +10 x level%<br>- Movement Speed Increase +10 x level%<br>- Able to Defy several laws of Physics (Locked until Advance)<br>- Defence Increase +10 x level%<br>- Able to use 'Burst Speed' (Locked until Advance)<br>- Able to use 'Flight' Magic without any cost or restrictions (Locked until Advance)<br>- Able to use 'Golden Weapon Trio' Freely in this state (Locked until Intermediate)<br>- Resistance to Magic Increase +3 x level% (Locked until Intermediate)<br>- All Skills will be increased to maximum level (Locked until Advance)<br><br>Intermediate<br>SD, SR, S, A, MS, D gain bonus of 50%<br>MR gain bonus of 10%<br>Time Limit change to stamina exhausted<br>Unlock Intermediate Bonuses<br><br>Advance<br>SD, SR, S, A, MS, D gain bonus of 100%<br>MR gain bonus of 20%<br>Unlock Advance Bonuses<br><br>The skill is exclusive the the Magic King Class. It is the power to surround yourself in your own aura to the point where your life is at risk on using it. However, this allows you to gain powerful bluffs at once at the expense of literally one's life else extreme damage to one's body in the form of pain. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Poison Purging</span><br><br>Through the use of skilfully manipulating the body, you are able to eject harmful substances from your body. Though a bit unsightly, it is effect however you are vulnerable in this state.<br><br>Time to Purge Poison: 5 Minutes – 1 second x level<br>Poison Resistance: 5 + 1 x level%<br><br>Intermediate<br>Reduces time to purge poison out of body by 2 minutes<br><br>Advance<br>Reduces time to purge poison out of body by 2 minutes<br><br>A skill made when Eden tried to get rid of powerful poison in his body. Its main use is to circulate the poison at one point of the body so it can be easily depose of. However this circulate can also temporary increase the lethality of the poison and as a result the increased poison resistance. The speed in which poison is purged from the body is dependant on the skill's level.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Battle Aura</span><br><br>Creates a Aura used for battle. It can be used both for offence and defence in battle and is proportional to the amount of fighting spirit or related stats you have. It can also be used to intimidate enemies. <br><br>Density can be manipulated when active to defence, attack or intimidate.<br><br>Passive Effect:<br>Defence increase: 5% + 1 x Level%<br>Speed increase: 5% + 1 x Level%<br>Attack increase: 5% + 1 x Level%<br>Fighting Spirit increase: 10% + 1 x Level%<br><br>Active Effect:<br>Defence increase: 15% + 3 x Level%<br>Speed increase: 15% + 3 x Level%<br>Attack increase: 15% + 3 x Level%<br>Fighting Spirit increase: 20% + 3 x Level%<br><br>Intermediate: +50% active<br>Advance: +50% active<br><br>Drains Stamina to use when Active<br><br>A powerful spell in which uses Aura, the hidden life essence of the body. Even while not active, this skill will increase the abilities of the body as the aura is strengthening it internally. When active however, its effects are more apparent with the aura coming outside the body to externally strengthen it. The aura in some cases can also be used as a defence or another layer of defence but strong attacks may break through it easily.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dragonic Release</span><br><br>A modified version of the outer seal which once allowed access to power above the norm. Upon changing to a lesser race, this ability was taken away. In exchange, this state will pushes the body's limit was created to replace that. Improvements have been made so this state has more power and stability compared to the original.<br><br>- Spell Damage Increases by 100%<br>- Spell Range Increase by 60%<br>- Mana Absorption can be Activated<br>- Strength is Increased by 60%<br>- Agility in Increased by 60%<br>- Movement Speed Increases by 30%<br>- Defence Increases by 30%<br>- Resistance to Magic Increases by 20%<br>- Domination is twice as effective<br>- Fighting Spirit is increased by 150%<br>Time Limit: 12 Hours<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dragonic Overload</span><br><br>A modified version of the inner seal which once allowed access to power beyond the norm. Upon changing to a lesser race, this ability was taken away. In exchange, this state will pushes beyond the body's limit was created to replace that. Improvements have been made so this state has more power and stability compared to the original. Partly inspired by Balance Breaker.<br><br>- Mana Doubles<br>- Gives Rapid Natural Mana Regeneration of 150 mana/second<br>- All Skills rank up by 1<br>- All Skills in Beginner Levels rank up to Intermediate<br>- Spell Damage Increases by 150%<br>- Spell Range Increase by 80%<br>- Strength is Increased by 80%<br>- Agility is Increased by 80%<br>- Movement Speed Increases by 50%<br>- Defence Increases by 50%<br>- Resistance to Magic Increases by 30%<br>- Fighting Spirit is increased by 200%<br>Time Limit: 4 Hours<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dragon Rampage</span><br><br>Once a day is can double your stats in exchange to go berserk in the battlefield. This skill does not cause the body to indiscriminately attack people however but rather focus the rage for a burst of power. <br><br>Damage you deal: 2 times<br>Damage you take: 2 times<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Evil Glaze</span><br><br>A passive skill that projects your fighting spirit through your eyes. Those with low fighting spirit will be paralysed while others will have lowered stats and chance of skill or spells activating.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presence Concealment</span><br><br>The ability to fade yourself into the background making it harder for people to detect you. There is a legend that the most the few masters of this skill, the Cloud Knights are able to drift in and out of forts without anyone knowing to the point that even the strongest knights do no know where to swing.<br><br>When active (Beginner):<br>- Presence is reduced to near zero<br>- Unable to use strong attacks<br>- Stats will be reduced by 80%<br><br>When active (Intermediate):<br>- Presence is reduced to near zero or to a strong person<br>- Unable to use strong attacks<br>- Stats will be reduced by 40%<br>- Critical Hits will be more likely in this state +5%<br>- Able to move around people more easily<br><br>When active (Advance):<br>- Presence is reduced to near zero or to of a normal person's<br>- Unable to use Flashy Attacks<br>- No Stat reduction<br>- Critical Hits will be more likely in this state +15%<br>- Able to move around people more easily<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recovery Burst</span><br><br>A burst of regeneration energy surging through the body. Most wounds will naturally heal in this state though it will cause extreme pain to the user. Along with this healing, status debuffs will be removed and mana will regeneration at a high speed.<br><br>- Increase Mana Regeneration by 50 + 10 x level%<br>- Wounds will heal quickly ? Extremely fast ? Instantly<br>- Body's naturally healing rate will be increased (Advance)<br>- Skill will activate automatically after a certain amount of damage (intermediate)<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mental Acceleration</span><br><br>Increase the mental speed in which the brain works at. In this state, time will seem to slow down as the body adapts to it as well as processing speed and thinking speed will increase as well. However in exchange, the mind is heavily restrained in this state resulting in extreme mental exhaustion when used. Some effects includes extreme headaches to blacking out.<br><br>- Control over Body and Magic will increase in this state<br>- Time will slow down in this state<br>- Speed in which the Body can move as well as the speed of casting spells will increase<br>- Able to manipulate the strength of this skill (Intermediate)<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aura Channelling</span><br><br>The ability to regulate and manipulate the Aura in your body with fine detail. Using this skill, the aura in the body will become more efficient in enhancing the body in both speed and strength. There are some properties that can be unlocked via special means.<br><br>Properties Unlocked:<br>- Aura will be leak out unintentionally (Stamina Regeneration +5 + 5 x level%))<br>- Rotates Aura in body (Stamina Regeneration +10 + 10 x level%, Aura Control +10 + 10 x level%)<br>- Able to gather Aura in parts of Body (Attack and Defence +5 + 5 x level %)<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Six Strike Form</span><br><br>Five Slashing moves and one Stabbing move is the core of the Six Strike Form. Each attack is used via a single step forward and a single attack at the same time. The Trick Shot Form has been integrated into the Form as well, allowing you to change your attack mid-way.<br><br>Weapon Speed Increase when using this Form: 5 x Level%<br>Weapon Damage when using this Form: 10 x Level%<br>Time to set up Stance: 5 - Level seconds<br><br>A prepping skill where the strength and speed of strikes is increased. While it increases the power of strikes, the time lag in between setting up and attacking can be fatal in battle. As such, this skill cannot be used to in high speed battles where a single strike could take your life.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dance of Water</span><br><br>A dance that was once used to allow humans to be processed by Gods to battle. However such techniques and such Gods are lost now but the basic form of the summoning rite was changed to allow the user more graceful and deadly movements. When active, the body is able to naturally dodge attacks in a smooth manner unless the body cannot keep up or the attack is unavoidable. Other skills can be used in this dance when it reaches intermediate level.<br><br>Mana to maintain state per minute: 50<br>Weapon Speed increase: 1 x Level%<br>Body speed increase: 1 x Level%<br><br>Intermediate<br>Increase Weapon and Body Speed by 10%<br><br>Advance <br>Increase Weapon and Body Speed by 20%<br><br>An active skill that enchants the ability of the body in relation to evasion. In this state, the body will naturally try to dodge attacks and when that is impossible, reduce the amount of damage as much as possible. This Dance also allowed the weapon to strike a bit faster as well.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Golden Weapon Trio </span><br><br>The three weapons of unknown origins have been used by a great hero in the past. It was forged using part of his soul and as such it can be called into the world through such means at any time and place. The three weapons are a sword, spear and bow.<br><br>The Golden Sword Torrwch has the power of destorying what cannot be destroyed and is capable to seal and unseal creatures and objects<br><br>The Spear Torrwr had the power of being nearly unbreakable and can change its shape form the will of the user.<br><br>The Bow Saethwr has the power of multiplying the projectile fired and also had the power to turn the projectiles fired into homing shots.<br><br>Mana Cost per Summon: 1000<br>Number of Weapons able to summon at once: 1 x Level<br><br>The skill is exclusive the the Magic King Class. The three weapons are bound to the user so even if the weapons are stolen or broken it will disappear and be reforged in the soul of the user until it is resummoned again. However the skill is unique in the sense that you can summon multiple at once and even the same weapon over and over again. However the cost of summoning the weapons is still very high as they are each powerful in their own rights. When the skill reaches Intermediate Level, the user is able to alter the form of the weapons.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Impaling Strike Sword Techniques</span><br><br>5 very old yet powerful sword techniques based on stabbing using a weapon. This can be used for all kinds of weapons such as spears and lances which gives bonuses.<br><br>Skills:<br>- Burst Strike<br>- Reset Point<br>- Double Strike<br>- Crimson Lance<br>- Armour of Blood Warrior<br><br>Increase damage from skill by Level of Comprehension%<br>Uses Red Aura to increase damage<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Slashing Strike Shield Techniques</span><br><br>Paired with the Impaling Strike Sword Technique, these five techniques involve using the defensive powers of the shield or otherwise other weapon to attack instead of defend. While not having a high amount of power, it does increase defence while attacking using these techniques<br><br>Skills:<br>- Defensive Slash<br><br>Increase defence from skill by Level of Comprehension%<br>Uses Blue Aura to increase defence<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Armor of the Magic King</span><br><br>Said to have existed side by side with the legendary 'God Armor', it carries equal power. However there hasn't been a person worthy of using its full power since its existence besides one that was sealed forever away. All foes shall be dominated when worn and only the 'God Armor' can counter it. However since its last use, its power has dropped significantly.<br><br>Conditions to use:<br>- Holder of immense power<br>- Drains Mana when Equipped<br><br>An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. A skill formerly sealed off in the depths of llyfr's soul, this is an extremely powerful and dangerous skill. As the skill is degraded back to the basics, the character is able to only partly call upon the armor which is still powerful. When the skill reaches intermediate level, the character is able to call upon the full armor set at once. However even with that the armor skill lacks its former power and abilities in the past. The armor also drains a lot of mana as well and is meant to be used with Mana Absorption to help maintain it.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Body Transformation</span><br><br>The ability to transform or rather in this case to restore your body to your natural state. As this skill level up, you are able to transform more of your body at once. There are 10 transformations in total. Transforming your body cost mana according to your skill level and multiple transformation are possible but cost more mana. However there is also the risk that you will lose control of your body in the progress of mastering this skill.<br><br>Current Transformations available: 1 + 1 x 10% of comprehension/10<br><br>An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. By corrupt themselves with the power of llyfr, they are able to take his form. Extremely powerful, yet dangerous, the user of this skill is given large amounts of power immediately in exchange of their sanity and control of their body. This form is otherwise known as the berserk form of the Magic King Drive that was forbidden in the first place and was first seen in the series from Eden point of view before he died and then Alexandra and Viv's when Eden's body was breaking down. This form was also shown due to the power of the basin of truth but it only changed the appearance of Eden and the power that came with the form was still sealed away. However it still carried some power even in that state.</div></div></div> </div>

Link for the docs for every volume <<https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v6qzvaq1mqp90ts/AAAtnoFvK\_8HxyxrukrILowea>> I'm posting everything here so please only post in this topic. [Prologue - The Beginning of unfortunate events](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1257) Volume 1: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Done) [Chapter 1 - A New Beginning](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1259) [Chapter 2 - Savior or...](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1266) [Chapter 3 - The Training Begins](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1273) [Chapter 4 - Failure](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1275) [Chapter 5 - Hell Training](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1281) [Chapter 6 - Born from Misfortune](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1288) [Chapter 7 - Unknown Forest](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1293) [Chapter 8 - The Explorer Patrick](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1302) [Chapter 9 - The Hellish Tomb](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1307) [Chapter 10 - The Gluttony of the Giant Purple Rabbit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1315) [Chapter 10.5 - Report 1](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1316) Volume 2: The Sadist, Beauty and Trap Team (Done) [Chapter 1 - The Return](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1378) [Chapter 2 - Some Racial Issues](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1445) [Chapter 3 - Cyclop](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1529) [Chapter 4 - New Friends](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1579) [Chapter 5 - Holy Quest](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1622) [Chapter 6 - Darkness Falls](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1681) [Chapter 7 - The Trap Witch](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1699) [Chapter 8 - The Long Trip](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1719) [Chapter 9 - Bandit Attack](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1720) [Chapter 10 - The Envy of the White Butterfly](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1721) [Chapter 10.5 - Report 2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1722) Volume 3: Life is one bugged out game (Done) [Chapter 1 - The Second Return](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1769) [Chapter 2 - Three Perverts](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1816) [Chapter 3 - Negotiations](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1866) [Chapter 4 - Revolt](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1900) [Chapter 5 - As a Monster...](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1977) [Chapter 6 - Into the Forest!](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2022) [Chapter 7 - The Fairy Queen's Request](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2058) [Chapter 8 - Capture](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2156) [Chapter 9 - Monster in the Forest](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2208) [Chapter 10 - Memories in Distant Past](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2211) [Chapter 11 - The Sloth of the Grey Clam](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2284) [Chapter 11.5- The 'Not a Report' Report 1](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2290) Volume 4: Rolling Towards the North (Done) [Chapter 1 - Hot Springs](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2337) [Chapter 2 - Boring Training Begins Once Again](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2386) [Chapter 3 - Divine Sword](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2477) [Chapter 4 - Might of Poseidon](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2533) [Chapter 5 - Kraken Issues](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2581) [Chapter 6 - City of the North](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2621) [Chapter 7 - The Beast](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2653) [Chapter 8 - Holy Quest](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2681) [Chapter 9 - The Pride of the Pink Phoenix](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2692) [Chapter 9.5 - The 'Not a Report' Report 2](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2695) Volume 5: Shadows of the West (Done) [Chapter 1 - The Separation of Three](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2696) [Chapter 2 - Crossroad of Hate](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2699) [Chapter 3 - Light and Shadow](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2701) [Chapter 4 - On the Run](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2702) [Chapter 5 - The Nightmare Begins](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2703) [Chapter 6 - The Greed of the Blue Gyarados](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2704) [Chapter 7 - Noble Ball as a Maid](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2706) [Chapter 8 - The Slaughter of Nobles](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2708) [Chapter 9 - Tunnel of Darkness](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2709) [Chapter 10 - The Temple of Dragons](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2710) [Chapter 10.5 - The 'Not a Report' Report 3](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2711) Volume 6: To Kill a King (Done) [Chapter 1 - Chaotic Meetings](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2809) [Chapter 2 - Recklessly Attacking a Fort](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2824) [Chapter 3 - As the Villain and the Monster](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2841) [Chapter 4 - The Tea-party and Sage](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2874) [Chapter 5 - Hellish Training](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2887) [Chapter 6 - A fun....picnic....?](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2993) [Chapter 7 - Alexandra and Linda](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2998) [Chapter 8 - The Nature of a Destroyer](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3006) [Chapter 9 - The Birth of a King](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3038) [Chapter 10 - The Wrath of the Green Slime](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3062) [Chapter 10.5 - Their First Meeting](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3071) Volume 7: The End of One Story (Done) [Chapter 1 - To a Chaotic Future](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3103) [Chapter 2 - Tunnel of Hell](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3128) [Chapter 3 - The Nether](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3158) [Chapter 4 - Portal Home](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3186) [Chapter 5 - The Mercenary King](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3205) [Chapter 6 - The Black Demon](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3221) [Chapter 7 - The Sage](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3238) [Chapter 8 - The Lust of the Golden Dragon](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3269) [Chapter 9 - Risene](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3289) [Chapter 10 - The Final Battle](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3356) [Epilogue - One Story Ends, Misfortune Continues](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=3357) Extra Chapters: [April Fools Day](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=2492) Some Information **Spoiler** : The Elements There are 12 universal elements in the world that make it up. New elements can be made using the 12. They are the 5 basic/primary elements: Fire Water Earth Lightning Wind The Polar Elements: Light Darkness The Secondary Elements: Ice Wood Poison Metal Neutral The concept is that the first element in the list is weak against the next one and so on until the last one is weak against the first element. This does not affect the secondary elements. Instead the Secondary elements are the polar opposites of the basic/primary elements. The Neutral elements refers to the Gravity/Space. Don't ask about this I'm still trying to work on how to explain it.... Fire ? Ice Water ? Wood Earth ? Poison Lightning ? Metal Wind ? Neutral Fire vibrates the air and Ice freezes the air Wood can consume Water to grow but too much Water can kill Wood Poison can do several things to Earth to corrode it but Earth can endure and purify Poison Metal can conduct Lightning but as it conducts, Lightning can melt Metal through heat Wind is invisible to Neutral and cannot be affected much and Wind cannot affect Neutral as much. General Spell Usage (May be some spoiler. Look at your risk) The Basic forms of MC's magic is the Formation of a Element. After the Element is Formed, a Basic Form is given to the Element. Then other characteristics such as Factors or other Forms can be given to the Element creating a spell is use. Commands are the orders you give to spells. If you make a fireball and want it to hit a target then you have to command it to hit the target. If not then it stays where it is until such a command is given. The more complex the command the harder it is to use the more likely it will fail. Examples of this is 'Multicast' where you use the same spell over and over again. Another example is 'Homing Shot' where the spell follows the target and 'Aim Shot' where you manually target something. Element Formation ? Give Form ? Give Factor ? Extra Form/Factor ? Commands ? Use Spells Spells that was Learnt so Far (As of me writing this. May or may not be updated after a while) | Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? FireballFire Formation ? Ball Form ? FireballFire Formation ? Ball Form ? Expand Factor ? Expanding FireballFire Formation ? Ball Form ? Enlarge factor ? Explode Factor ? Great Exploding FireballFire Formation ? Ball Form ? Multicast(20) ? Homing Shot ? Fireball BarrageFire Formation ? Ball Form ? Fireball ? Expand Factor ? Fire ShieldFire Formation ? Ball Form ? Sustain Factor ? Fire Bullet Fire Formation ? Ball Form ? Spin Factor ? Fire SpearFire Formation ? Spear Form ? Fire SpearFire Formation ? Spear Form ? Fire Spear ? Spin Factor ? Sustain Factor ? Fire DrillFire Formation ? Spear Form ? Spin Factor ? Sustain Factor ? Fire drillFire Formation ? Drill Form ? Fire DrillFire Formation ? Drill Form ? Sustain Factor ? Fire DrillFire Formation ? Wave Form ? Expand Form ? Fire WaveFire Formation ? Armour Form ? Fire SkinIce Formation ? Flower Form ? Hardening Factor ? Consume Factor ? Ice Flower GuardIce Formation ? Wave Form ? Spread factor ? Ice WaveIce Formation ? Bolt Form ? Ice BoltIce Formation ? Wave Form ? Consume Factor ? Ice PrisonIce Formation ? Spear Form ? Ice SpearLightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Lightning BoltLightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Thunder BoltLightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Expand Factor ? Large Thunder BoltLightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Amplify Factor ? Destructive Thunder BoltLightning Formation ? Bolt Form ? Air-Strike Factor ? Expand Factor ? Amplify Factor ? Multicast(50) ? Lightning ShowerLightning Formation ? Wave Form ? Lightning WaveLightning Formation ? Shower Form ? Lightning ShowerLightning Formation ? Axe Form ? Thunder AxeEarth Formation ? Ground Form ? Break Factor ? Expand Factor ? Earth BreakEarth Formation ? Ground Form ? Rumble Factor ? EarthquakeEarth Formation ? Pillar Form ? Earth PillarWind Formation ? Circular Form ? Area of Effect Factor ? Expand Factor ? Soundless Factor ? Sound BarrierWind Formation ? Enchant Factor ? Wind LegsWind Formation ? Blade Form ? Air SlashWater Formation ? Wave Form ? Water WaveWater Formation ? Web Form ? Water WebLight Formation ? Light BallsNeutral Formation ? Mana Shield | | --- | More details of MC's Magic **Spoiler** : As you know, Eden is a user of the very powerful and unstable ancient magic. However he was trained my Warlic and llyfr which leaves very little room to make him fail after a while. Normal magic involves the usage of circles to cast the spell. Each circle represent some parameters that the spell has and the more complex the spell, the more circles it requires. An example is Flight magic which requires 6 circles to cast. Another thing to know about magic is that you must learn a spell before suing it via spell books or otherwise. A high amount of wisdom is needed to learn more powerful spells and due to the fact that a spell book will disappear regardless of whether the person succeed in learning the spell, many mages are careful in learning spells by equipping items that drastically increase their wisdom. General Magic is based upon Ancient magic which is much more powerful. Ancient Magic is the literal overwriting of reality to a certain extent. This does not require circles and thus is much more unstable and can lead to more often explosions and the death of the caster. The most important thing to use Ancient magic is not a high intelligent or wisdom but a high level of concentration due to its nature. On a power scale of 1-10, Ancient magic would be a 7 while Normal magic would be a 3. Divine magic would be a 9 or 10 in this scale as well. While on the control scale of 1-10, Ancient magic would be a 1 or 2 while Normal magic would be a 8-9. Divine magic would still be a 9 or 10. Eden however does not use pure Ancient magic as of chapter 7. The reason for this is (besides me being lazy) is that llyfr is unsatisfied with Eden's battle ability after the Doom Knight incident. As such after getting his Magic Control skill to intermediate level, llyfr has taught Eden a style of magic that is closer to normal magic with the usage of commands in spell casting. While doing this, ultimately lowers the power output of Eden's spells, it leads to much better stability and also allows him to make smaller adjustments to his spells. He still has the ability to 'create' spells nevertheless but it is restricted to the spells he can create via 'commands'. Due note that Eden can still use his former method of casting spells. Skill Details **Spoiler** : Sword Mastery Allows you to be more familiar with the way of the sword. This gives you great speed and power behind each strike. Beginner Increase sword speed by 3 x level% Increase sword strength by 10 x level% Intermediate Increase sword speed by 7 x level% Increase sword strength by 10 x level% Gain a Bonus of 50% sword strength on reaching intermediate level Reduce Cost of Sword Skills by half on reaching intermediate level Advance Increase sword speed by 10 x level% Increase sword strength by 10 x level% Gain a Bonus of 100% sword strength on reaching Advance level Reduce Cost of Sword Skills by half on reaching Advance level One of the basic skills Sword Wielding Classes will get. It has a simple but powerful effect on the character as it allows people to swing the sword more faster with increased power as well. When it reaches the intermediate level, the character will only use half the mana for sword skills. Magic Mastery The ability to manipulate mana. It serves to increase the ability to cast and learn magic of all kinds. Also augments the power of the magic you use. Beginner Increase casting speed by 3 x level% Increase magic strength by 10 x level% Intermediate Increase casting speed by 7 x level% Increase magic strength by 10 x level% Gain a Bonus of 50% magic strength on reaching intermediate level Reduce Cost of Magic Skills by half on reaching intermediate level Advance Increase casting speed by 10 x level% Increase magic strength by 10 x level% Gain a Bonus of 100% magic strength on reaching Advance level Reduce Cost of Magic Skills by half on reaching Advance level One of the basic skills Magic Classes will get. It has a simple but powerful effect on the character as it allows people to cast deadly and powerful spells faster than before. When it reaches the intermediate level, the character will only use half the amount of mana for spells. Elemental Mastery The ability to master all elements. You can create spells or imitate ones you see if you want. The ultimate ability in magic that was lost long ago. As this skill increase in level you can manipulate the elements more easily and your resistance to the element will increase as well. Increases Elemental damage by 10 x level% Increase Elemental resistance by level of skill% Something unique to those who want to master all elements. It is required to have mastery in several elements at once. This skill affects the amount of damage the character does which spells that have an element and also increase the resistance to all elements. This effect also stems to the resistance to all types of magicks as well as the combined resistance to all elements results in the overall resistance to magic. Ancient Magic Mastery The power to distort reality itself. Ancient Magic is so rare not because it was deemed forbidden, but because of the high risk that comes with using it. Because of this, Ancient Magic Users often fail their powerful spells and kill themselves. Spell Strength Bonus: 10 x level% Spell Controllability Bonus: 10 x level% Spell Success Cast Rate Bonus: 1 x level% A skill that is unlocked for users that can use the highly dangerous Ancient Magic. It is similar to other magic skills but has the option to increase the rate of spells succeeding and not blowing up in your face. As the skill increases, the strength of the spell increases and the user's ability to control the spell is also increased. When this skill reaches intermediate level, it is possible to distort reality using your spells directly. Magic Control Allows you to manipulate and control magic more easily. It does not affect the speed of the magic but it'll increase your ability to control it properly. As this skill increase you will be able to control the range and trajectory of your magic more easily. Increase success rate of all spells hitting the target by level% Reduces chance of Spell Failing by level% Another skill that all Magic Classes will get eventually. It allows the character to use and control more complex spells. As this skill increase in levels, the character is able to wield more powerful magicks. When this skill reaches the intermediate level, you are able to freely control magicks that you were previously unable to before. Unarm Combat Mastery Using the body as a weapon. With the increased mastery of this skill, the body will become more flexible and stronger as you use only hands and feet for combat. Beginner Increase strike speed by 3 x level% Increase strike strength by 10 x level% Intermediate Increase strike speed by 7 x level% Increase strike strength by 10 x level% Gain a Bonus of 50% strike strength on reaching intermediate level Advance Increase strike speed by 10 x level% Increase strike strength by 10 x level% Gain a Bonus of 100% strike strength on reaching Advance level Tri-Aura Mastery The power to balance three auras at the same time. Along with the balance Golden Aura, you have unlocked the offence driven Red Aura and the Defence driven Blue Aura. According to modern thinking, is act is impossible without negative side effects but this body can handle it. This skills increases the abilities to use Aura as well as better control over all three types of Auras at once in order to balance the three auras at once Aura Strength: +5 x level% Aura Control: +5 x level% Reduce Cost of Aura Skills by half on reaching intermediate level WARNING: Having three types of Auras in the body will have negative side effects if the body cannot balance the Auras. Golden Aura has the property of Balance while Red and Blue Aura cannot be used at the same time. Golden Aura however can be used with either Red or Blue Aura Mediation Regain your mana by focusing on yourself. Beginner Regain (50 + 15 x Level Increase) mana per minute. Intermediate Regain (20 x Level Increase) mana per minute. Reduces Damage Taken when mediating by ½ when reaching intermediate level Advance Regain (25 x Level Increase) mana per minute. Reduces Damage Taken when mediating by ½ when reaching intermediate level Exclusive to Magic Classes. Allows character to rapidly regain mana by focusing and ignoring everything around you. This skill isn't that useful for those who don't use much mana and even less useful for those who can absorb mana. When this skill reaches intermediate levels, the skill will rapidly increase the mana regeneration. Mana Absorption The ability to use the force of the enemy and everything around you as fuel. Does not require direct contact and range cannot be controlled. As the skill increases the power of the drain and its strength increases. Absorb (Level) mana per second passively Range: 10 x Level metres Reduce Mana Absorption to allies by 20% when reaching intermediate level Reduce Mana Absorption to allies by 20% when reaching advance level An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. This skill cannot be controlled and is very powerful when used correctly. As such this skill is perfect for mages that want to solo while it is the bane of being in a party. There is not way of effectively levelling this skill up since you cannot control it. It is unknown what will happen if the skill reaches intermediate level. Mana Shield To create a shell to protect the user form all harm big and small. Also known as a borg in some places, magicians of the past often used this in battle to protect themselves from physical and magical attacks. Only one shell can be produced at a time but as the skill levels up the number of shells produced and the strength of each shell will increase. Cost: 100 mana Shield Health per use: 100 + 200 x Level Increase Number of Shields can create at one time: 1 x Level Reduce Damage on Shield by Level% Able to Supply Mana Shields with mana to increase its Health and Defence Intermediate Cost half as much to cast Damage to shield reduced by half Advance Cost half as much to cast Damage to shield reduced by half An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. They are fragile and yet durable at the same time. There is two way to level the skill up. The first is to cast the spell and the second is to let the shield gets destroyed. The shield is also transparent and is quite flexible as well in terms of its shape. Another feature of the Mana Shield is the fact that it can withstand more damage then its 'Health' before breaking. When this skill reaches the intermediate level, the character is able to sustain one shield in exchange of directly taking damage to mana. However the amount of damage the shield takes dramatically decrease. Creation Magic The power that rivals gods themselves. To create matter requires energy. This comes from any source in exchange to bypass the laws set at the beginning of time. Anything can be create as long as there is enough energy or mana to make it. The strength of the object made and the length at which it lasts will increase with the level. Mana used per square metre: 1000 Intermediate Items have half durability when of the original reaching intermediate level Advance Items have full durability when of the original reaching advance level An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. This skill allows the character to create anything and everything as long as they have enough mana to create it. The created product is inferior to the ones that are made without the skill in terms of damage and durability and have a time limit on its usage. When this skill reaches intermediate level, the products of the skill will no longer be inferior in quality and the time limit is removed. Flight Magic The power to fly freely in the air. Using several complicated formulas to set the skill up, flight is possible. Using Flight magic however requires a large amount of mana to sustain the flight and thus using other spells at the same time is highly difficult. Mana Cost: 100 per minute Intermediate Easier to fly using this flight magic when reaching intermediate level Magic take only ½ of what it cost Advance Easier to fly using this flight magic when reaching advance level Magic take only ½ of what it cost A type of Skill that Advance Mages can get after their second Class Advancement. This skill is highly complicated being a 6-circle spell. However there are some beings that naturally get this skill either way. The method of flight is up to the user as well which makes the skill highly flexible to use but it still has issues with sustaining the skill for long periods of time. The skill can take on in many forms, the most common is the use of a boom or long staff to allow the user to sit on it to fly. Other forms may include the use of wings or other objects to allow the user to move about. Negate Mana Able to Negate partly the use of Mana in an area around you. In this state, mana cannot be used at all which includes the use of Magic, Magic Items or Skills that use Mana Negate Mana Amount: 10 + level% Range: 1 x level Metre Mana Cost: 100 Per Second Intermediate Magic take only ½ of what it cost Able to Negate 50% more Mana in area when reaching intermediate Level Passively able to negate 20% of magic attacks Advance Magic take only ½ of what it cost Able to Negate 10% more Mana in area when reaching intermediate Level A anti-magic skill that has high risks to a person like Eden. While his mana will not disappear due to this skill, it does however render him unable to use spells while this is active. The range and power of this skill is dependant of its level. Soul Scan The ability to see the raw essence of all creation. With this skill you will be able to sense the presence of others at will. Range: 3 x level metres Intermediate Able to sense uncommon and rare souls in the area Advance Able to sense non-living beings in the area This skill is an unique one to use since it changes that way you look at things in relation to souls. While this skill is used mainly to scout out enemies, it can also be used to search for things that do not exist in the physical world such as spirits. Lost souls may also come to you for guidance. Mana Channelling The power to manipulate mana in a finer way. With this skill, using mana will become easier as well as spell having less mana requirements in order to cast. While this skill has been gained, there are properties to be unlocked in this skill via special actions Current Properties: - Prevents Mana from leaking from body (Mana Regeneration +5 + 5 x level%) - Rotates Mana in body (Mana Regeneration +10 + 10 x level%, Mana Control +10 + 10 x level%) - Able to gather Mana in parts of Body (Attack and Defence +5 + 5 x level %) Spacial Teleportation The ability to bend space itself in order to travel great distances at once. However right now the skill is incomplete to the user as it was made recently. Levelling this skill up however will correct this skill. At this stage you can only teleport to prepared stations for teleportation. Man Cost: 10 000 per person Crystal Palace of Reflection Creates small mirrors of crystal that is magical charged to move about in space and deflect all attacks that are coming towards the user. With this skill, the small crystal mirrors can only take a certain amount of damage before being destroyed however you can create several of these plates at once and will continue to be created as this skill is active. Mana will be drained as the mirrors are continued to be created. Mirror Cost: 100 mana each Number of times it can deflect attacks each: 3 (+1 when reaches intermediate and advance levels) Number that can be created at a time: 10 + 1 x level Garden of Eden An AOE skill that allows the user to use any and all spell in this area without restrictions, cool downs or mana cost at all. However in order to use this skills, you must supply it with mana first for a set period of time. The range of this skill while the mana costs will decrease as this skill levels up. Range of skill: 5 x 1 level metres Mana Cost to activate: 25 000 Mana Cost to maintain: 5/second Dragon Transformation Created to replace Body Transformation, this is a skill to transform your body into one of a Dragon, the absolute force of destruction in the world. This skill will help seal off the Body Transformation skill and cannot be used if Body Transformation is active or in skill list. This skill is the core of power itself. One of the most powerful and deadest transformation skill in existence, it turns the user into a Dragon. Teeth turned to Fangs, hands turned into Claws, the body itself becomes a weapon that can destroy empires and create them anew. With an enormous amount of strength, this form can be sustained for a long period of time. Skill can only be used after after the Quest 'Path to control the Dragon' is completed. There are 5 stages in Dragon Transformation. Stage 1: Initial Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Limbs) +1 x level% to all stats Stage 2: Part Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Tail and Wings) +2 x level% to all stats Stage 3: Half Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Transformation with human characteristics) +3 x level% to all stats Stage 4: Humanoid Dragon Transformation (Human form Dragon) +4 x level% to all stats Stage 5: Full Dragon Transformation (Final Form) +5 x level% to all stats Full Dragon Size: 5 Metres x Level Mana Cost Per Hour: Stage 1: 1000 Stage 2: 5000 Stage 3: 10000 Stage 4: 30000 Stage 5: 50000 Intermediate All stats increase by 10% when using this skill Advance All stats increase by 20% when using this skill This skill while powerful has high risks that come with it. Namely if Eden is not careful, the mana usage may overcome his regeneration of mana. Also the appearance of the body will be more apparently change when using this compared to Body Transformation. The size of the full Body Transformation is also dependant on the level of this skill. Magic King Drive The act of exposing your basic nature to the extreme in the form of your aura. Doing this will drastically increase your stats and skills to the limit forcefully. However in exchange the burden on the body is increased several fold and can easily lead to death. As such it is more important to have a body that can sustain the state for as long as possible but it still requires some level of magic aptitude. As this skill levels up, the bluff on the user will increase as well. Magic King Drive gives the Following benefits: - Spell Damage Increase +10 x level% - Spell Range Increase +10 x level% - Freely able to use the Elements at Will (Locked until Intermediate) - Mana Absorption is at maximum (Locked until Advance) - Strength Increase +10 x level% - Agility Increase +10 x level% - Movement Speed Increase +10 x level% - Able to Defy several laws of Physics (Locked until Advance) - Defence Increase +10 x level% - Able to use 'Burst Speed' (Locked until Advance) - Able to use 'Flight' Magic without any cost or restrictions (Locked until Advance) - Able to use 'Golden Weapon Trio' Freely in this state (Locked until Intermediate) - Resistance to Magic Increase +3 x level% (Locked until Intermediate) - All Skills will be increased to maximum level (Locked until Advance) Intermediate SD, SR, S, A, MS, D gain bonus of 50% MR gain bonus of 10% Time Limit change to stamina exhausted Unlock Intermediate Bonuses Advance SD, SR, S, A, MS, D gain bonus of 100% MR gain bonus of 20% Unlock Advance Bonuses The skill is exclusive the the Magic King Class. It is the power to surround yourself in your own aura to the point where your life is at risk on using it. However, this allows you to gain powerful bluffs at once at the expense of literally one's life else extreme damage to one's body in the form of pain. Poison Purging Through the use of skilfully manipulating the body, you are able to eject harmful substances from your body. Though a bit unsightly, it is effect however you are vulnerable in this state. Time to Purge Poison: 5 Minutes – 1 second x level Poison Resistance: 5 + 1 x level% Intermediate Reduces time to purge poison out of body by 2 minutes Advance Reduces time to purge poison out of body by 2 minutes A skill made when Eden tried to get rid of powerful poison in his body. Its main use is to circulate the poison at one point of the body so it can be easily depose of. However this circulate can also temporary increase the lethality of the poison and as a result the increased poison resistance. The speed in which poison is purged from the body is dependant on the skill's level. Battle Aura Creates a Aura used for battle. It can be used both for offence and defence in battle and is proportional to the amount of fighting spirit or related stats you have. It can also be used to intimidate enemies. Density can be manipulated when active to defence, attack or intimidate. Passive Effect: Defence increase: 5% + 1 x Level% Speed increase: 5% + 1 x Level% Attack increase: 5% + 1 x Level% Fighting Spirit increase: 10% + 1 x Level% Active Effect: Defence increase: 15% + 3 x Level% Speed increase: 15% + 3 x Level% Attack increase: 15% + 3 x Level% Fighting Spirit increase: 20% + 3 x Level% Intermediate: +50% active Advance: +50% active Drains Stamina to use when Active A powerful spell in which uses Aura, the hidden life essence of the body. Even while not active, this skill will increase the abilities of the body as the aura is strengthening it internally. When active however, its effects are more apparent with the aura coming outside the body to externally strengthen it. The aura in some cases can also be used as a defence or another layer of defence but strong attacks may break through it easily. Dragonic Release A modified version of the outer seal which once allowed access to power above the norm. Upon changing to a lesser race, this ability was taken away. In exchange, this state will pushes the body's limit was created to replace that. Improvements have been made so this state has more power and stability compared to the original. - Spell Damage Increases by 100% - Spell Range Increase by 60% - Mana Absorption can be Activated - Strength is Increased by 60% - Agility in Increased by 60% - Movement Speed Increases by 30% - Defence Increases by 30% - Resistance to Magic Increases by 20% - Domination is twice as effective - Fighting Spirit is increased by 150% Time Limit: 12 Hours Dragonic Overload A modified version of the inner seal which once allowed access to power beyond the norm. Upon changing to a lesser race, this ability was taken away. In exchange, this state will pushes beyond the body's limit was created to replace that. Improvements have been made so this state has more power and stability compared to the original. Partly inspired by Balance Breaker. - Mana Doubles - Gives Rapid Natural Mana Regeneration of 150 mana/second - All Skills rank up by 1 - All Skills in Beginner Levels rank up to Intermediate - Spell Damage Increases by 150% - Spell Range Increase by 80% - Strength is Increased by 80% - Agility is Increased by 80% - Movement Speed Increases by 50% - Defence Increases by 50% - Resistance to Magic Increases by 30% - Fighting Spirit is increased by 200% Time Limit: 4 Hours Dragon Rampage Once a day is can double your stats in exchange to go berserk in the battlefield. This skill does not cause the body to indiscriminately attack people however but rather focus the rage for a burst of power. Damage you deal: 2 times Damage you take: 2 times Evil Glaze A passive skill that projects your fighting spirit through your eyes. Those with low fighting spirit will be paralysed while others will have lowered stats and chance of skill or spells activating. Presence Concealment The ability to fade yourself into the background making it harder for people to detect you. There is a legend that the most the few masters of this skill, the Cloud Knights are able to drift in and out of forts without anyone knowing to the point that even the strongest knights do no know where to swing. When active (Beginner): - Presence is reduced to near zero - Unable to use strong attacks - Stats will be reduced by 80% When active (Intermediate): - Presence is reduced to near zero or to a strong person - Unable to use strong attacks - Stats will be reduced by 40% - Critical Hits will be more likely in this state +5% - Able to move around people more easily When active (Advance): - Presence is reduced to near zero or to of a normal person's - Unable to use Flashy Attacks - No Stat reduction - Critical Hits will be more likely in this state +15% - Able to move around people more easily Recovery Burst A burst of regeneration energy surging through the body. Most wounds will naturally heal in this state though it will cause extreme pain to the user. Along with this healing, status debuffs will be removed and mana will regeneration at a high speed. - Increase Mana Regeneration by 50 + 10 x level% - Wounds will heal quickly ? Extremely fast ? Instantly - Body's naturally healing rate will be increased (Advance) - Skill will activate automatically after a certain amount of damage (intermediate) Mental Acceleration Increase the mental speed in which the brain works at. In this state, time will seem to slow down as the body adapts to it as well as processing speed and thinking speed will increase as well. However in exchange, the mind is heavily restrained in this state resulting in extreme mental exhaustion when used. Some effects includes extreme headaches to blacking out. - Control over Body and Magic will increase in this state - Time will slow down in this state - Speed in which the Body can move as well as the speed of casting spells will increase - Able to manipulate the strength of this skill (Intermediate) Aura Channelling The ability to regulate and manipulate the Aura in your body with fine detail. Using this skill, the aura in the body will become more efficient in enhancing the body in both speed and strength. There are some properties that can be unlocked via special means. Properties Unlocked: - Aura will be leak out unintentionally (Stamina Regeneration +5 + 5 x level%)) - Rotates Aura in body (Stamina Regeneration +10 + 10 x level%, Aura Control +10 + 10 x level%) - Able to gather Aura in parts of Body (Attack and Defence +5 + 5 x level %) Six Strike Form Five Slashing moves and one Stabbing move is the core of the Six Strike Form. Each attack is used via a single step forward and a single attack at the same time. The Trick Shot Form has been integrated into the Form as well, allowing you to change your attack mid-way. Weapon Speed Increase when using this Form: 5 x Level% Weapon Damage when using this Form: 10 x Level% Time to set up Stance: 5 - Level seconds A prepping skill where the strength and speed of strikes is increased. While it increases the power of strikes, the time lag in between setting up and attacking can be fatal in battle. As such, this skill cannot be used to in high speed battles where a single strike could take your life. Dance of Water A dance that was once used to allow humans to be processed by Gods to battle. However such techniques and such Gods are lost now but the basic form of the summoning rite was changed to allow the user more graceful and deadly movements. When active, the body is able to naturally dodge attacks in a smooth manner unless the body cannot keep up or the attack is unavoidable. Other skills can be used in this dance when it reaches intermediate level. Mana to maintain state per minute: 50 Weapon Speed increase: 1 x Level% Body speed increase: 1 x Level% Intermediate Increase Weapon and Body Speed by 10% Advance Increase Weapon and Body Speed by 20% An active skill that enchants the ability of the body in relation to evasion. In this state, the body will naturally try to dodge attacks and when that is impossible, reduce the amount of damage as much as possible. This Dance also allowed the weapon to strike a bit faster as well. Golden Weapon Trio The three weapons of unknown origins have been used by a great hero in the past. It was forged using part of his soul and as such it can be called into the world through such means at any time and place. The three weapons are a sword, spear and bow. The Golden Sword Torrwch has the power of destorying what cannot be destroyed and is capable to seal and unseal creatures and objects The Spear Torrwr had the power of being nearly unbreakable and can change its shape form the will of the user. The Bow Saethwr has the power of multiplying the projectile fired and also had the power to turn the projectiles fired into homing shots. Mana Cost per Summon: 1000 Number of Weapons able to summon at once: 1 x Level The skill is exclusive the the Magic King Class. The three weapons are bound to the user so even if the weapons are stolen or broken it will disappear and be reforged in the soul of the user until it is resummoned again. However the skill is unique in the sense that you can summon multiple at once and even the same weapon over and over again. However the cost of summoning the weapons is still very high as they are each powerful in their own rights. When the skill reaches Intermediate Level, the user is able to alter the form of the weapons. Impaling Strike Sword Techniques 5 very old yet powerful sword techniques based on stabbing using a weapon. This can be used for all kinds of weapons such as spears and lances which gives bonuses. Skills: - Burst Strike - Reset Point - Double Strike - Crimson Lance - Armour of Blood Warrior Increase damage from skill by Level of Comprehension% Uses Red Aura to increase damage Slashing Strike Shield Techniques Paired with the Impaling Strike Sword Technique, these five techniques involve using the defensive powers of the shield or otherwise other weapon to attack instead of defend. While not having a high amount of power, it does increase defence while attacking using these techniques Skills: - Defensive Slash Increase defence from skill by Level of Comprehension% Uses Blue Aura to increase defence Armor of the Magic King Said to have existed side by side with the legendary 'God Armor', it carries equal power. However there hasn't been a person worthy of using its full power since its existence besides one that was sealed forever away. All foes shall be dominated when worn and only the 'God Armor' can counter it. However since its last use, its power has dropped significantly. Conditions to use: - Holder of immense power - Drains Mana when Equipped An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. A skill formerly sealed off in the depths of llyfr's soul, this is an extremely powerful and dangerous skill. As the skill is degraded back to the basics, the character is able to only partly call upon the armor which is still powerful. When the skill reaches intermediate level, the character is able to call upon the full armor set at once. However even with that the armor skill lacks its former power and abilities in the past. The armor also drains a lot of mana as well and is meant to be used with Mana Absorption to help maintain it. Body Transformation The ability to transform or rather in this case to restore your body to your natural state. As this skill level up, you are able to transform more of your body at once. There are 10 transformations in total. Transforming your body cost mana according to your skill level and multiple transformation are possible but cost more mana. However there is also the risk that you will lose control of your body in the progress of mastering this skill. Current Transformations available: 1 + 1 x 10% of comprehension/10 An unique skill to those who process the being llyfr in them. By corrupt themselves with the power of llyfr, they are able to take his form. Extremely powerful, yet dangerous, the user of this skill is given large amounts of power immediately in exchange of their sanity and control of their body. This form is otherwise known as the berserk form of the Magic King Drive that was forbidden in the first place and was first seen in the series from Eden point of view before he died and then Alexandra and Viv's when Eden's body was breaking down. This form was also shown due to the power of the basin of truth but it only changed the appearance of Eden and the power that came with the form was still sealed away. However it still carried some power even in that state.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – Everything leads to training.</span> <br> <br>“Wait what do you mean I'm weak because of my age?” <br> <br>I demanded answers since the two of them seemed to be in a world of their own. In this game age doesn't matter much since all players can level up at the same pace or higher if they played enough. <br> <br>Although those who are older in appearance are often sought more since they seemed more responsible in finishing a quest. But this isn't the problem. These two are arguing that I'm weak because I'm young. There are many cases this game where young players are in the top 100 in terms of levels. <br> <br>“Like I said, its natural to be weaker than others older than you since they have more experience.” answered Warlic. <br> <br>And that's the problem I'm having with you guys right now. <br> <br>“Don't forget about the fact that your weak in all aspects~” <br> <br>This guy....he's definitely taunting me. <br> <br>“So how can I get over this weakness of mine?” <br> <br>Maybe they have some weird drink that makes me 100 times stronger or something. Or they could alter my body make-up for me to be stronger. <br> <br>“Training” <br> <br>“Training~” <br> <br>Ah they said the same thing. I rather not train since its a pain to do. That's why I decided to be a librarian. It was a simple job and I didn't have to do much. <br> <br>“Will you train me then?” I asked hoping for them to accept. <br> <br>“No.” <br> <br>“Nope~” <br> <br>Again they have the same answer. The two are polar opposites and yet they agree on this. <br> <br>I asked, “Why?” <br> <br>Warlic explained, “The thing is that we don't exactly have the time to do so. Training takes years and is constant. Also both of us are in...you can say the master level in our field of study. Things that you have to think about are as natural as breathing to us.” <br> <br>“That still doesn't excuse the fact that you can train me. You guys are stuck here for a while right?” <br> <br>To two of them looked at each other and said at the same time again, “Its a pain.” <br> <br>So that was the real reason. Its not like you can't be they don't want to.... <br> <br>“If you want to be stronger I can do it for you~” <br> <br>Eh....what did Crysero just say? <br> <br>“Crysero.....I believe your planing to experiment on Eden.” <br> <br>Experiments are fine to me. <br> <br>“Yep~” <br> <br>“So what are you going to do?” <br> <br>I'm wondering that as well. <br> <br>“Modify him~” <br> <br>Cool I can be like a guy from Deus Ex. <br> <br>“No.” <br> <br>Warlic clearly rejected the idea. Why? Modification seems fine to me. <br> <br>“Why not Warlic?~” <br> <br>Yes why not Warlic. <br> <br>“If you modified Eden....you'll create a monster that will destroy the world.” <br> <br>That sounds fine being the destroyer of the wor.....wait destroyer of the world?! What kinds of modification he Crysero planing for me?! <br> <br>“Eh, is that why? Something so minor.~” <br> <br>Minor?! This is dealing with the fate of the world you know?! <br> <br>“I could give him the power to fly, the power to shoot lazers out of his eyes even to make claws come out of his hands~” <br> <br>That does sound cool but I feel like I'm about to cross copyright laws.... <br> <br>“No. Instead I'll teach him a bit. Only a BIT!” <br> <br>Warlic accepted training me instead of letting Crysero modify me....how much danger does the world have to be in if Warlic wants to train me? Wait if he's training me than am I his apprentice? <br> <br>“Hey Warlic if I'm training under you am I your apprentice?” <br> <br>“No.” <br> <br>Well all my hopes just disappeared. <br> <br>“Why not?” <br> <br>“One apprentice is enough. That one is...impatient. Even more so than you...even though she's half dragon.” <br> <br>Half dragon....there's such a thing? Sounds interesting to me. Maybe I can meet this half dragon one day. <br> <br>“Eden your thinking you'll like to meet my apprentice someday right? Don't. Believe me, she's a massive hassle.” <br> <br>A hassle why? What did this apprentice do for Warlic to say this about her? <br> <br>“Oh you mean the time when she killed you? Or the time she challenged the elemental lords and almost destroyed the world?~” <br> <br>Wait she killed you? Almost destroyed the world? What is this madness?! <br> <br>“All of that was worth the effect to teach her patient.” <br> <br>Warlic calmly remembered it all before me and it was.....awkward. Wait how did he revive? Wasn't he a NPC? <br> <br>“Warlic how did you revive?” I asked trying to fill in the holes of what I heard from Crysero's mouth. <br> <br>“Magic~” <br> <br>That again... <br> <br>“No not magic Crysero....even though I could...I had a quick chat with Death before reviving when my apprentice realised that she wasn't strong enough to face the avatars.” <br> <br>Quick chat with death.......and facing the avatars? Is he referring to the blue creatures from the highly overrated movie or the cartoon series with the Asian boy with a terrible movie adaption that portrayed him as a white kid? <br> <br>“Doesn't death have a issue with people reviving?” I asked. It would be very strange for a creature named after death not to want people to die and stay dead. <br> <br>“Not at all. You see death is very complicated since there's a being that represent all death. You see death isn't all fussy with whether people live or die. Whenever someone dies he becomes stronger. Which is why he lets everyone who wants to live revive even though there are some conditions with it.” <br> <br>Oh that's why. He gets stronger each time someone dies, but won't that mean there will be more and more people living a long life? And what are these conditions. <br> <br>“Condition such as?” <br> <br>“Owing him a favour. Of course those who can't will stay dead.” <br> <br>What?...Death likes people owing him a favour? Ad the next part makes sense. What's the point of making someone owe you a favour when they can't do anything for you. <br> <br>“Does Death actually check in the favours he gets.” I wouldn't want death knocking on my door and telling me about that favour I owe him... <br> <br>“Sometimes. When he needs something done.” <br> <br>Well that makes sense. Death can't exactly go around and do stuff with his job. People will panic and run because 'Death' is here. Though that would be very entertaining to watch. <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Magic!</span> <br> <br>A bit of conversation passed and Warlic was taking me somewhere to start my training. Warlic said that my training would involve me going to the other side of the tower with all the monsters and stuff and fighting them. But I have no means of fighting them. As a level 1 I was the weakest I could be. But I had some stats in intelligence and wisdom which made me more suited to magic than melee combat so Warlic is going to teach me some magic. <br> <br>We entered some sort of storage room. Well there are a lot of them in this tower. I didn't try to open many of them after the first one.... <br> <br>“So what do I do now” I asked kinda confused. <br> <br>“Wait. I have to get out the proper tools for you.” <br> <br>I see, now Crysero had left already to do something that involves the mobs in his side of the tower. <br> <br>Apparently he was weakening them for me which was nice but since it concerns a madman.....I'm worried. <br> <br>“Ah! Here it is.” <br> <br>Warlic had a bracelet in his hand. It was old, rusty and had some writing on it. He handed it to me to wear. After I placed it over my right hand he started talking. <br> <br>“That bracelet is a ancient tool used when magic was still....well more immature and...more destructive.” <br> <br>I don't like the sound of that. Why can't everything be peaceful? <br> <br>“It is used to restrict the wearer by absorbing mana from the body whenever you use a spell. You can say this was also used as punishment for ones that abuse their powers.” <br> <br>Eh....the training device was used as punishment as well? <br> <br>“Well it doesn't do much but restrict the amount of mana you can use while casting a spell so don't worry.” <br> <br>I DO worry! Why am I wearing something that was used as a punishment device?! <br> <br>“Furthermore I don't want you to destroy or damage this tower too much.” <br> <br>Ah...so that's the real reason. <br> <br>“Now for the actual explanation.” <br> <br>Wait the thing before wasn't the explanation? <br> <br>“There are two types of mages. The first is the typical stereotype which is the wizard type. They employ powerful magic that wipe out the entire battlefield but they also take a lot of time to cast and need other people to protect them while casting.” <br> <br>I see...sounds very boring. Staying behind everyone and finishing everything up in one go like a garbage collector. <br> <br>“The second type is the battle type. While not having as much power as the wizard type, they are much more flexible in combat. They deploy countless small spells in battle to take control of the situation. They are less common since they require more physical ability than most mages would like.” <br> <br>This class sounds exciting but only having weak spells sounds restrictive. But I can see the lure for some people to run around spamming their spells without worry. <br> <br>“Now you fall under none of these types since you can't use magic. Yet.” <br> <br>Yeah thanks... <br> <br>“Before we decide on your type we need to work on your basics. In short controlling magic.” <br> <br>I see. <br> <br>“So how are we going to do this Warlic?” Is he going to make me go through hell or something? <br> <br>“Simple. We start small and work our way up. One step at a time.” <br> <br>Wow...that is boring. But its better than Hell training. <br> <br>“Of course Hell training will be prepared if you fail. Now I'm going to teach you the most basic of the basics now. First focus on making a ball in your hand where the bracelet is.” <br> <br>Wait what? How am I suppose to do that?! I don't want hell training. <br> <br>“The bracelet serves to amplify your abilities in focusing so people without talent can train at the same pace.” <br> <br>So I'm one of the talentless ones. Anyway time to focus. A ball in my hand. A ball in my hand. A ball in my hand. <br> <br>A ball of light sort of appeared then disappeared in my hand. After seeing it Warlic commented with, “Good! At least you can do that. I have to help Crysero...no check on him for a bit so keep on doing that. Remember the more practice you have the easier it will be later.” <br> <br>With that Warlic left me to work on my own. <br> <br>After 2 hours of doing the same thing over and over again. I noticed a couple of things. I gained the stat concentration. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Concentration <br>The ability to focus on a task. As this stat increase, it becomes easier to do certain actions without being distracted. Increases the speed of casting magic and success rate of spells.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br> <br>The second thing was that I gained magic mastery. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Magic mastery Beginner Level 1(3%) <br> <br>The ability to manipulate mana. It serves to increase the ability to cast and learn magic of all kinds. <br> <br>Increase casting speed by 3% <br>Increase magic strength by 10%</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>And the third thing was making these balls of light was getting easier as I go. Now I think about it, how long has it been since I been back at the good old sleeping sheep centre? Is Dan worried? No, rag probably informed him already. Now back to training or I get Hell training. <br> <br>“Eden I'm back....” <br> <br>Warlic appeared again after another 2 hours and he was burnt? His longish white hair was turned black and his blue robes were also the colour black now. <br> <br>“What the hell happened there?” I asked suddenly due to his appearance. <br> <br>“Don't ask.” So it was that bad eh. You have it rough. <br> <br>Warlic frowned at the memory of something happening. It was probably Crysero's fault. But on another note what do I do now? I can make this ball of light appear pretty easily now. <br>“It looks like you got the basic down.” <br> <br>Yeah I noticed that as well. Oh, I have to inform him about the other things I gained as well. <br> <br>“Yeah I even gained the concentration stat and the skill magic mastery.” <br> <br>Warlic looked confused. He asked, “What are these things you're talking about?” <br> <br>Eh? He doesn't know? <br> <br>“Umm.....its the things you gain after using magic for a bit.” <br> <br>I really have no idea how I got these things. They just appeared out of nowhere. <br> <br>“I see....but I still don't get it. How do these things appear. What effects does it have on you. And so on.” <br> <br>“Well say open status window first...” <br> <br>I think that was first thing you learn since it was the basic of the basic. <br> <br>“Open Status Window!” <br> <br>After Warlic said that he had a couple of expressions passing through his face. Shock, interest, understanding and confusion. <br> <br>“What is this window that I see with my name on it?” <br> <br>Ah so it worked for him. <br> <br>“It tells you your stats.” <br> <br>“I see....can you see this thing hovering in front of me?” <br> <br>Not at all. Is there a way to? <br> <br>“Not unless you share it with me.” <br> <br>“How do I do that?” <br> <br>…....I really have no idea. Maybe say share with Eden or allow access to status window or something? <br> <br>Warlic tried a couple of phases and eventually he got his status window to appear for me. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Warlic</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Good</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">Maximum</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Wizard</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">N/A</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">Blue Mage</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">N/A</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">Infinite</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">Maximum</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">Infinite</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td width="25%">Infinite</td><td width="25%">Unknown</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">N/A</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">99%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>What the fuck......seriously......I.....no. I have so much to say about this.... <br> <br>“Warlic your stats seems so weird...” <br> <br>Man if I take a screenshot of this and post it on the internet...no, people will thing I'm trolling them. <br> <br>“Yeah I know. How come there's so many N/A for my stats?” <br> <br>I'm more concerned about why your level is considered maximum. Are you at the point where you can't get stronger or something is stopping you form levelling? <br> <br>“I think its because your not suppose to be in this world and so it doesn't know what to do with your stats.” <br> <br>That was the best explanation I had. <br> <br>“That makes sense but what is this unknown stat?” <br> <br>How would I know? It says Unknown does it not. <br> <br>“No idea. Something we can't comprehend perhaps?” <br> <br>Another one of my small theories. <br> <br>“Well what does your one look like?” <br> <br>So he wants to compare his one with mind. Well I don't exactly mind but he may get the wrong impression if I do. I opened my status window which was very very pale in comparison with Warlic's to show it to him. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Eden</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">30</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">300</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">11</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">11</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">41</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">39</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td colspan="3">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>“This looks very plain. Except that you have more intelligence and wisdom.” <br> <br>I know. I've done nothing but read for 3 weeks. Don't blame me. I was lazy. <br> <br>“Well now we have to get back with the training. Now I want you to move the ball around.” <br> <br>Great how am I suppose to do that. Imagine it. I better try at least. <br> <br>I focused on creating the ball first before anything else. After I thought the ball of light was stabilised, I imagined it moving around my hand. Not much happened. The ball of light flickered but stayed at the exact same position. <br> <br>“Its not working.” <br> <br>“True. Focus some more. It will eventually move.” <br> <br>“When?” <br> <br>“The moment you can focus enough to move it.” <br> <br>Warlic left to do stuff. And so the second phrase of the training begun. It was even more boring than the first. But with this I could potentially train my concentration stat and magic mastery at the same time. But the problem was moving the damn light ball in my hand. It just won't move. In my rage and impatient I threw my hand to the wall. <br> <br>Bang <br> <br>What? Why is the wall damaged. Did I do that? Oh shit. Warlic is going to kill me....or maybe he isn't. My training is progressing due to that and he might prai- <br> <br>“What was that Eden?! What was that loud noi-” <br> <br>The two of us stayed silence for a bit. Warlic sighed, pointed his staff to the wall and it fixed itself. <br> <br>“How did you do that?” <br> <br>A wall fixing spell would be very useful I imagine. <br> <br>“Simple magic that involves turning back time.” <br> <br>That's not simple at all. I still remember how you manipulated time and space at the same time. God damnit. Why is he that powerful? <br> <br>“It looks like you have made some progress in the training. Keep it up. I still need to adjust the monsters for you. Making them significantly weaker is quite difficult.” <br> <br>I get it. I'm weak. Now let me torment myself in peace Warlic. God I hope Crysero doesn't come over. <br> <br>“Did someone think about me?~” <br> <br>God damnit. This can't any worse. <br> <br>“Hey Hey what are you doing with the basics of magic?~” <br> <br>And it just did. <br> <br>“I'm trying to make the ball of light move. But I have no idea how to do it.” <br> <br>“Have you tried forcing it to move?~” <br> <br>Forcing it? Don't you have to imagine it moving? <br> <br>“Magic doesn't work through imagination alone~” <br> <br>“I see...thanks.” <br> <br>“Cya~” <br> <br>Crysero ran out of the room and I just realised that Warlic was gone as well. Well that doesn't really matter right now. Time to figure out how to use Crysero's advice. How do I force the ball to move. It doesn't work with me imagining it. So I have to use mana to move it? Wait doesn't this bracelet help me control my mana? In that case.... <br> <br>I imagined a force pushing on the ball and it moving left a bit. <br> <br>Move move move move move move move move. Ah it moved. I finally moved the damn light ball. <br> <br>“Ah good you finally moved it. That finishes phrase two of the training.” <br> <br>Wait what?! When and how did Warlic get here. <br> <br>“Mind you, I didn't leave this room. I simply moved out of your sights. You focusing on the task helped as well.” <br> <br>So he was spying on me....great. <br> <br>“What's the next part of the training?” <br> <br>“Making several of them at one and controlling them at the same time. Simple to say but much &nbsp;more difficult than you think. I suggest you focus on making two light balls at once first before trying to move them. This task requires you to focus on multiple things at once. Something not many can do without failure. Now then I have to do stuff again.” <br> <br>Warlic left me to the current task which would take me a while to complete. First of all I tried making two light balls instead of one. The results was two very unstable things floating that doesn't resemble light balls. <br> <br>This is pretty hard to do. I bet the bracelet is helping a lot. Maybe if I try to make one after the other it would be easier. <br> <br>I focused on making one light ball and after it appeared I focused on making the other. <br> <br>BOOM <br> <br>The first light ball became unstable and exploded in my hand when I tried to make the second one. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 10 health.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Shit. If things don't do well I might die. Well I can still go on but after a couple more tries I have to rest. Speaking of rest I have to eat. I took out another rye bread which I promptly brought in stacks before and ate two of them to restore my Satisfaction metre back to max. I also took out one of several canteens of water which I also brought and drink a bit of water from one of them. The reason why I brought so much supplies is so if anything happens I won't starve to death. Well at least not immediately. Dan also gave me a free meal occasionally so I won't get sick of the taste of rye bread. <br> <br>Anyway I have to get back in task. If I lose focus on one ball it'll explode. That's great information for me. It'll serve as a reminder to not lose focus on one of them. I created another light ball in my hand and started to try and create another one without letting the first one explode. The results was the same. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 10 health.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Really....this is going to take a while. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Continue Misfortune?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1266" target="_blank">Previous</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1275" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>- After several hours of sleep, I'm finally awake. This chapter was 3675 words long. <br>- Also I decided two things. I'll post once a day and I'll lock each topic after each new chapter is posted. Why I'm doing this when I've already written a whole volume you say? Writing this stuff takes time and sometimes I don't have enough time to write a chapter a day and I already decided to write volume by volume before posting each one. <br>- On another note a certain ninnin wanted me to post part by part. You know how this series doesn't have the page break in the middle of the story right? I replaced it with sub-headings which are the parts. Imagine waiting a whole day to see a couple of lines posted as the next part. </div>

Part 1 – Everything leads to training. “Wait what do you mean I'm weak because of my age?” I demanded answers since the two of them seemed to be in a world of their own. In this game age doesn't matter much since all players can level up at the same pace or higher if they played enough. Although those who are older in appearance are often sought more since they seemed more responsible in finishing a quest. But this isn't the problem. These two are arguing that I'm weak because I'm young. There are many cases this game where young players are in the top 100 in terms of levels. “Like I said, its natural to be weaker than others older than you since they have more experience.” answered Warlic. And that's the problem I'm having with you guys right now. “Don't forget about the fact that your weak in all aspects~” This guy....he's definitely taunting me. “So how can I get over this weakness of mine?” Maybe they have some weird drink that makes me 100 times stronger or something. Or they could alter my body make-up for me to be stronger. “Training” “Training~” Ah they said the same thing. I rather not train since its a pain to do. That's why I decided to be a librarian. It was a simple job and I didn't have to do much. “Will you train me then?” I asked hoping for them to accept. “No.” “Nope~” Again they have the same answer. The two are polar opposites and yet they agree on this. I asked, “Why?” Warlic explained, “The thing is that we don't exactly have the time to do so. Training takes years and is constant. Also both of us are in...you can say the master level in our field of study. Things that you have to think about are as natural as breathing to us.” “That still doesn't excuse the fact that you can train me. You guys are stuck here for a while right?” To two of them looked at each other and said at the same time again, “Its a pain.” So that was the real reason. Its not like you can't be they don't want to.... “If you want to be stronger I can do it for you~” Eh....what did Crysero just say? “Crysero.....I believe your planing to experiment on Eden.” Experiments are fine to me. “Yep~” “So what are you going to do?” I'm wondering that as well. “Modify him~” Cool I can be like a guy from Deus Ex. “No.” Warlic clearly rejected the idea. Why? Modification seems fine to me. “Why not Warlic?~” Yes why not Warlic. “If you modified Eden....you'll create a monster that will destroy the world.” That sounds fine being the destroyer of the wor.....wait destroyer of the world?! What kinds of modification he Crysero planing for me?! “Eh, is that why? Something so minor.~” Minor?! This is dealing with the fate of the world you know?! “I could give him the power to fly, the power to shoot lazers out of his eyes even to make claws come out of his hands~” That does sound cool but I feel like I'm about to cross copyright laws.... “No. Instead I'll teach him a bit. Only a BIT!” Warlic accepted training me instead of letting Crysero modify me....how much danger does the world have to be in if Warlic wants to train me? Wait if he's training me than am I his apprentice? “Hey Warlic if I'm training under you am I your apprentice?” “No.” Well all my hopes just disappeared. “Why not?” “One apprentice is enough. That one is...impatient. Even more so than you...even though she's half dragon.” Half dragon....there's such a thing? Sounds interesting to me. Maybe I can meet this half dragon one day. “Eden your thinking you'll like to meet my apprentice someday right? Don't. Believe me, she's a massive hassle.” A hassle why? What did this apprentice do for Warlic to say this about her? “Oh you mean the time when she killed you? Or the time she challenged the elemental lords and almost destroyed the world?~” Wait she killed you? Almost destroyed the world? What is this madness?! “All of that was worth the effect to teach her patient.” Warlic calmly remembered it all before me and it was.....awkward. Wait how did he revive? Wasn't he a NPC? “Warlic how did you revive?” I asked trying to fill in the holes of what I heard from Crysero's mouth. “Magic~” That again... “No not magic Crysero....even though I could...I had a quick chat with Death before reviving when my apprentice realised that she wasn't strong enough to face the avatars.” Quick chat with death.......and facing the avatars? Is he referring to the blue creatures from the highly overrated movie or the cartoon series with the Asian boy with a terrible movie adaption that portrayed him as a white kid? “Doesn't death have a issue with people reviving?” I asked. It would be very strange for a creature named after death not to want people to die and stay dead. “Not at all. You see death is very complicated since there's a being that represent all death. You see death isn't all fussy with whether people live or die. Whenever someone dies he becomes stronger. Which is why he lets everyone who wants to live revive even though there are some conditions with it.” Oh that's why. He gets stronger each time someone dies, but won't that mean there will be more and more people living a long life? And what are these conditions. “Condition such as?” “Owing him a favour. Of course those who can't will stay dead.” What?...Death likes people owing him a favour? Ad the next part makes sense. What's the point of making someone owe you a favour when they can't do anything for you. “Does Death actually check in the favours he gets.” I wouldn't want death knocking on my door and telling me about that favour I owe him... “Sometimes. When he needs something done.” Well that makes sense. Death can't exactly go around and do stuff with his job. People will panic and run because 'Death' is here. Though that would be very entertaining to watch. Part 2 – Magic! A bit of conversation passed and Warlic was taking me somewhere to start my training. Warlic said that my training would involve me going to the other side of the tower with all the monsters and stuff and fighting them. But I have no means of fighting them. As a level 1 I was the weakest I could be. But I had some stats in intelligence and wisdom which made me more suited to magic than melee combat so Warlic is going to teach me some magic. We entered some sort of storage room. Well there are a lot of them in this tower. I didn't try to open many of them after the first one.... “So what do I do now” I asked kinda confused. “Wait. I have to get out the proper tools for you.” I see, now Crysero had left already to do something that involves the mobs in his side of the tower. Apparently he was weakening them for me which was nice but since it concerns a madman.....I'm worried. “Ah! Here it is.” Warlic had a bracelet in his hand. It was old, rusty and had some writing on it. He handed it to me to wear. After I placed it over my right hand he started talking. “That bracelet is a ancient tool used when magic was still....well more immature and...more destructive.” I don't like the sound of that. Why can't everything be peaceful? “It is used to restrict the wearer by absorbing mana from the body whenever you use a spell. You can say this was also used as punishment for ones that abuse their powers.” Eh....the training device was used as punishment as well? “Well it doesn't do much but restrict the amount of mana you can use while casting a spell so don't worry.” I DO worry! Why am I wearing something that was used as a punishment device?! “Furthermore I don't want you to destroy or damage this tower too much.” Ah...so that's the real reason. “Now for the actual explanation.” Wait the thing before wasn't the explanation? “There are two types of mages. The first is the typical stereotype which is the wizard type. They employ powerful magic that wipe out the entire battlefield but they also take a lot of time to cast and need other people to protect them while casting.” I see...sounds very boring. Staying behind everyone and finishing everything up in one go like a garbage collector. “The second type is the battle type. While not having as much power as the wizard type, they are much more flexible in combat. They deploy countless small spells in battle to take control of the situation. They are less common since they require more physical ability than most mages would like.” This class sounds exciting but only having weak spells sounds restrictive. But I can see the lure for some people to run around spamming their spells without worry. “Now you fall under none of these types since you can't use magic. Yet.” Yeah thanks... “Before we decide on your type we need to work on your basics. In short controlling magic.” I see. “So how are we going to do this Warlic?” Is he going to make me go through hell or something? “Simple. We start small and work our way up. One step at a time.” Wow...that is boring. But its better than Hell training. “Of course Hell training will be prepared if you fail. Now I'm going to teach you the most basic of the basics now. First focus on making a ball in your hand where the bracelet is.” Wait what? How am I suppose to do that?! I don't want hell training. “The bracelet serves to amplify your abilities in focusing so people without talent can train at the same pace.” So I'm one of the talentless ones. Anyway time to focus. A ball in my hand. A ball in my hand. A ball in my hand. A ball of light sort of appeared then disappeared in my hand. After seeing it Warlic commented with, “Good! At least you can do that. I have to help Crysero...no check on him for a bit so keep on doing that. Remember the more practice you have the easier it will be later.” With that Warlic left me to work on my own. After 2 hours of doing the same thing over and over again. I noticed a couple of things. I gained the stat concentration. | Concentration The ability to focus on a task. As this stat increase, it becomes easier to do certain actions without being distracted. Increases the speed of casting magic and success rate of spells. | | --- | The second thing was that I gained magic mastery. | Magic mastery Beginner Level 1(3%) The ability to manipulate mana. It serves to increase the ability to cast and learn magic of all kinds. Increase casting speed by 3% Increase magic strength by 10% | | --- | And the third thing was making these balls of light was getting easier as I go. Now I think about it, how long has it been since I been back at the good old sleeping sheep centre? Is Dan worried? No, rag probably informed him already. Now back to training or I get Hell training. “Eden I'm back....” Warlic appeared again after another 2 hours and he was burnt? His longish white hair was turned black and his blue robes were also the colour black now. “What the hell happened there?” I asked suddenly due to his appearance. “Don't ask.” So it was that bad eh. You have it rough. Warlic frowned at the memory of something happening. It was probably Crysero's fault. But on another note what do I do now? I can make this ball of light appear pretty easily now. “It looks like you got the basic down.” Yeah I noticed that as well. Oh, I have to inform him about the other things I gained as well. “Yeah I even gained the concentration stat and the skill magic mastery.” Warlic looked confused. He asked, “What are these things you're talking about?” Eh? He doesn't know? “Umm.....its the things you gain after using magic for a bit.” I really have no idea how I got these things. They just appeared out of nowhere. “I see....but I still don't get it. How do these things appear. What effects does it have on you. And so on.” “Well say open status window first...” I think that was first thing you learn since it was the basic of the basic. “Open Status Window!” After Warlic said that he had a couple of expressions passing through his face. Shock, interest, understanding and confusion. “What is this window that I see with my name on it?” Ah so it worked for him. “It tells you your stats.” “I see....can you see this thing hovering in front of me?” Not at all. Is there a way to? “Not unless you share it with me.” “How do I do that?” …....I really have no idea. Maybe say share with Eden or allow access to status window or something? Warlic tried a couple of phases and eventually he got his status window to appear for me. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Warlic | Type | Good | | Level | Maximum | Class | Wizard | | Fame | N/A | Infamy | N/A | | Title | Blue Mage | | | | Strength | N/A | Agility | N/A | | Wisdom | Infinite | Intelligence | Maximum | | Stamina | Infinite | Vitality | N/A | | Concentration | Infinite | Unknown | N/A | | Offence | N/A | Defense | N/A | | Magic Resistance | 99% | | | What the fuck......seriously......I.....no. I have so much to say about this.... “Warlic your stats seems so weird...” Man if I take a screenshot of this and post it on the internet...no, people will thing I'm trolling them. “Yeah I know. How come there's so many N/A for my stats?” I'm more concerned about why your level is considered maximum. Are you at the point where you can't get stronger or something is stopping you form levelling? “I think its because your not suppose to be in this world and so it doesn't know what to do with your stats.” That was the best explanation I had. “That makes sense but what is this unknown stat?” How would I know? It says Unknown does it not. “No idea. Something we can't comprehend perhaps?” Another one of my small theories. “Well what does your one look like?” So he wants to compare his one with mind. Well I don't exactly mind but he may get the wrong impression if I do. I opened my status window which was very very pale in comparison with Warlic's to show it to him. | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Eden | Type | Neutral | | Level | 1 | Class | None | | Fame | 30 | Infamy | 0 | | Title | None | | | | Health | 100 | Mana | 300 | | Strength | 11 | Agility | 11 | | Wisdom | 41 | Intelligence | 39 | | Vitality | 10 | Stamina | 10 | | Concentration | 10 | | | | Offence | 10 | Defense | 10 | | Magic Resistance | None | | | “This looks very plain. Except that you have more intelligence and wisdom.” I know. I've done nothing but read for 3 weeks. Don't blame me. I was lazy. “Well now we have to get back with the training. Now I want you to move the ball around.” Great how am I suppose to do that. Imagine it. I better try at least. I focused on creating the ball first before anything else. After I thought the ball of light was stabilised, I imagined it moving around my hand. Not much happened. The ball of light flickered but stayed at the exact same position. “Its not working.” “True. Focus some more. It will eventually move.” “When?” “The moment you can focus enough to move it.” Warlic left to do stuff. And so the second phrase of the training begun. It was even more boring than the first. But with this I could potentially train my concentration stat and magic mastery at the same time. But the problem was moving the damn light ball in my hand. It just won't move. In my rage and impatient I threw my hand to the wall. Bang What? Why is the wall damaged. Did I do that? Oh shit. Warlic is going to kill me....or maybe he isn't. My training is progressing due to that and he might prai- “What was that Eden?! What was that loud noi-” The two of us stayed silence for a bit. Warlic sighed, pointed his staff to the wall and it fixed itself. “How did you do that?” A wall fixing spell would be very useful I imagine. “Simple magic that involves turning back time.” That's not simple at all. I still remember how you manipulated time and space at the same time. God damnit. Why is he that powerful? “It looks like you have made some progress in the training. Keep it up. I still need to adjust the monsters for you. Making them significantly weaker is quite difficult.” I get it. I'm weak. Now let me torment myself in peace Warlic. God I hope Crysero doesn't come over. “Did someone think about me?~” God damnit. This can't any worse. “Hey Hey what are you doing with the basics of magic?~” And it just did. “I'm trying to make the ball of light move. But I have no idea how to do it.” “Have you tried forcing it to move?~” Forcing it? Don't you have to imagine it moving? “Magic doesn't work through imagination alone~” “I see...thanks.” “Cya~” Crysero ran out of the room and I just realised that Warlic was gone as well. Well that doesn't really matter right now. Time to figure out how to use Crysero's advice. How do I force the ball to move. It doesn't work with me imagining it. So I have to use mana to move it? Wait doesn't this bracelet help me control my mana? In that case.... I imagined a force pushing on the ball and it moving left a bit. Move move move move move move move move. Ah it moved. I finally moved the damn light ball. “Ah good you finally moved it. That finishes phrase two of the training.” Wait what?! When and how did Warlic get here. “Mind you, I didn't leave this room. I simply moved out of your sights. You focusing on the task helped as well.” So he was spying on me....great. “What's the next part of the training?” “Making several of them at one and controlling them at the same time. Simple to say but much  more difficult than you think. I suggest you focus on making two light balls at once first before trying to move them. This task requires you to focus on multiple things at once. Something not many can do without failure. Now then I have to do stuff again.” Warlic left me to the current task which would take me a while to complete. First of all I tried making two light balls instead of one. The results was two very unstable things floating that doesn't resemble light balls. This is pretty hard to do. I bet the bracelet is helping a lot. Maybe if I try to make one after the other it would be easier. I focused on making one light ball and after it appeared I focused on making the other. BOOM The first light ball became unstable and exploded in my hand when I tried to make the second one. | You have lost 10 health. | | --- | Shit. If things don't do well I might die. Well I can still go on but after a couple more tries I have to rest. Speaking of rest I have to eat. I took out another rye bread which I promptly brought in stacks before and ate two of them to restore my Satisfaction metre back to max. I also took out one of several canteens of water which I also brought and drink a bit of water from one of them. The reason why I brought so much supplies is so if anything happens I won't starve to death. Well at least not immediately. Dan also gave me a free meal occasionally so I won't get sick of the taste of rye bread. Anyway I have to get back in task. If I lose focus on one ball it'll explode. That's great information for me. It'll serve as a reminder to not lose focus on one of them. I created another light ball in my hand and started to try and create another one without letting the first one explode. The results was the same. | You have lost 10 health. | | --- | Really....this is going to take a while. | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1266) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1275) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: - After several hours of sleep, I'm finally awake. This chapter was 3675 words long. - Also I decided two things. I'll post once a day and I'll lock each topic after each new chapter is posted. Why I'm doing this when I've already written a whole volume you say? Writing this stuff takes time and sometimes I don't have enough time to write a chapter a day and I already decided to write volume by volume before posting each one. - On another note a certain ninnin wanted me to post part by part. You know how this series doesn't have the page break in the middle of the story right? I replaced it with sub-headings which are the parts. Imagine waiting a whole day to see a couple of lines posted as the next part.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The four masters gave Lee Jun a long and penetrating look. Lee Jun too some extent felt violated as if their eyes could see through his clothes and see his naked soul. There were no secrets that he could hide from those eyes. Their eyes revealed a wisdom and insight possessed only by the greatest of martial arts masters. It made complete sense why these four were heading this dojang. After a long eerie silence, one of the four masters spoke up, “What is your name?”<br><br>“…Lee Jun”<br><br>“How old are you, boy?” approached another master. He was taller than the average Korean and unlike the others who had black belts, this one wore a golden and black belt around his white keikogi.<br><br>“11…” Lee Jun muttered as he looked around for an escape route. Their questions were short and interrogative in nature. Anyone would succumb to the pressure they emitted and readily answer their questions.<br><br>““OOOOO”” some of the disciples surrounding Lee broke into commotion.<br><br>“He has guts to come to a dojang at that age with Ji Woo.” A random disciple stated.<br><br>“Pssh, I came into this dojang when I was 6.” Another one shot back.<br><br>“True, but you didn’t have Ji Woo holding your hands while bringing you in?” Another snorted.<br><br>One of the masters raised their hands to motion for silence.<br><br>“How does one so young know Ji Woo a high school student? Are you not in middle school?” The master asked. It was suspicious that Ji Woo showed interest in someone so young. They began wondering if she had an interest in younger men.<br><br>“I skipped grades.” Lee Jun replied. He was now thoroughly confused why were they bringing up Ji Woo. It felt like she was some sort of princess who could not be seen with a commoner like him.<br><br>The masters frowned. ‘Skipping grades? Does that mean she likes the intelligent kind?’ One of the masters had tears in his eyes, ‘After all these years of raising up Ji Woo, she had to fall for a geeky weakling. I will never allow this relationship!’ He vowed to himself.<br><br>“Then you are a high school student?” An instructor asked just to confirm. <br><br>“Yes…”<br><br>The dojang was filled with plenty of disciples who were high school and university students. So it came as astonishing news to them to know that someone so young was in their grade. Most importantly, they had all been eyeing Ji Woo. He was like a blooming flower in the desert. They would not hold back their strength, how can some weak geek steal their princess’s heart!<br><br>“Are you Ji Woo’s classmate?” The instructor continued. <br><br>“Yes…” Lee Jun meekly answered. He began wondering if he were dealing with idiots. ‘Shouldn’t it be the logical set of thoughts that if I came with Ji Woo, I am most likely to be her classmate?’<br><br>The prickly sensation grew stronger against Lee Jun’s back. The killing intent emanated by the disciples was overwhelming. They were all older than Ji Woo and hence could not be in the same class, furthermore since she went to Whimoon High School (ranked #1 high school in Korea, with extremely difficult admission conditions) they could not be even in the same school! It was completely unacceptable to them that Lee Jun not only went to the same school but was also in the same class as Ji Woo!<br><br>“How long have you been with Ji Woo?” The fourth master interrupted. He could no longer accept the slow progression of questions. He came straight to the point; he wanted to know how long had their relationship been going on for. He had been watching Ji Woo right from when she was first brought to the dojang. He knew her best and seeing her hand in hand with Lee Jun came as the rudest shock to him. ‘How did I completely miss that my little princess was so deeply in love?’<br><br>“Not too long…we only got together during PE class today…” Lee Jun replied, completely missing the point. Lee Jun found each of their passing questions weirder. What he failed to see was that they both were thinking on completely different tangents. ‘Why is it so important to know how long have you met someone?’ Lee Jun wondered.<br><br>‘I see, so she must have confessed to him today and got the little brat here for our approval. So there is still a chance to separate them…they haven’t been together for too long.’ The fourth master thought. The others masters glanced at each other and nodded. It seemed as if they agreed with this thought. Ji Woo was much too pretty to be wasted on a boy like Lee Jun. Furthermore, they weren’t interested in giving away Ji Woo just yet. She was still too small to be indulging in something as dangerous as dating.<br><br>“Listen young boy. This is not the age for you to be involved with someone so pretty like Ji Woo.” The first master said with his chest puffed up. He even tightened his muscles so that they would bulge a little more. He was trying to bring out his manlier and muscular side to terrify Lee Jun.<br><br>“…” After hearing that Lee Jun kept silent. Their entire conversation now started making sense; it was falling together brick by brick.<br><br>“We won’t accept your relationship with Ji Woo.”<br><br>“…” Lee Jun continued to keep silent. He was no longer paying attention to what the masters were saying. ‘So all this while they thought I was dating Ji Woo? Wait how did they reach that conclusion? I mean I did so I just met her…but then their question was weird after all…isn’t this the stuff that happens only in webtoons?’<br><br>“Yes, if you can’t defeat the four of us in a fight, we will never accept it.” The masters declared following Lee Jun’s silence. They weren’t sure if they were getting through to him but this ultimatum would have it made it more than clear that the only way for Lee Jun to be together with Ji Woo would be through proving he is more capable than them to take care of her. They were more than certain that could never happen and hence went with the condition. If one went deeper into the wording, they specifically said the four of us in a fight implying that it would be a four on one; no chances were taken. The masters were absolutely certain they crush all those after their princess.<br><br>“…I think we both have a misunderstanding..” Lee Jun began explaining, he didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire of a misunderstanding. Especially when the misunderstanding was between scary looking Gangpae (Korean for Yakuza / Gangster)! He was just here because Ji Woo dragged him! ‘I have to explain it to them! Then they won’t be angry with me anymore!’<br><br>“We haven’t misunderstood anything. We understand it is perfectly normal to be attracted to Ji Woo. She is after all so innocent and beautiful; like an angel sent down from heaven.” The master spoke dreamily as he spoke of Ji Woo. <br><br>“The world comes to life wherever she goes.” Another master added with the same look in his eyes.<br>“The grey in the sky becomes blue, the frozen sun becomes warm and gentle…” The instructor added.<br><br>“So don’t hide it. We know you are interested in Ji Woo. But we will never accept a weakling who can’t protect Ji Woo’s smile.” The masters were cruel with their words but this was about protecting their little flower from the lecherous wolf. They would not mince their words.<br><br>“…Ummm…I am not really interested in Ji Woo…” Lee Jun meekly added. He was hoping this would pacify them a little. Sadly, it had the opposite effect. Being an over protective bunch, the masters and disciples took the meaning of the statement to a complete opposite. In that instant, the killing intent went up to it’s absolute peak. Lee Jun could have sworn he felt like his back was being stabbed by thousands of knives.<br><br>“WHHHAATTT!” The fourth master shouted out aloud in disbelief. “You are not interested in Ji Woo!”<br><br>“So are you saying you are just playing around with her?” The first master quickly added before giving Lee Jun a chance to reply back.<br><br>“Do you have no regard for her feelings?” The second master asked with great concern and slight relief.<br><br>“Does she mean nothing to you?” The third master asked with his mouth barely able to conceal the smile.<br><br>All the masters and disciples thought this was perfect. If he was not interested in Ji Woo and just playing around with her, then they could really crush him without feeling guilty about hurting Ji Woo’s affections for Lee Jun. <br><br>“…” Lee Jun kept silent, their thoughts were completely visible on their faces. He knew if he answered anything that even slightly inclined towards ‘not interested in her’ they would flatten him out right here and make this his grave. To say anything was immenent death to say nothing was a risk. Lee Jun went with the risk.<br><br>“…”<br><br>Unfortunately, much like the Elementarem Vim’s unique skill which Lee Jun acquired, Lee Jun’s actions and inactions seemed to affect the world around him. Although he kept quiet, his silence was taken as being rude and dodging the question at hand. Thus, all those who were present were convinced that Lee Jun was guilty like a crook caught red handed. <br><br>“I shall break your bones, to teach you a lesson.” Spoke the disciple closest to Lee Jun. His hands had been itching this whole while to sock Lee Jun in the face. Now the opportunity was at hand, he needed just one word from his master and he would dispose of Lee Jun in a single move.<br><br>“No brother, boys these days don’t learn with just broken bones, we should bleed him dry.” Added another disciple while wearing an evil grin on his face. The senior disciples were certainly capable of torture techniques.<br><br>Lee Jun could hear them speak. He certainly was terrified and was desperately looking around for Ji Woo to come and save him from their clutches. That would be the only real chance he had of escaping and making it back home that night, there was no chance that he could out run all the disciples present.<br><br>“Or we could put him in a comatose…” The masters said to each as they reminisced about their time while looking over Lee Hayan. <br><br>“PUT WHOM IN A COMATOSE!” Ji Woo shouted out. Her voice was in the far distance.<br><br>As Lee Jun turned towards the direction of her voice. He could see Ji Woo running at fully speed towards the master and launch a flying kick. With complete disregard for the fact that she was wear a skirt, Lee Jun’s face went red as she flew by past him.<br><br>*CRASH* The fourth master took the full impact of Ji Woo’s kick. He could have dodged it but if he did then Ji Woo would have flown past them and crashed. Thus, hurting herself. He could never allow his little princess to get hurt! Hence, he took the full impact of the kick and went flying four feet back.<br><br>Lee Jun was not sure who was the bigger monster out here. The masters or Ji Woo?<br><br>“But Ji Woo! This young man is only playing with your heart! He is not even interested in you!” The first master implored. He knew he would have to try and put some sense into this love struck girl even though he risked her ire.<br><br>“Yes, he told us everything. He is not interested in you!” The second master backed the first. One master alone would not suffice in managing her rage. He knew the truth might hurt Ji Woo but she had to know for her own good even if it meant she might kick like the fourth master.<br><br>“How could you even fall for a weakling like him?” The third master said as he noticed Ji Woo did not still believe them. ‘Poor girl how deep in love can she fall. This is our fault; we must take responsibility and bear her anger and pain.’<br><br>“You guys…” Ji Woo’ face was red with embarrassment and anger. “WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN SPOUTING ABOUT??” She shouted out so loud that Lee Jun had to cover his ears. If there existed Lion’s roar in reality, this would have been it.<br><br>“…” Silence engulfed the dojang. Not even birds in the vicinity dared to chirp.<br><br>“This is Lee Jun, he is a friend that I made today.” Ji Woo hastily explained as she tried to get a grip on her anger. “He is bullied in school, so I brought him here for training.”<br><br>Before they could open their mouth, Ji Woo continued as if she knew what they were about to ask. “JUST A FRIEND! NOTHING MORE.”<br><br>“…” The master and disciples weren’t sure what to say or how to react. They all were thinking something else all this while…<br><br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. too cliche?<br>2. Next up is a side story! Do read it! Its....not written by me though I have edited it to integrate it with RREV.....<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1301" target="_blank">Special Side Chapter</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=348" target="_blank">No</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

The four masters gave Lee Jun a long and penetrating look. Lee Jun too some extent felt violated as if their eyes could see through his clothes and see his naked soul. There were no secrets that he could hide from those eyes. Their eyes revealed a wisdom and insight possessed only by the greatest of martial arts masters. It made complete sense why these four were heading this dojang. After a long eerie silence, one of the four masters spoke up, “What is your name?” “…Lee Jun” “How old are you, boy?” approached another master. He was taller than the average Korean and unlike the others who had black belts, this one wore a golden and black belt around his white keikogi. “11…” Lee Jun muttered as he looked around for an escape route. Their questions were short and interrogative in nature. Anyone would succumb to the pressure they emitted and readily answer their questions. ““OOOOO”” some of the disciples surrounding Lee broke into commotion. “He has guts to come to a dojang at that age with Ji Woo.” A random disciple stated. “Pssh, I came into this dojang when I was 6.” Another one shot back. “True, but you didn’t have Ji Woo holding your hands while bringing you in?” Another snorted. One of the masters raised their hands to motion for silence. “How does one so young know Ji Woo a high school student? Are you not in middle school?” The master asked. It was suspicious that Ji Woo showed interest in someone so young. They began wondering if she had an interest in younger men. “I skipped grades.” Lee Jun replied. He was now thoroughly confused why were they bringing up Ji Woo. It felt like she was some sort of princess who could not be seen with a commoner like him. The masters frowned. ‘Skipping grades? Does that mean she likes the intelligent kind?’ One of the masters had tears in his eyes, ‘After all these years of raising up Ji Woo, she had to fall for a geeky weakling. I will never allow this relationship!’ He vowed to himself. “Then you are a high school student?” An instructor asked just to confirm. “Yes…” The dojang was filled with plenty of disciples who were high school and university students. So it came as astonishing news to them to know that someone so young was in their grade. Most importantly, they had all been eyeing Ji Woo. He was like a blooming flower in the desert. They would not hold back their strength, how can some weak geek steal their princess’s heart! “Are you Ji Woo’s classmate?” The instructor continued. “Yes…” Lee Jun meekly answered. He began wondering if he were dealing with idiots. ‘Shouldn’t it be the logical set of thoughts that if I came with Ji Woo, I am most likely to be her classmate?’ The prickly sensation grew stronger against Lee Jun’s back. The killing intent emanated by the disciples was overwhelming. They were all older than Ji Woo and hence could not be in the same class, furthermore since she went to Whimoon High School (ranked #1 high school in Korea, with extremely difficult admission conditions) they could not be even in the same school! It was completely unacceptable to them that Lee Jun not only went to the same school but was also in the same class as Ji Woo! “How long have you been with Ji Woo?” The fourth master interrupted. He could no longer accept the slow progression of questions. He came straight to the point; he wanted to know how long had their relationship been going on for. He had been watching Ji Woo right from when she was first brought to the dojang. He knew her best and seeing her hand in hand with Lee Jun came as the rudest shock to him. ‘How did I completely miss that my little princess was so deeply in love?’ “Not too long…we only got together during PE class today…” Lee Jun replied, completely missing the point. Lee Jun found each of their passing questions weirder. What he failed to see was that they both were thinking on completely different tangents. ‘Why is it so important to know how long have you met someone?’ Lee Jun wondered. ‘I see, so she must have confessed to him today and got the little brat here for our approval. So there is still a chance to separate them…they haven’t been together for too long.’ The fourth master thought. The others masters glanced at each other and nodded. It seemed as if they agreed with this thought. Ji Woo was much too pretty to be wasted on a boy like Lee Jun. Furthermore, they weren’t interested in giving away Ji Woo just yet. She was still too small to be indulging in something as dangerous as dating. “Listen young boy. This is not the age for you to be involved with someone so pretty like Ji Woo.” The first master said with his chest puffed up. He even tightened his muscles so that they would bulge a little more. He was trying to bring out his manlier and muscular side to terrify Lee Jun. “…” After hearing that Lee Jun kept silent. Their entire conversation now started making sense; it was falling together brick by brick. “We won’t accept your relationship with Ji Woo.” “…” Lee Jun continued to keep silent. He was no longer paying attention to what the masters were saying. ‘So all this while they thought I was dating Ji Woo? Wait how did they reach that conclusion? I mean I did so I just met her…but then their question was weird after all…isn’t this the stuff that happens only in webtoons?’ “Yes, if you can’t defeat the four of us in a fight, we will never accept it.” The masters declared following Lee Jun’s silence. They weren’t sure if they were getting through to him but this ultimatum would have it made it more than clear that the only way for Lee Jun to be together with Ji Woo would be through proving he is more capable than them to take care of her. They were more than certain that could never happen and hence went with the condition. If one went deeper into the wording, they specifically said the four of us in a fight implying that it would be a four on one; no chances were taken. The masters were absolutely certain they crush all those after their princess. “…I think we both have a misunderstanding..” Lee Jun began explaining, he didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire of a misunderstanding. Especially when the misunderstanding was between scary looking Gangpae (Korean for Yakuza / Gangster)! He was just here because Ji Woo dragged him! ‘I have to explain it to them! Then they won’t be angry with me anymore!’ “We haven’t misunderstood anything. We understand it is perfectly normal to be attracted to Ji Woo. She is after all so innocent and beautiful; like an angel sent down from heaven.” The master spoke dreamily as he spoke of Ji Woo. “The world comes to life wherever she goes.” Another master added with the same look in his eyes. “The grey in the sky becomes blue, the frozen sun becomes warm and gentle…” The instructor added. “So don’t hide it. We know you are interested in Ji Woo. But we will never accept a weakling who can’t protect Ji Woo’s smile.” The masters were cruel with their words but this was about protecting their little flower from the lecherous wolf. They would not mince their words. “…Ummm…I am not really interested in Ji Woo…” Lee Jun meekly added. He was hoping this would pacify them a little. Sadly, it had the opposite effect. Being an over protective bunch, the masters and disciples took the meaning of the statement to a complete opposite. In that instant, the killing intent went up to it’s absolute peak. Lee Jun could have sworn he felt like his back was being stabbed by thousands of knives. “WHHHAATTT!” The fourth master shouted out aloud in disbelief. “You are not interested in Ji Woo!” “So are you saying you are just playing around with her?” The first master quickly added before giving Lee Jun a chance to reply back. “Do you have no regard for her feelings?” The second master asked with great concern and slight relief. “Does she mean nothing to you?” The third master asked with his mouth barely able to conceal the smile. All the masters and disciples thought this was perfect. If he was not interested in Ji Woo and just playing around with her, then they could really crush him without feeling guilty about hurting Ji Woo’s affections for Lee Jun. “…” Lee Jun kept silent, their thoughts were completely visible on their faces. He knew if he answered anything that even slightly inclined towards ‘not interested in her’ they would flatten him out right here and make this his grave. To say anything was immenent death to say nothing was a risk. Lee Jun went with the risk. “…” Unfortunately, much like the Elementarem Vim’s unique skill which Lee Jun acquired, Lee Jun’s actions and inactions seemed to affect the world around him. Although he kept quiet, his silence was taken as being rude and dodging the question at hand. Thus, all those who were present were convinced that Lee Jun was guilty like a crook caught red handed. “I shall break your bones, to teach you a lesson.” Spoke the disciple closest to Lee Jun. His hands had been itching this whole while to sock Lee Jun in the face. Now the opportunity was at hand, he needed just one word from his master and he would dispose of Lee Jun in a single move. “No brother, boys these days don’t learn with just broken bones, we should bleed him dry.” Added another disciple while wearing an evil grin on his face. The senior disciples were certainly capable of torture techniques. Lee Jun could hear them speak. He certainly was terrified and was desperately looking around for Ji Woo to come and save him from their clutches. That would be the only real chance he had of escaping and making it back home that night, there was no chance that he could out run all the disciples present. “Or we could put him in a comatose…” The masters said to each as they reminisced about their time while looking over Lee Hayan. “PUT WHOM IN A COMATOSE!” Ji Woo shouted out. Her voice was in the far distance. As Lee Jun turned towards the direction of her voice. He could see Ji Woo running at fully speed towards the master and launch a flying kick. With complete disregard for the fact that she was wear a skirt, Lee Jun’s face went red as she flew by past him. *CRASH* The fourth master took the full impact of Ji Woo’s kick. He could have dodged it but if he did then Ji Woo would have flown past them and crashed. Thus, hurting herself. He could never allow his little princess to get hurt! Hence, he took the full impact of the kick and went flying four feet back. Lee Jun was not sure who was the bigger monster out here. The masters or Ji Woo? “But Ji Woo! This young man is only playing with your heart! He is not even interested in you!” The first master implored. He knew he would have to try and put some sense into this love struck girl even though he risked her ire. “Yes, he told us everything. He is not interested in you!” The second master backed the first. One master alone would not suffice in managing her rage. He knew the truth might hurt Ji Woo but she had to know for her own good even if it meant she might kick like the fourth master. “How could you even fall for a weakling like him?” The third master said as he noticed Ji Woo did not still believe them. ‘Poor girl how deep in love can she fall. This is our fault; we must take responsibility and bear her anger and pain.’ “You guys…” Ji Woo’ face was red with embarrassment and anger. “WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN SPOUTING ABOUT??” She shouted out so loud that Lee Jun had to cover his ears. If there existed Lion’s roar in reality, this would have been it. “…” Silence engulfed the dojang. Not even birds in the vicinity dared to chirp. “This is Lee Jun, he is a friend that I made today.” Ji Woo hastily explained as she tried to get a grip on her anger. “He is bullied in school, so I brought him here for training.” Before they could open their mouth, Ji Woo continued as if she knew what they were about to ask. “JUST A FRIEND! NOTHING MORE.” “…” The master and disciples weren’t sure what to say or how to react. They all were thinking something else all this while… ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. too cliche? 2. Next up is a side story! Do read it! Its....not written by me though I have edited it to integrate it with RREV..... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Special Side Chapter](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1301) | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Shin Hye Min nervously reached out for her glass of water. Had it not been her years of experience as a hostess her trembling hands would have been far more exaggerated action. With great control over her emotions she beckoned herself to continue on with the show. <br><br>Lee Hyun last sentence was like a bombshell. On the surface of the show, it appeared that two had exchanged introductions and pleasantries. However, those part of Lee Hyun’s inner circle were reading a completely different atmosphere.<br><br>Lee Hyun covered his mouth to hide his sigh. It was a blatant lie that there was something wrong with his health. In the modern era that they lived, there were rarely any diseases which could not be cured. He would have to contract the most fatal complex military grade bio-weapon disease on the planet to be actually dying of something. As long as one had the right contacts and resources, nearly everything on the planet is curable.<br><br>Lee Hyun knew dropping a note on his health was a longshot, but he hoped it would be enough to throw Shin Hye Min of his case. Tactfully as ever, he said he wished to play with his friends one last time. This beautifully crafted sentence hid the double meaning quite well. Without actual medical records, Lee Hyun’s reply to Shin Hye’s question could only keep her guessing. <br><br>It wasn’t a complete lie either. Lee Hyun was over sixty now if he didn’t opt for artificial organs and enhancements. Given a natural life, he’d at best live for another 20-30 years. Of those remaining years, how long could he be involved with the high speed life of gaming? Then again, it wasn’t the complete truth either. If one inspected deeper into his reply, questions like why didn’t he recommend himself as CEO before to Unicorn Corp? Why didn’t he come out with his own game before? There could be many theories to explain his current standing but none of them would completely touch up on the truth…<br><br>Fortunately for Lee Hyun, Shin Hye was in the middle of playing hostess for her talk show. She did not have the time to investigate deeper into Lee Hyun’s reply. Questions did shroud her mind, but she believed Lee Hyun. <br><br>Kang Jin Cheol on the other hand was far from satisfied with the reply. He had known Lee Hyun longer than Shin Hye, furthermore, he had spent far more time with Lee Hyun than anyone else in Royal Road. Lastly, Lee Hyun was his idol / mentor. He observed and imbibed everything about Lee Hyun (at one point, he even had the same hair style). Kang Jin Cheol, immediately knew from Lee Hyun’s reply, that it was not the complete truth. However, unlike Shin Hye, Kang Jin had developed patience and he knew that in time all the answers would be revealed. For now all he had to do was believe in his friend who answered to his request.<br><br>Finding her voice again, Shin Hye turned to the audience, “Then without further ado, please let me present a video clip that caught the attention of the entire gaming community. For those of you joining us right now, we will be playing a battle scene from Royal Road: Elementarem Vim. It was captured live by our reporter Shin Ye Sui. Shin Ye Sui’s character ultimately died while capturing this footage. Please note this footage is intense and scary; parental guidance is advised for children below the age of 10.”<br><br>The studio turned dark and 3D projections filled the room. The audience found themselves in the center of the Great White Hall. There were some players scrambling on to the stage and some sort of ruckus appeared to be unfolding. However everything came to a grinding hall when the earth shook. Those viewers who were logged into the VR system, even felt the vibrations of the earth shaking. <span style="font-style: italic;">The ceiling crumbled a little and dust fell down.<br><br>The building shook once again and everything came to a grinding halt. No player insight moved in fear. A cold dark breeze began to blow the halls and the flames started to flicker wildly…till they died out. The bright white hall instantly was marooned in darkness…only a small white afterglow emanating from the floor dimly lit the halls.</span><br><br>Some of the audience in the studio huddled closer together. The in game background music added to the horror effects. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Angry yelling could be heard outside the halls of soldiers, these were followed by what sounded like explosions and screams of agony. Everyone stayed as silent as possible.</span><br><br>Some of the audience members nervously looked around at each other, to reassure themselves that this was not real. VR viewers had it much worse. They were watching everything from Shin Ye Hui’s POV. They heard, saw, smelt and felt everything as she did. They were witnessing the events as it had unfolded for her. Even viewers who had already seen this footage before still had the shivers from seeing it again. Even though everyone knew that it was a VR game, there was something unusual about the mood and the setting in the game that drew the audience in and made it so life like. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> Screams of terrible pain seeped inside the hall.</span> As Shin Ye Hui, glanced around searching for a better position to capture the footage, the audience could see from her POV that the people (NPCs and players) present there were nervously glanced at each other looking for reassurance.<br><span style="font-style: italic;"> Some players began to step out to see the cause of the commotion.</span> Scenes of NPCs begging players not to leave them were visible. However the players’ curiosity could not be satiated, the audience could empathize with the players they too wanted to know what was happening outside. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> One by one, players in the Great White Hall all stepped out and never returned. The screams of pain never ended. Although this was just a game and he could log out anytime…he was too scared to do anything. </span> The shudders grew in the audience as the footage continued and hair began standing on their skin.<br><br>Just as suddenly how the cries of agony had begun, it all stopped. <span style="font-style: italic;"> It was disturbingly silent;</span> it was so quiet that the audience too could hear a dripping sound could be heard in the distance from a leaky faulty ceiling tile<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> ‘Tick Tock Tick Tock...’ </span> Just like typical old horror movie an analog geared clock could be heard in the background.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Step* *Step* *Step* <br><br>Somebody’s footsteps could be heard echoing through the stairways that led to the hall. They grew louder and louder till they were right outside the grand doors of the hall. A few soldiers who stayed behind and personal body guards of nobles stood on the sides of the door waiting to attack the enemy who dared to open these doors.</span><br><br> “Is it a survivor or an enemy?” Shin Ye Hui whispered. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> A long silence enchanted the hall once again…The soldiers nervously looked at each other, they signaled each other to open the door and check but none of them had the guts to do it. </span><br><br>First time viewers in the audience were at the edge of their seats. Shin Ye Hui’s question was stuck in their mind. They had to know whether it was friend or foe on the other side of the door.<br><br> The next scene, a player volunteered to open the door. <span style="font-style: italic;">As he opened the door…some players and NPC’s ducked behind their seats expecting a monster or an explosion…instead there was nobody….<br>“What the heck?” The human player said as he stood with his sword drawn. He was trembling in fear for need. “It’s all clear.” He shouted out to everyone who was hiding. “Nobody he..” <br><br>Before he could complete the sentence his body went flying across the hall and he landed on his neck…he died much before hitting the ground, an instant kill from the blow of the unseen force that flung his body away. </span><br><br>The audience jerked back reflexively with their muscles all tight in fear. Everybody had been expecting it had yet nobody was prepared for it. The scene was in fact so scary, that someone in the audience shrieked, but their voice was drowned in the playback screams of players and NPCs.<br><br>Gaining back their nerves, the audience could see players in the footage logging out. Shin Ye Hui’s attention was back at the entrance. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> A single person, stood at the entrance. His cloak was smeared in the blood of his victims. The figure slowly moved forward, the soldiers who hid by the sides of the door waiting to attack dropped dead like flies to the ground.</span> <br><br>More players could be seen logging out. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> There were some players, who were absurd enough to have a go the hooded enemy. Archers launched their arrows and tanks rushed at him brandishing their swords. They were all met with instant K.O.s.</span><br><br>Shin Ye Hui was barely able to keep up with the enemy’s speed. Most of the time she only managed to get part of the moving enemy in the scene. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> The enemy moved unrealistically fast as he butchered away those who dared to attack him. Some players dropped their weapons and held their hands up in surrender. It was too late, they too were killed. </span><br><br>Shin Ye Hui’s gaze never left the hooded figure, for a fraction of a moment their gaze even met each other. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> The hooded figure began walking towards the stage. Theodore stood up slowly; enough was enough.</span><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> “I see, I always did wonder which one of would win if we were to fight head on…” </span><br><br>Three NPCs dared to fight against the enemy. One equipped with a hammer, another with a staff and the third with a bow. With the enemy in the center they slowly began to pace around the enemy.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">“I must say Rodriguez, you pulled a good one on me. That letter and the wild goose chase was fantastically daring of you!.....So the four best of friends, all gathered in one room.” </span><br><br>Out of Shin Ye Hui’s (and the audiences’) view, Snappy moved in front of Weed and began growling at Shadow.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> “Oh, I am very sorry Snappy. The five of us. I guess that must be the elf behind you? Did he manage to win?”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“Of course he must have, I mean he had Rodriguez’s mark of approval didn’t he?”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“GIVE ME THE SCALES YOU DAMNED OLD FOOLS!” The halls shook with his scream.<br><br>An arrow whizzed by Shadow, and the archer began the charge. <br><br>“Graces of heavens! FAIRY BURST!” </span><br><br>Shin Ye Hui’s screen went white. The audience and viewers now had to rely on their ears to make out what was happening.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> “Wonderful! Now why don’t we stop pretending and fight seriously?” </span> The enemy shouted out.<br><br>There was some muffled whisper. To which the enemy shouted. <span style="font-style: italic;"> “And whatever makes you think, I am going to let him get away?” <br><br>“….”<br><br>“AAAAAA! MY FACE! IS THAT A PIECE A OF THE DAMNED SCALE?” </span><br><br>As vision was restored to Shin Ye Hui, she could only see the mage and archer on the scene. It seemed that the one with hammer got away.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> “Honey? Hubby?” The hooded figure asked. “…”<br><br>“How do I say this…Rodriguez asked me to marry him!” </span> The archer shouted as she seemed to be showing off a ring to the enemy.<br><br>Before the audience had a chance to laugh. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"> A black sword whizzed through Lisa’s heart and her body lay pinned against the wall. The delightful and warm atmosphere came to a zipping end. </span><br><br>Shin Ye Hui’s throwing up scene was removed from the footage. And thank goodness for that, had it been left there the VR viewers would have tasted her fear, if one were to eloquently put it.<br><br>As Shin Ye Sui recovered, she slowly moved towards the couple, only a while back were they exchanging sweet kisses and now the archer lay on the verge of death.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">“Hey…”the lady archer spoke with her life seeping away quickly, she slowly moved her hands and caressed Rodriguez’s sobbing face for one last time. “At least I got to call you hubby...” With that her lifeless hand fell to the ground and her body turned into grey ash before disappearing.</span><br><br>Shin Ye Sui was moved to tears and the POV became slightly blurry. The audience felt the depth of emotions in the cinematic effect. It was like watching an Oscar winning movie scene. Sniffling could be heard amongst the audience.<br><br>The mage stood up and said <span style="font-style: italic;"> “Heavens Judgment.” </span> <br><br>Those were the last words the audience and viewers heard, before the entire screen went white and the reporter’s character died. <br><br>The POV changed and Skyholm appeared from a distance. A white light descended from the sky obliterating everything in the vicinity. As if a nuke had gone off the glare was blinding….with that the footage came to an end. <br><br>The audience burst into applause.<br><br>"We will now be taking questions." Shin Hye announced to the audience.<br><br>Almost everyone raised and waved their hands. Before Shin Hye could select one to ask the question, one of the audience members blurted the question they all wanted to ask out, "WHO THE HELL WAS THAT IN THE HOOD? IS HE STILL ALIVE?"<br><br>"Well..." began Lee Hyun with a crooked smile, their reaction was better than he had expected. "that was....."<br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. This chapter is more of a recap of V5C11.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1197" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=348" target="_blank">No</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

Shin Hye Min nervously reached out for her glass of water. Had it not been her years of experience as a hostess her trembling hands would have been far more exaggerated action. With great control over her emotions she beckoned herself to continue on with the show. Lee Hyun last sentence was like a bombshell. On the surface of the show, it appeared that two had exchanged introductions and pleasantries. However, those part of Lee Hyun’s inner circle were reading a completely different atmosphere. Lee Hyun covered his mouth to hide his sigh. It was a blatant lie that there was something wrong with his health. In the modern era that they lived, there were rarely any diseases which could not be cured. He would have to contract the most fatal complex military grade bio-weapon disease on the planet to be actually dying of something. As long as one had the right contacts and resources, nearly everything on the planet is curable. Lee Hyun knew dropping a note on his health was a longshot, but he hoped it would be enough to throw Shin Hye Min of his case. Tactfully as ever, he said he wished to play with his friends one last time. This beautifully crafted sentence hid the double meaning quite well. Without actual medical records, Lee Hyun’s reply to Shin Hye’s question could only keep her guessing. It wasn’t a complete lie either. Lee Hyun was over sixty now if he didn’t opt for artificial organs and enhancements. Given a natural life, he’d at best live for another 20-30 years. Of those remaining years, how long could he be involved with the high speed life of gaming? Then again, it wasn’t the complete truth either. If one inspected deeper into his reply, questions like why didn’t he recommend himself as CEO before to Unicorn Corp? Why didn’t he come out with his own game before? There could be many theories to explain his current standing but none of them would completely touch up on the truth… Fortunately for Lee Hyun, Shin Hye was in the middle of playing hostess for her talk show. She did not have the time to investigate deeper into Lee Hyun’s reply. Questions did shroud her mind, but she believed Lee Hyun. Kang Jin Cheol on the other hand was far from satisfied with the reply. He had known Lee Hyun longer than Shin Hye, furthermore, he had spent far more time with Lee Hyun than anyone else in Royal Road. Lastly, Lee Hyun was his idol / mentor. He observed and imbibed everything about Lee Hyun (at one point, he even had the same hair style). Kang Jin Cheol, immediately knew from Lee Hyun’s reply, that it was not the complete truth. However, unlike Shin Hye, Kang Jin had developed patience and he knew that in time all the answers would be revealed. For now all he had to do was believe in his friend who answered to his request. Finding her voice again, Shin Hye turned to the audience, “Then without further ado, please let me present a video clip that caught the attention of the entire gaming community. For those of you joining us right now, we will be playing a battle scene from Royal Road: Elementarem Vim. It was captured live by our reporter Shin Ye Sui. Shin Ye Sui’s character ultimately died while capturing this footage. Please note this footage is intense and scary; parental guidance is advised for children below the age of 10.” The studio turned dark and 3D projections filled the room. The audience found themselves in the center of the Great White Hall. There were some players scrambling on to the stage and some sort of ruckus appeared to be unfolding. However everything came to a grinding hall when the earth shook. Those viewers who were logged into the VR system, even felt the vibrations of the earth shaking. The ceiling crumbled a little and dust fell down. The building shook once again and everything came to a grinding halt. No player insight moved in fear. A cold dark breeze began to blow the halls and the flames started to flicker wildly…till they died out. The bright white hall instantly was marooned in darkness…only a small white afterglow emanating from the floor dimly lit the halls. Some of the audience in the studio huddled closer together. The in game background music added to the horror effects. Angry yelling could be heard outside the halls of soldiers, these were followed by what sounded like explosions and screams of agony. Everyone stayed as silent as possible. Some of the audience members nervously looked around at each other, to reassure themselves that this was not real. VR viewers had it much worse. They were watching everything from Shin Ye Hui’s POV. They heard, saw, smelt and felt everything as she did. They were witnessing the events as it had unfolded for her. Even viewers who had already seen this footage before still had the shivers from seeing it again. Even though everyone knew that it was a VR game, there was something unusual about the mood and the setting in the game that drew the audience in and made it so life like. Screams of terrible pain seeped inside the hall. As Shin Ye Hui, glanced around searching for a better position to capture the footage, the audience could see from her POV that the people (NPCs and players) present there were nervously glanced at each other looking for reassurance. Some players began to step out to see the cause of the commotion. Scenes of NPCs begging players not to leave them were visible. However the players’ curiosity could not be satiated, the audience could empathize with the players they too wanted to know what was happening outside. One by one, players in the Great White Hall all stepped out and never returned. The screams of pain never ended. Although this was just a game and he could log out anytime…he was too scared to do anything. The shudders grew in the audience as the footage continued and hair began standing on their skin. Just as suddenly how the cries of agony had begun, it all stopped. It was disturbingly silent; it was so quiet that the audience too could hear a dripping sound could be heard in the distance from a leaky faulty ceiling tile ‘Tick Tock Tick Tock...’ Just like typical old horror movie an analog geared clock could be heard in the background. *Step* *Step* *Step* Somebody’s footsteps could be heard echoing through the stairways that led to the hall. They grew louder and louder till they were right outside the grand doors of the hall. A few soldiers who stayed behind and personal body guards of nobles stood on the sides of the door waiting to attack the enemy who dared to open these doors. “Is it a survivor or an enemy?” Shin Ye Hui whispered. A long silence enchanted the hall once again…The soldiers nervously looked at each other, they signaled each other to open the door and check but none of them had the guts to do it. First time viewers in the audience were at the edge of their seats. Shin Ye Hui’s question was stuck in their mind. They had to know whether it was friend or foe on the other side of the door. The next scene, a player volunteered to open the door. As he opened the door…some players and NPC’s ducked behind their seats expecting a monster or an explosion…instead there was nobody…. “What the heck?” The human player said as he stood with his sword drawn. He was trembling in fear for need. “It’s all clear.” He shouted out to everyone who was hiding. “Nobody he..” Before he could complete the sentence his body went flying across the hall and he landed on his neck…he died much before hitting the ground, an instant kill from the blow of the unseen force that flung his body away. The audience jerked back reflexively with their muscles all tight in fear. Everybody had been expecting it had yet nobody was prepared for it. The scene was in fact so scary, that someone in the audience shrieked, but their voice was drowned in the playback screams of players and NPCs. Gaining back their nerves, the audience could see players in the footage logging out. Shin Ye Hui’s attention was back at the entrance. A single person, stood at the entrance. His cloak was smeared in the blood of his victims. The figure slowly moved forward, the soldiers who hid by the sides of the door waiting to attack dropped dead like flies to the ground. More players could be seen logging out. There were some players, who were absurd enough to have a go the hooded enemy. Archers launched their arrows and tanks rushed at him brandishing their swords. They were all met with instant K.O.s. Shin Ye Hui was barely able to keep up with the enemy’s speed. Most of the time she only managed to get part of the moving enemy in the scene. The enemy moved unrealistically fast as he butchered away those who dared to attack him. Some players dropped their weapons and held their hands up in surrender. It was too late, they too were killed. Shin Ye Hui’s gaze never left the hooded figure, for a fraction of a moment their gaze even met each other. The hooded figure began walking towards the stage. Theodore stood up slowly; enough was enough. “I see, I always did wonder which one of would win if we were to fight head on…” Three NPCs dared to fight against the enemy. One equipped with a hammer, another with a staff and the third with a bow. With the enemy in the center they slowly began to pace around the enemy. “I must say Rodriguez, you pulled a good one on me. That letter and the wild goose chase was fantastically daring of you!.....So the four best of friends, all gathered in one room.” Out of Shin Ye Hui’s (and the audiences’) view, Snappy moved in front of Weed and began growling at Shadow. “Oh, I am very sorry Snappy. The five of us. I guess that must be the elf behind you? Did he manage to win?” “…” “Of course he must have, I mean he had Rodriguez’s mark of approval didn’t he?” “…” “GIVE ME THE SCALES YOU DAMNED OLD FOOLS!” The halls shook with his scream. An arrow whizzed by Shadow, and the archer began the charge. “Graces of heavens! FAIRY BURST!” Shin Ye Hui’s screen went white. The audience and viewers now had to rely on their ears to make out what was happening. “Wonderful! Now why don’t we stop pretending and fight seriously?” The enemy shouted out. There was some muffled whisper. To which the enemy shouted. “And whatever makes you think, I am going to let him get away?” “….” “AAAAAA! MY FACE! IS THAT A PIECE A OF THE DAMNED SCALE?” As vision was restored to Shin Ye Hui, she could only see the mage and archer on the scene. It seemed that the one with hammer got away. “Honey? Hubby?” The hooded figure asked. “…” “How do I say this…Rodriguez asked me to marry him!” The archer shouted as she seemed to be showing off a ring to the enemy. Before the audience had a chance to laugh. A black sword whizzed through Lisa’s heart and her body lay pinned against the wall. The delightful and warm atmosphere came to a zipping end. Shin Ye Hui’s throwing up scene was removed from the footage. And thank goodness for that, had it been left there the VR viewers would have tasted her fear, if one were to eloquently put it. As Shin Ye Sui recovered, she slowly moved towards the couple, only a while back were they exchanging sweet kisses and now the archer lay on the verge of death. “Hey…”the lady archer spoke with her life seeping away quickly, she slowly moved her hands and caressed Rodriguez’s sobbing face for one last time. “At least I got to call you hubby...” With that her lifeless hand fell to the ground and her body turned into grey ash before disappearing. Shin Ye Sui was moved to tears and the POV became slightly blurry. The audience felt the depth of emotions in the cinematic effect. It was like watching an Oscar winning movie scene. Sniffling could be heard amongst the audience. The mage stood up and said “Heavens Judgment.” Those were the last words the audience and viewers heard, before the entire screen went white and the reporter’s character died. The POV changed and Skyholm appeared from a distance. A white light descended from the sky obliterating everything in the vicinity. As if a nuke had gone off the glare was blinding….with that the footage came to an end. The audience burst into applause. "We will now be taking questions." Shin Hye announced to the audience. Almost everyone raised and waved their hands. Before Shin Hye could select one to ask the question, one of the audience members blurted the question they all wanted to ask out, "WHO THE HELL WAS THAT IN THE HOOD? IS HE STILL ALIVE?" "Well..." began Lee Hyun with a crooked smile, their reaction was better than he had expected. "that was....." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. This chapter is more of a recap of V5C11. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1197) | | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 18<br><br><br> Quietus had a problem. Before him were quite a few bottles of liquid. He was aware of what they said they did, mostly. However, he didn’t actually <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> what they did. What did this healing potion <span style="font-style: italic;">feel</span> like? How much damage did this poison really do? How fast? He couldn’t really know, in his heart, until he had tested them. Plus, since he had pretty much made them by mixing herbs without quite knowing what they did, there were also unknown effects, at least at his alchemy and herbalism skill levels.<br> <br> Thus, he did what any reasonable person would do. He drank them. Of course, this would only apply to reasonable people if you really meant something like crazy, or stupid. He did, however, have somewhat of a system. First, he made two doses of each kind. Second, he would only drink a poison directly before a healing potion, and he also prepared antidotes. He wasn’t completely crazy.<br><br> What were the second dose of each for? Testing, of course. Wolves were about the right level for him to experiment on. He applied a dose of the poison or healing potion to his dagger, and observed the effects. Sometimes, the healing potions healed different amounts than he expected, and sometimes, as he had observed in himself, the still secret, poisonous effects outweighed any benefits.<br><br> He saved the very best mixtures for last. By best, of course, he used the ones with the most potent herbs in them. The poison had a very interesting effect on his health, as it rapidly drained. It was quite a bit better than he had thought it would be. At about a quarter of his life, he drank the healing potion. Then, he collapsed on the ground. His body just wouldn’t hold him up anymore. He tried to reach for the antidote potion he had prepared, but he couldn’t muster up the strength to lift it. He watched the last portion of his health trickle away. Finally, he received a familiar message he had not seen in a decent amount of time.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have died.<br>You are prohibited from logging in for twenty three hours.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Because his skill, power to accept death, was level two, it appeared that he shaved a very significant time off of his lockout. Of course, there was the drawback that it only leveled up when he died. He also still lost the experience from death, and possibly items. Then again, he could always regain the items, and the experience would even come back to him at an increased rate. Still, not playing for a time was rather disappointing. He was <del>addicted to</del> very fond of Royal Road.<br><br>Mortimer decided to go to sleep right away, so he could stay up a bit later the next day.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br>At breakfast, Mortimer chatted with Angela. Well, really, it was more he prompted her, and she chatted about things. He enjoyed that, as long as she was in the right mood, she would let him get away with not talking. Of course, if she had really wanted to know something, she could have easily pried it out of him. That was something he didn’t like about her. She knew too much about him. Well, that had been true in the past anyway. Recently they hadn’t seen much of each other, since they lived a bit too far apart to just go over to each other’s houses to play. It was also more of a childish thing to do, anyway.<br><br>It was nice to see her every once in a while, thought Mortimer.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br>At school, Mortimer took it back. He really didn’t want to see her this often. What was she even doing at his school?<br><br>This was, of course, a rhetorical question. Mortimer wasn’t so dense (at least where his cousin was involved) to not realize she was a student at his school now. The real question was: <span style="font-style: italic;">why?</span> and also <span style="font-style: italic;">why is she in my class?</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">is she in my other classes too?</span> In this case, Mortimer could guess the answers: because she was <span style="font-style: italic;">Angela</span>, because it was <span style="font-style: italic;">his</span> class, and *sigh* probably.<br><br>Mortimer was pleasantly relieved when she blatantly ignored him in front of other people. He knew she would probably make him sit with her at lunch, but he could live with that… as long as she didn’t bring other people. He didn’t know whether or not that would happen. At least she seemed to know that he didn’t like having attention given to him, while she obviously did. He also wasn’t tied to her by family name, and at first glance no one would think they were cousins.<br><br>For some reason, however, she was bothering Mortimer. It shouldn’t have bothered him that she was being friendly with people, but it bothered him anyway. He thought it was odd, because he didn’t care about anyone. He didn’t really know what bothered her about chatting with some of the girls in the class, but there it was.<br><br>Angela kept looking over at him for some reason, although rather subtly. He wouldn’t have noticed if he wasn’t watching her to try to figure out what was going on, and Mortimer doubted anyone else would notice. She was judging him on something, and that scared him.<br><br>At lunchtime he snuck out of the room to go hide somewhere he felt safe. He’d just arrived at a good location when he was grabbed from behind and dragged into a seat in the cafeteria. Fortunately for Mortimer, nobody else was present at this <del>interrogation</del> meeting. Angela asked him a bunch of questions about the girls in class, and he honestly shrugged that he didn’t know most of the answers. After a string of questions, Angela seemed satisfied with his answers, and that also scared Mortimer.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br>If Mortimer had been surprised to see Angela when he got home, his future would have been very hopeless. Upon seeing her at school, he had easily surmised that she would be staying in one of the many spare rooms in his house, unlike what he had previously assumed was a simple visit and overnight stay. He was exactly the same level of happy as he was terrified of what this could do to his life. He had settled into a pretty happy routine, and she was bound to throw that off.<br>He just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Shortly after coming in through the front door, he had been tackled an pinned. He wasn’t really aware that he was probably strong enough to get away, since the interrogation started instantly.<br><br>“What city did you start in in Royal Road?”<br><br>Obviously he responded as appropriate to the situation. He put on his best confused look. It wasn’t a deceptive look, it was really the only thing he could do.<br><br>“Did you forget how to speak English, Mortimer?”<br><br>“No… but…”<br><br>“It’s very simple, I’m going to be playing and I want to start in the same city as you did. Or whatever city you’re in now.”<br><br>“Morata.”<br><br>“Really? I would have expected my cousin to pick a better starting place. I bet you didn’t even put any research into it, did you?”<br><br>“Well, no. How did you know I play Royal Road?”<br><br>“Hey, I’m the one asking questions here. Also, I snuck into your room. I knew you weren’t asleep yet and you didn’t answer my knock. Are you still in Morata?”<br><br>“Well, pretty much.”<br><br>Then, she was gone. Obviously she had run off to her room to start playing Royal Road. Mortimer got up and brushed himself off, just in time to be tackled again.<br><br>“You look like you, right?” A nod. “Okay, go get on now and meet me in the city square.”<br><br>After this, he was dragged to his room and almost shoved into his capsule.<br><br>“... I can’t log in yet, I died recently.”<br><br>“Whaaat? Well, when can you log in again?”<br><br>“A few hours. Besides, I always do homework and eat before playing.”<br><br>“Pfft, so responsible. Well, I guess I have homework too… *sigh* Royal Road can wait a bit.”<br><br>--------------------------<br><br>Mortimer worked on homework for his various classes. He still intended to log on exactly as soon as he could. He didn’t intend to spend a lot of his time, if any, helping Angela, although she hadn’t asked him to either. If she had some plans in mind that would take up a lot of his time, he planned to run and hide- and he was confident he could do that better in Royal Road than in real life.<br><br>In terms of what he planned to do in the game, Mortimer really just wanted to level up some at this point. He also needed to train his alchemy, like he had been working on. There were any number of things he could do, but for now, he would try to avoid getting distracted, so that he could increase his abilities. They were certainly a bit low for how long he had been playing.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br>Quietus logged into Royal Road, and headed for the town square, after saying goodbye to Jack again. He knew that Angela would already be waiting in the square, but when he got there he had a bit of trouble finding her. He looked around for blonde hair, and finally found what he was looking for. He walked up to his cousin and placed a hand on her shoulder to get her to turn around. However, he was surprised to find a man’s face on the figure. For a moment, he was going to apologize, but then, “Really? A man?”<br><br>“What? I’d rather be the knight in shining armor than the damsel in distress. Besides, they don’t even have a damsel class in this game.”<br><br>“I’m pretty sure there are other options besides knight and damsel for people to pursue.”<br><br>“That may be true for you, but my heart speaks to traditional fantasy. I’m going to be an orc-battling, dragon slaying, princess wooing knight.”<br><br>“That’s great, but right now you’re basically a beggar.”<br><br>“And you aren’t? At least my stuff isn’t full of holes. Can’t you afford to repair your cloak?”<br><br>“This is just how it is, I think.”<br><br>“...No, it’s definitely broken. You should take it to someone to repair it. Also, have them patch up your clothes while they’re at it, or at least get some armor to put over them.”<br><br>Quietus thought for a while. Was the cloak really given to him broken? That… made a certain amount of sense, actually. He also supposed he should really pick up some armor or something, as long as it was light and didn’t slow him down. He did have some money to spend, after all.<br><br>“Oh yeah, Mortimer, be my friend!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Angelo has sent you a friend request.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Angelo? Also, in here I’m Quietus.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have accepted a friend request.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Hey, I wanted something I would remember to respond to. At least it’s a real name.”<br><br>Quietus had nothing to say to that.<br><br>“Well, I’m gonna go do jobs and stuff <span style="font-style: italic;">Quietus</span>. I’ll message you later if I need to tell you anything. Or I’ll just come yank you out of your pod.”<br><br>With that, they went their separate ways. <del>Angela</del> Angelo to do… whatever jobs she could find, and Quietus to <del>murder small to medium sized animals</del> train.<br><br>End Chapter 18<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1141&amp;p=6279#p6279"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1141&amp;p=6279#p6279&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Next Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1187"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1187&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 18 Quietus had a problem. Before him were quite a few bottles of liquid. He was aware of what they said they did, mostly. However, he didn’t actually know what they did. What did this healing potion feel like? How much damage did this poison really do? How fast? He couldn’t really know, in his heart, until he had tested them. Plus, since he had pretty much made them by mixing herbs without quite knowing what they did, there were also unknown effects, at least at his alchemy and herbalism skill levels. Thus, he did what any reasonable person would do. He drank them. Of course, this would only apply to reasonable people if you really meant something like crazy, or stupid. He did, however, have somewhat of a system. First, he made two doses of each kind. Second, he would only drink a poison directly before a healing potion, and he also prepared antidotes. He wasn’t completely crazy. What were the second dose of each for? Testing, of course. Wolves were about the right level for him to experiment on. He applied a dose of the poison or healing potion to his dagger, and observed the effects. Sometimes, the healing potions healed different amounts than he expected, and sometimes, as he had observed in himself, the still secret, poisonous effects outweighed any benefits. He saved the very best mixtures for last. By best, of course, he used the ones with the most potent herbs in them. The poison had a very interesting effect on his health, as it rapidly drained. It was quite a bit better than he had thought it would be. At about a quarter of his life, he drank the healing potion. Then, he collapsed on the ground. His body just wouldn’t hold him up anymore. He tried to reach for the antidote potion he had prepared, but he couldn’t muster up the strength to lift it. He watched the last portion of his health trickle away. Finally, he received a familiar message he had not seen in a decent amount of time. | You have died.You are prohibited from logging in for twenty three hours. | | --- | Because his skill, power to accept death, was level two, it appeared that he shaved a very significant time off of his lockout. Of course, there was the drawback that it only leveled up when he died. He also still lost the experience from death, and possibly items. Then again, he could always regain the items, and the experience would even come back to him at an increased rate. Still, not playing for a time was rather disappointing. He was ~~addicted to~~ very fond of Royal Road. Mortimer decided to go to sleep right away, so he could stay up a bit later the next day. -------------------------- At breakfast, Mortimer chatted with Angela. Well, really, it was more he prompted her, and she chatted about things. He enjoyed that, as long as she was in the right mood, she would let him get away with not talking. Of course, if she had really wanted to know something, she could have easily pried it out of him. That was something he didn’t like about her. She knew too much about him. Well, that had been true in the past anyway. Recently they hadn’t seen much of each other, since they lived a bit too far apart to just go over to each other’s houses to play. It was also more of a childish thing to do, anyway. It was nice to see her every once in a while, thought Mortimer. -------------------------- At school, Mortimer took it back. He really didn’t want to see her this often. What was she even doing at his school? This was, of course, a rhetorical question. Mortimer wasn’t so dense (at least where his cousin was involved) to not realize she was a student at his school now. The real question was: why? and also why is she in my class? is she in my other classes too? In this case, Mortimer could guess the answers: because she was Angela, because it was his class, and *sigh* probably. Mortimer was pleasantly relieved when she blatantly ignored him in front of other people. He knew she would probably make him sit with her at lunch, but he could live with that… as long as she didn’t bring other people. He didn’t know whether or not that would happen. At least she seemed to know that he didn’t like having attention given to him, while she obviously did. He also wasn’t tied to her by family name, and at first glance no one would think they were cousins. For some reason, however, she was bothering Mortimer. It shouldn’t have bothered him that she was being friendly with people, but it bothered him anyway. He thought it was odd, because he didn’t care about anyone. He didn’t really know what bothered her about chatting with some of the girls in the class, but there it was. Angela kept looking over at him for some reason, although rather subtly. He wouldn’t have noticed if he wasn’t watching her to try to figure out what was going on, and Mortimer doubted anyone else would notice. She was judging him on something, and that scared him. At lunchtime he snuck out of the room to go hide somewhere he felt safe. He’d just arrived at a good location when he was grabbed from behind and dragged into a seat in the cafeteria. Fortunately for Mortimer, nobody else was present at this ~~interrogation~~ meeting. Angela asked him a bunch of questions about the girls in class, and he honestly shrugged that he didn’t know most of the answers. After a string of questions, Angela seemed satisfied with his answers, and that also scared Mortimer. -------------------------- If Mortimer had been surprised to see Angela when he got home, his future would have been very hopeless. Upon seeing her at school, he had easily surmised that she would be staying in one of the many spare rooms in his house, unlike what he had previously assumed was a simple visit and overnight stay. He was exactly the same level of happy as he was terrified of what this could do to his life. He had settled into a pretty happy routine, and she was bound to throw that off. He just didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Shortly after coming in through the front door, he had been tackled an pinned. He wasn’t really aware that he was probably strong enough to get away, since the interrogation started instantly. “What city did you start in in Royal Road?” Obviously he responded as appropriate to the situation. He put on his best confused look. It wasn’t a deceptive look, it was really the only thing he could do. “Did you forget how to speak English, Mortimer?” “No… but…” “It’s very simple, I’m going to be playing and I want to start in the same city as you did. Or whatever city you’re in now.” “Morata.” “Really? I would have expected my cousin to pick a better starting place. I bet you didn’t even put any research into it, did you?” “Well, no. How did you know I play Royal Road?” “Hey, I’m the one asking questions here. Also, I snuck into your room. I knew you weren’t asleep yet and you didn’t answer my knock. Are you still in Morata?” “Well, pretty much.” Then, she was gone. Obviously she had run off to her room to start playing Royal Road. Mortimer got up and brushed himself off, just in time to be tackled again. “You look like you, right?” A nod. “Okay, go get on now and meet me in the city square.” After this, he was dragged to his room and almost shoved into his capsule. “... I can’t log in yet, I died recently.” “Whaaat? Well, when can you log in again?” “A few hours. Besides, I always do homework and eat before playing.” “Pfft, so responsible. Well, I guess I have homework too… *sigh* Royal Road can wait a bit.” -------------------------- Mortimer worked on homework for his various classes. He still intended to log on exactly as soon as he could. He didn’t intend to spend a lot of his time, if any, helping Angela, although she hadn’t asked him to either. If she had some plans in mind that would take up a lot of his time, he planned to run and hide- and he was confident he could do that better in Royal Road than in real life. In terms of what he planned to do in the game, Mortimer really just wanted to level up some at this point. He also needed to train his alchemy, like he had been working on. There were any number of things he could do, but for now, he would try to avoid getting distracted, so that he could increase his abilities. They were certainly a bit low for how long he had been playing. -------------------------- Quietus logged into Royal Road, and headed for the town square, after saying goodbye to Jack again. He knew that Angela would already be waiting in the square, but when he got there he had a bit of trouble finding her. He looked around for blonde hair, and finally found what he was looking for. He walked up to his cousin and placed a hand on her shoulder to get her to turn around. However, he was surprised to find a man’s face on the figure. For a moment, he was going to apologize, but then, “Really? A man?” “What? I’d rather be the knight in shining armor than the damsel in distress. Besides, they don’t even have a damsel class in this game.” “I’m pretty sure there are other options besides knight and damsel for people to pursue.” “That may be true for you, but my heart speaks to traditional fantasy. I’m going to be an orc-battling, dragon slaying, princess wooing knight.” “That’s great, but right now you’re basically a beggar.” “And you aren’t? At least my stuff isn’t full of holes. Can’t you afford to repair your cloak?” “This is just how it is, I think.” “...No, it’s definitely broken. You should take it to someone to repair it. Also, have them patch up your clothes while they’re at it, or at least get some armor to put over them.” Quietus thought for a while. Was the cloak really given to him broken? That… made a certain amount of sense, actually. He also supposed he should really pick up some armor or something, as long as it was light and didn’t slow him down. He did have some money to spend, after all. “Oh yeah, Mortimer, be my friend!” | Angelo has sent you a friend request. | | --- | “Angelo? Also, in here I’m Quietus.” | You have accepted a friend request. | | --- | “Hey, I wanted something I would remember to respond to. At least it’s a real name.” Quietus had nothing to say to that. “Well, I’m gonna go do jobs and stuff Quietus. I’ll message you later if I need to tell you anything. Or I’ll just come yank you out of your pod.” With that, they went their separate ways. ~~Angela~~ Angelo to do… whatever jobs she could find, and Quietus to ~~murder small to medium sized animals~~ train. End Chapter 18 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1141&p=6279#p6279">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1141&p=6279#p6279</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1187">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1187</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 23<br><br> The first thing Mortimer did was get out of his capsule and fall into bed. He had been playing since Friday night and it was now early Sunday morning. He woke up just in time for dinner.<br><br> After dinner, his first meal in a long time, he worked on homework for the weekend. It was important to keep up with finals only a few weeks away. Not that he was particularly worried about them, but since he couldn’t log into Royal Road anyway, until around midnight, he might as well just wait until tomorrow after school. Which meant he needed to be caught up, or preferably ahead, on homework.<br><br> Then he sparred with Angela again, and lost, as he always had. He tried to figure out why, but just couldn’t come up with a way to win. Mortimer hadn’t known that he didn’t like losing, because he rarely lost at anything he cared about. If he didn’t care, it didn’t count as losing, and if he could win later, it also didn’t count as losing. This, however, was something he cared about. While he was brooding over this, Angela asked him about his quest.<br><br> “My quest? Well, it was a training thing. It was basically a dungeon with traps everywhere and monsters I couldn’t kill.”<br><br> “Oh yeah? Sounds like the dungeon we are in. Traps around every corner, and ghosts that don’t take damage most of the time. Fortunately, the magician we recruited can still attack them. Our priest can too.”<br><br> Mortimer didn’t bother correcting her that a trap for every corner didn’t count as everywhere. He also didn’t bother saying that monsters that are hard to kill aren’t the same as ones you aren’t allowed to kill. “Well, I got through my dungeon, but I died just after I got out. I don’t know if that still counted as passing.”<br><br> “You died again? You sure die a lot playing solo. Maybe you should join our group.”<br><br> “Well, I still have things I have to do… we may not be headed to the same places.”<br><br> Mortimer deliberately avoided saying he didn’t know where Angela’s party was. She would always catch him in a direct lie, and point it out. He always felt very uncomfortable when that happened.<br><br> “You have to at least join my guild, Mortimer.”<br><br> “You have a guild?”<br><br> “Well… I mean, once I make the guild. I still need to gather more people and the funds to register it. Once I do though, you have to join.”<br><br> “I’ll consider it. It’s not like I can join now anyway, since it doesn’t exist.”<br><br> Angela accepted that answer. There wasn’t really another option.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus woke up in a strange place. There was light coming in through many colored windows. This must be the church in this city, where players would be resurrected. Quietus didn’t feel very good for being resurrected, though. Not that he felt like he was still injured- his health was fine, and his left hand and right arm were back to normal. Instead, he just felt kind of queasy.<br><br> Even if he was feeling sick, he still had to go get his rewards for the training. Assuming he counted as passing. If not, he would at least have the increases to his attributes, except for his actual level. After a little bit of walking, Quietus found himself feeling better. Perhaps he had just felt some previously unknown side effect of death, or resurrection.<br><br> Inside the assassin’s guild, he was greeted by a guard.<br><br> “Oh, you’re back! Frank wants to see you.”<br><br> Quietus nodded and went on ahead. Behind him, he could hear the guard commenting to another, “I wonder if he takes a week to do everything. Must be a pretty relaxed life.” The other guard grunted in response.<br><br> “Ah, Quietus, come in. My guard at the door informed me that you made it through the door before dying, so you passed. Of course, if you weren’t a foreigner, it would still count as failure since you wouldn’t be able to collect your reward. However, a pass is a pass, even if you were… somewhat slow. I have someone fetching your reward right now.”<br><br> Quietus couldn’t imagine how someone could have done it much faster than him. Others could have told him that it was probably unnecessary to disarm every single trap in the dungeon- creating enough for a path would have probably been fine. However, unless they were exceptionally fast at disarming traps, it still would have taken more than a day.<br><br> Into the room came a guard carrying a book, a pair of gloves, and a pouch likely containing coins, by the sound.<br><br> “What’s all that?” asked Frank.<br><br> “It’s the standard reward for someone who passes the beginner training at tier nine. You said he passed, right?”<br><br> “Yes, but… tier nine?” Frank looked surprised.<br><br> “Indeed sir. I was the one who received the message recommending that level of training. I had the dungeon set itself appropriately.”<br><br> “Well, that explains some things,” Frank said.<br><br> “What’s tier nine?” asked Quietus.<br><br> “Oh yes, of course you wouldn’t know. We have tiers that determine the difficulty of the tests, from one to ten. Tier one is pretty basic, a few traps to avoid, plenty of places to hide from the patrolling golems. Each tier has more traps to avoid and more places to hide. Tier eight, for example, has small nooks that people can squeeze into to hide, and only one path through the traps. Tier ten… it’s theoretically a big open room, with pits, traps, and the golems. I’m pretty sure some of the traps would set off more traps when properly disarmed. So for tier nine… Somebody was either very confident in your abilities, or wanted you to fail.”<br><br> “Oh… Well I’m either glad they felt so highly of me or very angry at them.”<br><br> “Hah! As well you should be. Well, go ahead and take your reward.”<br><br> The guard handed Quietus the skill book, the gloves, and the pouch of money. Quietus quickly opened up the item windows, and was glad to see they were already identified.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Snake in the Darkness Style<br><br>Skills-<br><br>Snakebite:<br>A quick attack to any part of an enemy. If used in conjunction with poison, the poison will produce a more powerful effect near the point of injury.<br>Cost:<br>25 mana<br>Backslide:<br>Instantly move directly backwards three steps, using a confusing pattern of movement. Useful for avoiding attacks from enemies.Cost:<br>50 mana<br><br>Backstab:<br>Inflict increased damage with an attack to an enemies back. Damage is multiplied by three if the enemy is unaware.<br>Cost:<br>200 mana<br><br>Perforate Artery:<br>Execute an attack at the jugular vein, or equivalent, of an enemy. Causes heavy bleeding damage, and enhances the effects of poisons. Inflicts critical damage if the enemy is unaware of you.<br><br>Cost:<br>1000 mana<br><br>Requirements:<br>Assassin Class <br>OR<br>Member of the true assassin’s guild</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus was happy to get some real combat related skills, although their mana costs were very heavy. If he weren’t a warlock, but instead a standard assassin, he didn’t think he would have enough mana to use backstab more than once. Then again, the mana cost would drop with proficiency, and if used right, it didn’t need to be used more than once. Then there was perforate artery which was just… completely unnecessary in its mana cost. He didn’t know when he would be able to use that.<br><br> Now it was time to look at his gloves.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Gloves of Finesse<br><br>Durability: 20/20 Defense: 4<br><br>Awarded to those who complete the Beginner Assassin’s training above a certain difficulty. These gloves allow the wearer to act with more finesse in all situations.<br><br>Equip:<br>+20 Agility<br>+50% increase in effectiveness of lockpicking, pickpocket, and search.<br><br>Requirements:<br>Member of the Assassin’s guild AND completed beginner's assassin training.<br>OR<br>Advanced level in lockpicking, pickpocket, or search.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus was pleased. They were very excellent gloves. Of course, they would have been more useful before he was thrown into a dungeon full to the brim with traps.<br><br> Now he just had to go get everything repaired. After saying goodbye to the nice people in the assassin’s guild, he went off to find someone who could repair his cloak and armor. He hadn’t used his dagger, and it never seemed to need repairs anyway. He couldn’t tell whether it was just very high durability or had some other property, since he had never actually gotten it identified. Perhaps he would get around to that one day. The blacksmith offering repairs didn’t have the identify skill, so Quietus would find someone later.<br><br> Quietus was at a loss for what to do next, until he remembered. The actual reason that he came to Twinsburg Heights was for a completely different reason. That was, of course, his “Dark Magic” quest. He opened the quest window and realized it had no instructions on where to find the instructor. Quietus would have to go back to searching the city.<br><br> He found nothing that seemed like it would be the place in the Northwest half of Twinsburg Heights. It was mostly composed of shops and a tavern and things like the church. He was certain the instructor wouldn’t be in any of those places. Quietus then crossed the valley to the southeastern part of the city. There, he actually found the magician’s guild. He had a feeling they wouldn’t have the instructor on dark magic either, although he would come back if he couldn’t find anywhere more promising.<br><br> Then, he smelled something familiar. It wasn’t exactly a pleasant smell. Wandering in the back alleys of a city, pleasant smells were generally rare. However, this smell reminded him of some pleasant memories anyway. Quietus followed it around a corner to an open door. He took a step inside.<br><br> The scrawny man inside gave him a funny look. “Didn’t I just see you in here a few days ago? For that matter, nobody even comes here on purpose. Are you lost?”<br><br> “Well, actually, Jack from Morata sent me to look for someone. I think that someone might be you. I assume you know him?”<br><br> “Sure, I know him. I have to keep in contact with my peers. My name’s Alva. Yours?”<br><br> “I’m Quietus.”<br><br> “Ohh, so you’re the one.” Alva instantly changed mannerisms. “Jack told me you would be coming here soon. Well, it’s important that you know I can’t teach you anything.”<br><br> “Then, why am I here?”<br><br> “Well, that doesn’t mean I don’t know more than you. I can tell you how to learn things, but since we don’t generally use spells like a proper magician or wizard, it’s not something that can be taught directly.”<br><br> Quietus thought back on his initiation as a warlock, and remembered that to be true. He hadn’t really been taught, more like imbued with the knowledge.<br><br> “So, can you give me some knowledge?”<br><br> “Well, I could. That wouldn’t be the best option for either of us. However, you’re here because there is a better way. You know how to soul bind, correct?”<br><br> Quietus nodded. He had almost forgotten about the skill, as he had never used it, but he could.<br><br> “Then it’s simple. One of the best ways for you to learn new abilities is to steal them from others. It is not an easy process with those who have physical form, but to steal the abilities of ghosts is rather simpler. Simply use soul bind on them, and destroy their physical form. You should naturally absorb some of their power and knowledge, although not all ghosts and spirits will do. You would do best with the kind that appear in the Moaning Mines.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Quest updated!<br><br>Dark Magic<br><br>The time has come to learn more advanced magic. Travel to the Moaning Mines and bind four of the named spirits to learn their spells. Then, return to Alva with what you have learned.<br><br>Difficulty:<br>Class Quest</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus felt like he had heard of that dungeon somewhere, but he couldn’t remember why right away. After getting directions from Alva, he set out on his quest.<br><br>End Chapter 23<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1218&amp;p=6989#p6989"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1218&amp;p=6989#p6989&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Next Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1247"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1247&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 23 The first thing Mortimer did was get out of his capsule and fall into bed. He had been playing since Friday night and it was now early Sunday morning. He woke up just in time for dinner. After dinner, his first meal in a long time, he worked on homework for the weekend. It was important to keep up with finals only a few weeks away. Not that he was particularly worried about them, but since he couldn’t log into Royal Road anyway, until around midnight, he might as well just wait until tomorrow after school. Which meant he needed to be caught up, or preferably ahead, on homework. Then he sparred with Angela again, and lost, as he always had. He tried to figure out why, but just couldn’t come up with a way to win. Mortimer hadn’t known that he didn’t like losing, because he rarely lost at anything he cared about. If he didn’t care, it didn’t count as losing, and if he could win later, it also didn’t count as losing. This, however, was something he cared about. While he was brooding over this, Angela asked him about his quest. “My quest? Well, it was a training thing. It was basically a dungeon with traps everywhere and monsters I couldn’t kill.” “Oh yeah? Sounds like the dungeon we are in. Traps around every corner, and ghosts that don’t take damage most of the time. Fortunately, the magician we recruited can still attack them. Our priest can too.” Mortimer didn’t bother correcting her that a trap for every corner didn’t count as everywhere. He also didn’t bother saying that monsters that are hard to kill aren’t the same as ones you aren’t allowed to kill. “Well, I got through my dungeon, but I died just after I got out. I don’t know if that still counted as passing.” “You died again? You sure die a lot playing solo. Maybe you should join our group.” “Well, I still have things I have to do… we may not be headed to the same places.” Mortimer deliberately avoided saying he didn’t know where Angela’s party was. She would always catch him in a direct lie, and point it out. He always felt very uncomfortable when that happened. “You have to at least join my guild, Mortimer.” “You have a guild?” “Well… I mean, once I make the guild. I still need to gather more people and the funds to register it. Once I do though, you have to join.” “I’ll consider it. It’s not like I can join now anyway, since it doesn’t exist.” Angela accepted that answer. There wasn’t really another option. -------------------------- Quietus woke up in a strange place. There was light coming in through many colored windows. This must be the church in this city, where players would be resurrected. Quietus didn’t feel very good for being resurrected, though. Not that he felt like he was still injured- his health was fine, and his left hand and right arm were back to normal. Instead, he just felt kind of queasy. Even if he was feeling sick, he still had to go get his rewards for the training. Assuming he counted as passing. If not, he would at least have the increases to his attributes, except for his actual level. After a little bit of walking, Quietus found himself feeling better. Perhaps he had just felt some previously unknown side effect of death, or resurrection. Inside the assassin’s guild, he was greeted by a guard. “Oh, you’re back! Frank wants to see you.” Quietus nodded and went on ahead. Behind him, he could hear the guard commenting to another, “I wonder if he takes a week to do everything. Must be a pretty relaxed life.” The other guard grunted in response. “Ah, Quietus, come in. My guard at the door informed me that you made it through the door before dying, so you passed. Of course, if you weren’t a foreigner, it would still count as failure since you wouldn’t be able to collect your reward. However, a pass is a pass, even if you were… somewhat slow. I have someone fetching your reward right now.” Quietus couldn’t imagine how someone could have done it much faster than him. Others could have told him that it was probably unnecessary to disarm every single trap in the dungeon- creating enough for a path would have probably been fine. However, unless they were exceptionally fast at disarming traps, it still would have taken more than a day. Into the room came a guard carrying a book, a pair of gloves, and a pouch likely containing coins, by the sound. “What’s all that?” asked Frank. “It’s the standard reward for someone who passes the beginner training at tier nine. You said he passed, right?” “Yes, but… tier nine?” Frank looked surprised. “Indeed sir. I was the one who received the message recommending that level of training. I had the dungeon set itself appropriately.” “Well, that explains some things,” Frank said. “What’s tier nine?” asked Quietus. “Oh yes, of course you wouldn’t know. We have tiers that determine the difficulty of the tests, from one to ten. Tier one is pretty basic, a few traps to avoid, plenty of places to hide from the patrolling golems. Each tier has more traps to avoid and more places to hide. Tier eight, for example, has small nooks that people can squeeze into to hide, and only one path through the traps. Tier ten… it’s theoretically a big open room, with pits, traps, and the golems. I’m pretty sure some of the traps would set off more traps when properly disarmed. So for tier nine… Somebody was either very confident in your abilities, or wanted you to fail.” “Oh… Well I’m either glad they felt so highly of me or very angry at them.” “Hah! As well you should be. Well, go ahead and take your reward.” The guard handed Quietus the skill book, the gloves, and the pouch of money. Quietus quickly opened up the item windows, and was glad to see they were already identified. | Snake in the Darkness StyleSkills-Snakebite:A quick attack to any part of an enemy. If used in conjunction with poison, the poison will produce a more powerful effect near the point of injury.Cost:25 manaBackslide:Instantly move directly backwards three steps, using a confusing pattern of movement. Useful for avoiding attacks from enemies.Cost:50 manaBackstab:Inflict increased damage with an attack to an enemies back. Damage is multiplied by three if the enemy is unaware.Cost:200 manaPerforate Artery:Execute an attack at the jugular vein, or equivalent, of an enemy. Causes heavy bleeding damage, and enhances the effects of poisons. Inflicts critical damage if the enemy is unaware of you.Cost:1000 manaRequirements:Assassin Class ORMember of the true assassin’s guild | | --- | Quietus was happy to get some real combat related skills, although their mana costs were very heavy. If he weren’t a warlock, but instead a standard assassin, he didn’t think he would have enough mana to use backstab more than once. Then again, the mana cost would drop with proficiency, and if used right, it didn’t need to be used more than once. Then there was perforate artery which was just… completely unnecessary in its mana cost. He didn’t know when he would be able to use that. Now it was time to look at his gloves. | Gloves of FinesseDurability: 20/20 Defense: 4Awarded to those who complete the Beginner Assassin’s training above a certain difficulty. These gloves allow the wearer to act with more finesse in all situations.Equip:+20 Agility+50% increase in effectiveness of lockpicking, pickpocket, and search.Requirements:Member of the Assassin’s guild AND completed beginner's assassin training.ORAdvanced level in lockpicking, pickpocket, or search. | | --- | Quietus was pleased. They were very excellent gloves. Of course, they would have been more useful before he was thrown into a dungeon full to the brim with traps. Now he just had to go get everything repaired. After saying goodbye to the nice people in the assassin’s guild, he went off to find someone who could repair his cloak and armor. He hadn’t used his dagger, and it never seemed to need repairs anyway. He couldn’t tell whether it was just very high durability or had some other property, since he had never actually gotten it identified. Perhaps he would get around to that one day. The blacksmith offering repairs didn’t have the identify skill, so Quietus would find someone later. Quietus was at a loss for what to do next, until he remembered. The actual reason that he came to Twinsburg Heights was for a completely different reason. That was, of course, his “Dark Magic” quest. He opened the quest window and realized it had no instructions on where to find the instructor. Quietus would have to go back to searching the city. He found nothing that seemed like it would be the place in the Northwest half of Twinsburg Heights. It was mostly composed of shops and a tavern and things like the church. He was certain the instructor wouldn’t be in any of those places. Quietus then crossed the valley to the southeastern part of the city. There, he actually found the magician’s guild. He had a feeling they wouldn’t have the instructor on dark magic either, although he would come back if he couldn’t find anywhere more promising. Then, he smelled something familiar. It wasn’t exactly a pleasant smell. Wandering in the back alleys of a city, pleasant smells were generally rare. However, this smell reminded him of some pleasant memories anyway. Quietus followed it around a corner to an open door. He took a step inside. The scrawny man inside gave him a funny look. “Didn’t I just see you in here a few days ago? For that matter, nobody even comes here on purpose. Are you lost?” “Well, actually, Jack from Morata sent me to look for someone. I think that someone might be you. I assume you know him?” “Sure, I know him. I have to keep in contact with my peers. My name’s Alva. Yours?” “I’m Quietus.” “Ohh, so you’re the one.” Alva instantly changed mannerisms. “Jack told me you would be coming here soon. Well, it’s important that you know I can’t teach you anything.” “Then, why am I here?” “Well, that doesn’t mean I don’t know more than you. I can tell you how to learn things, but since we don’t generally use spells like a proper magician or wizard, it’s not something that can be taught directly.” Quietus thought back on his initiation as a warlock, and remembered that to be true. He hadn’t really been taught, more like imbued with the knowledge. “So, can you give me some knowledge?” “Well, I could. That wouldn’t be the best option for either of us. However, you’re here because there is a better way. You know how to soul bind, correct?” Quietus nodded. He had almost forgotten about the skill, as he had never used it, but he could. “Then it’s simple. One of the best ways for you to learn new abilities is to steal them from others. It is not an easy process with those who have physical form, but to steal the abilities of ghosts is rather simpler. Simply use soul bind on them, and destroy their physical form. You should naturally absorb some of their power and knowledge, although not all ghosts and spirits will do. You would do best with the kind that appear in the Moaning Mines.” | Quest updated!Dark MagicThe time has come to learn more advanced magic. Travel to the Moaning Mines and bind four of the named spirits to learn their spells. Then, return to Alva with what you have learned.Difficulty:Class Quest | | --- | Quietus felt like he had heard of that dungeon somewhere, but he couldn’t remember why right away. After getting directions from Alva, he set out on his quest. End Chapter 23 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1218&p=6989#p6989">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1218&p=6989#p6989</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1247">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1247</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?<br>“Yes”<br>-- Select the name of your avatar –<br>“Rion.” The word came up in Jae Hwa’s mind all of a sudden and she blurted it out.<br>-- Select your gender from male, female or neutral –<br>“Female”<br>-- Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine –<br>“Human”<br>-- You may alter your appearance –<br>“I’ll stay the way I am”<br>-- Your account has-<br>“Pass.” Rion was already accustomed to tutorials after playing many Virtual Reality games.<br>-- Select a city and kingdom you want to start –<br>“The Citadel of Serabourg, Rosenheim Kingdom”<br>-- Welcome to Royal Road! –<br>With a flash of light, Rion appeared in the Citadel of Serabourg, Rosenheim.<br><br>Even though Rion played countless Virtual Reality games, she was still stunned when she joined the game. This was nothing like the rest. Whenever she played another game, it had a very tiny, limited world, and she usually joined the game when the game was in beta. Royal Road already had millions of users, something she was not accustomed to.<br><br>Rion’s friends popped up right next to her, Eun Sun as Minix and Soo Min as Plase. They began chatting and planning on their future in the game. Her friends heard that you could make money by playing the game.<br><br>“Where am I? Unbelievable!” Rion heard someone say. She turned around and saw a boy, perhaps around her age, looking around in awe.<br>“Look at him. I’m sure he’s a newbie.” Minix laughed, pointing at the boy.<br>“It looks like he’s never played a virtual reality game before.” Scoffed Plase.<br>Rion told her friends to quiet down, remembering the first time she experienced Virtual Reality. <span style="font-style: italic;">Everyone has to start somewhere</span> Rion thought.<br><br>After questioning a few players, Rion learned that newbies were forbidden from leaving the city for a week, or four weeks in the game. The best way to progress through those weeks were to do small quests and learn craft skills. Rion, Minix, and Plase parted ways to find their own skills. Rion was determined to become a wielder of swords, regardless of class. She always did. The best way to start would be to learn to increase her repair skill and went to find a place to improve her repair skill. She checked her inventory to find ten rye bread and a canteen to hold water.<br><br>Rion walked around Rosenheim Kingdom and located 23 blacksmitheries. Most of them denied her, stating that they were not lending weapons to repair. Others said they would think about it. They probably wanted her to know the blacksmithing skill before they would lend a hand.<br><br>The last blacksmith looked like a rundown shack, but Rion didn't care. Repairing weapons would help her in the long run. Increasing the repair tool as fast as possible was important, not only to learn the blacksmithing skill, which requires an intermediate repair skill, but also so her swords would last longer. She remembered playing the Continent of Magic and dying to an important boss during a raid because her sword broke. Since then, she never forgot to level up her repair skill and fix her weapons when dull.<br><br>Rion entered the shack and noticed how empty the place was. The only thing in the room was a fireplace, an anvil, and an NPC hammering away, forging a sword. The sword gleamed black and looked extremely sharp.<br><br>"I'm not selling any weapons"<br>"I want to improve my repair skill."<br>"Why don't you just repair weapons then?"<br>"I just started today but I want to improve my repairing quickly, and you seem like a really good mentor." Rion learned the skill of flattery from attending many parties.<br>"You have good eyes. However, I do not take anyone with less than 25 strength. That is my policy."<br>"Stats window!"<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Character Name</td><td width="25%">Rion</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Profession</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Reputation</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td colspan="3">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Defense</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br>To gain five stat points, one would have to level up. For Rion to have 25 strength, she would have to level up three times. Unfortunately, it would be impossible to level due to the four week restriction from leaving the city. She wanted to learn blacksmithing as soon as possible.<br><br>"But I can't leave the city."<br>"So?"<br>"I can't gain strength without leveling"<br>"Just go to the Training Hall."<br>"What do you mean?"<br>"You can gain strength by hitting the scarecrows."<br><br>Rion had heard about something like this. One could train their strength without leveling up by doing basic training. However, not many players do it, as it is extremely tedious. It would be better as a newbie to do as many quests as possible to gain favor points and some money to start. Rion did not care about any of that.<br><br>"Thank you Mr. Blacksmith."<br>"No problem."<br><br>Rion hurried to the training hall. As she got near, she noticed that there was a crowd. Pushing through the crowd, she noticed that the crowd was watching the boy who her friends made fun of earlier. Judging by the sweat, the boy must have been here for hours, and likely doing the same thing she was just about to begin.<br>Rion walked to the furthest scarecrow. As soon as she approached the scarecrow, the instructor appeared.<br><br>"Would you like to practice sword training as well?"<br>"If it allows me to hit the scarecrow, yes."<br>"Very well. Take the wooden sword in front of the scarecrow, it is all yours."<br><br>After a while of hitting the scarecrow, Rion heard good news.<br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Great, only fourteen more to go.</span> Rion thought.<br><br>"The new players must all be crazy."<br>"A girl this time, no less."<br><br>Rion ignored the comments, she did not care. The only thing going through her mind was how nice it was to train with a sword.<br><br>Seven hours later three messages came up.<br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Agility increased by 1 point. (+1 AGI)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Stamina increased by 1 point. (+1 STA)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>Rion was exhausted. Famished and parched, she filled up her canteen and a fountain and ate a piece of bread.<br><br>"Yuck" blurted Rion. The rye bread tasted horrible.<br><br>In Royal Road, everything is extremely realistic. Pain will be painful, and bad food will taste bad. Compared to what Rion usually ate, rye bread was like eating garbage. If she learned how to cook, then perhaps the food would taste better.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">But who cares how food tastes.</span><br><br>Rion swallowed the rest of the rye bread and drank from the canteen. When she finished, the continued on hitting the scarecrow. She had never done this much work before in a game, but reasoned it would be worth it in the end, and that it was very good stress relief.<br><br>A week later of playing Royal Road, Rion figured out she would run out of bread soon. She only had six pieces left after a week, so she needed at least ten more pieces for it to last until she could leave the city.<br><br>Letting go of the wooden sword, Rion went to the General Store to scout the price for bread. After learning that each piece was three coppers, she went out to look for some quests to earn a bit of money.<br><br>"Could you help me sent this letter to my friend?"<br>"I need assistance in moving these crates."<br>"Could you help me manage my shop? I can teach you the Cooking Skill if you do."<br><br>After doing about fourteen quests, Rion earned 34 coppers and the Cooking Skill. The NPCs also became slightly friendlier with her. She used 30 of the coppers she earned to buy ten rye bread.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">I don't need this Cooking Skill.</span><br><br>Rion hurried back to the scarecrows. </div>

The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account? “Yes” -- Select the name of your avatar – “Rion.” The word came up in Jae Hwa’s mind all of a sudden and she blurted it out. -- Select your gender from male, female or neutral – “Female” -- Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine – “Human” -- You may alter your appearance – “I’ll stay the way I am” -- Your account has- “Pass.” Rion was already accustomed to tutorials after playing many Virtual Reality games. -- Select a city and kingdom you want to start – “The Citadel of Serabourg, Rosenheim Kingdom” -- Welcome to Royal Road! – With a flash of light, Rion appeared in the Citadel of Serabourg, Rosenheim. Even though Rion played countless Virtual Reality games, she was still stunned when she joined the game. This was nothing like the rest. Whenever she played another game, it had a very tiny, limited world, and she usually joined the game when the game was in beta. Royal Road already had millions of users, something she was not accustomed to. Rion’s friends popped up right next to her, Eun Sun as Minix and Soo Min as Plase. They began chatting and planning on their future in the game. Her friends heard that you could make money by playing the game. “Where am I? Unbelievable!” Rion heard someone say. She turned around and saw a boy, perhaps around her age, looking around in awe. “Look at him. I’m sure he’s a newbie.” Minix laughed, pointing at the boy. “It looks like he’s never played a virtual reality game before.” Scoffed Plase. Rion told her friends to quiet down, remembering the first time she experienced Virtual Reality. Everyone has to start somewhere Rion thought. After questioning a few players, Rion learned that newbies were forbidden from leaving the city for a week, or four weeks in the game. The best way to progress through those weeks were to do small quests and learn craft skills. Rion, Minix, and Plase parted ways to find their own skills. Rion was determined to become a wielder of swords, regardless of class. She always did. The best way to start would be to learn to increase her repair skill and went to find a place to improve her repair skill. She checked her inventory to find ten rye bread and a canteen to hold water. Rion walked around Rosenheim Kingdom and located 23 blacksmitheries. Most of them denied her, stating that they were not lending weapons to repair. Others said they would think about it. They probably wanted her to know the blacksmithing skill before they would lend a hand. The last blacksmith looked like a rundown shack, but Rion didn't care. Repairing weapons would help her in the long run. Increasing the repair tool as fast as possible was important, not only to learn the blacksmithing skill, which requires an intermediate repair skill, but also so her swords would last longer. She remembered playing the Continent of Magic and dying to an important boss during a raid because her sword broke. Since then, she never forgot to level up her repair skill and fix her weapons when dull. Rion entered the shack and noticed how empty the place was. The only thing in the room was a fireplace, an anvil, and an NPC hammering away, forging a sword. The sword gleamed black and looked extremely sharp. "I'm not selling any weapons" "I want to improve my repair skill." "Why don't you just repair weapons then?" "I just started today but I want to improve my repairing quickly, and you seem like a really good mentor." Rion learned the skill of flattery from attending many parties. "You have good eyes. However, I do not take anyone with less than 25 strength. That is my policy." "Stats window!" | Character Name | Rion | Alignment | None | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Level | 1 | Profession | None | | Title | None | | | | Reputation | 0 | | | | Health | 100 | Mana | 100 | | Strength | 10 | Agility | 10 | | Stamina | 10 | | | | Wisdom | 10 | Intellect | 10 | | Luck | 0 | Leadership | 0 | | Attack | 0 | | | | Defense | 0 | | | | Magic Resistance | None | | | To gain five stat points, one would have to level up. For Rion to have 25 strength, she would have to level up three times. Unfortunately, it would be impossible to level due to the four week restriction from leaving the city. She wanted to learn blacksmithing as soon as possible. "But I can't leave the city." "So?" "I can't gain strength without leveling" "Just go to the Training Hall." "What do you mean?" "You can gain strength by hitting the scarecrows." Rion had heard about something like this. One could train their strength without leveling up by doing basic training. However, not many players do it, as it is extremely tedious. It would be better as a newbie to do as many quests as possible to gain favor points and some money to start. Rion did not care about any of that. "Thank you Mr. Blacksmith." "No problem." Rion hurried to the training hall. As she got near, she noticed that there was a crowd. Pushing through the crowd, she noticed that the crowd was watching the boy who her friends made fun of earlier. Judging by the sweat, the boy must have been here for hours, and likely doing the same thing she was just about to begin. Rion walked to the furthest scarecrow. As soon as she approached the scarecrow, the instructor appeared. "Would you like to practice sword training as well?" "If it allows me to hit the scarecrow, yes." "Very well. Take the wooden sword in front of the scarecrow, it is all yours." After a while of hitting the scarecrow, Rion heard good news. | Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Great, only fourteen more to go. Rion thought. "The new players must all be crazy." "A girl this time, no less." Rion ignored the comments, she did not care. The only thing going through her mind was how nice it was to train with a sword. Seven hours later three messages came up. | Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Agility increased by 1 point. (+1 AGI) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Stamina increased by 1 point. (+1 STA) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Rion was exhausted. Famished and parched, she filled up her canteen and a fountain and ate a piece of bread. "Yuck" blurted Rion. The rye bread tasted horrible. In Royal Road, everything is extremely realistic. Pain will be painful, and bad food will taste bad. Compared to what Rion usually ate, rye bread was like eating garbage. If she learned how to cook, then perhaps the food would taste better. But who cares how food tastes. Rion swallowed the rest of the rye bread and drank from the canteen. When she finished, the continued on hitting the scarecrow. She had never done this much work before in a game, but reasoned it would be worth it in the end, and that it was very good stress relief. A week later of playing Royal Road, Rion figured out she would run out of bread soon. She only had six pieces left after a week, so she needed at least ten more pieces for it to last until she could leave the city. Letting go of the wooden sword, Rion went to the General Store to scout the price for bread. After learning that each piece was three coppers, she went out to look for some quests to earn a bit of money. "Could you help me sent this letter to my friend?" "I need assistance in moving these crates." "Could you help me manage my shop? I can teach you the Cooking Skill if you do." After doing about fourteen quests, Rion earned 34 coppers and the Cooking Skill. The NPCs also became slightly friendlier with her. She used 30 of the coppers she earned to buy ten rye bread. I don't need this Cooking Skill. Rion hurried back to the scarecrows.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 6: The Long Awaited Tournament</span><br><br>Hey Guys i haven't posted in a while but know i am back and more kick ass than ever before. I took some time off to fix some thing for the future plot. I also made some changes to the tournament chapter than what i said before as you will see. I also tried changed the way I write a bit tell me what you think of it. Also finally i did some revisions and calculations and i changed the mana and health regeneration a bit check the stats skills page a but after this chapter and it should be updated with new gear as well as updated stats. Now without further ado Chapter 6.<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>The instructor started speaking, “Listen up maggots; I will go over the specifics of the first round now. As I said before it will be a battle royal style where all of you fight each other at the same time. This will show you how chaotic it will be in a real war plus it’s fun to watch. There is no need to worry about dying the ring in front of you is enchanted so that if your life falls below 30 percent you will be teleported to the healing area to the right of the ring. There are priests stationed there to heal you the moment you teleport out. So don’t worry about death and give it your all. The last two of you left at the end of the battle go on to the next round. Do a final check and enter the ring. And remember not to make a fool of yourself all the knights in the base are watching you.”<br><br>“So, Perseus, how do you want to go about this,” asked Dan.<br><br>“Well seeing as how this is going to be a free for all lets just go in attack wherever we can and try not to die,” replied Perseus.<br><br>“Isn’t that a bit too simple,” said Dan with a questioning look.<br><br>“Nah, what else can we do, it’s going to be a scramble,” Perseus replied.<br><br>“Alright, should I use any spells, I have been training them,” Dan asked.<br><br>“Only if you are sure you won’t hit me by mistake,” said Perseus.<br><br>“Yeah I can do that. What about you are you going to fight with the weights on,” Dan asked pointing to Perseus’s weights.<br><br>“I might be battle crazy but I’m not suicidal so I’ll take them off,” answered Perseus while taking off his weights.<br><br>Having their plan figured out they entered the ring and a few seconds later the bell rung.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*RRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIINGG*</span><br><br>As Perseus thought it was a scramble everyone was running around trying to kill each other.<br><br>‘I can’t use Steel Skin or Spirit Weapon, the instructor told me to keep the skills hidden. How troublesome, it would be easier if I could use at least steel skin, but I guess orders are orders,’ thought Perseus reluctantly. <br><br>Perseus spoke in a whisper, “Iron Lungs. Muscle Empowerment, Sturdy Bones”<br><br>The 28 squires were nervous and made wild swings for each other. One came up to Perseus and slashed at him in a big arc. Perseus calmly saw through his attack, dodged it by slightly bending sideways and slashed at his wrists and heels with both his swords. His amplified strength and speed made it possible to slash through the armor and disable the foolish squire, who recklessly attacked. The squire then teleported out of the arena.<br><br>‘Still have 15 seconds till the buffs wear off better make the most of them.’<br><br>Perseus walked over the fallen squire and ran over to two squires with bastard swords who were fighting each other. They noticed Perseus and were fast to turn to attack him, but Perseus with his buffed stats was faster still and got a good strike in on both of them. The two of them realizing Perseus was a greater threat decided to take care of Perseus first. Perseus slashed to the left while blocking a slash from the right. The three of them kept trading blows both sides taking small hits and overall remaining in a stalemate until one of them made a foolish mistake of lunging in for a stab. It was the chance Perseus was waiting for he sidestepped to the right and struck at the first squire’s sword arm, slicing through his armguard and drawing blood. Perseus didn’t stop there and followed it up with a slash to the squire’s knee, shattering it. The squire gasped and fell to the floor clutching his arm and leg, while Perseus jumped back to avoid a slash aimed at his head from the second squire on the left. Perseus then suddenly felt a decrease in speed.<br><br>‘Damn, I ran out of mana I need to end this fast.’ <br><br>Perseus feinted to the right and slashed with his left sword, the squire had just barely brought his sword up to block the attack. Perseus however had expected this and stepped in with his right foot and brought his right claymore up in a diagonal slash. It was a clean hit and had penetrated through the second squire’s armor. He then slashed at the squire with another diagonal slash while he was stunned from the shock of the attack.<br>Perseus then turned back to the first of the pair and made him teleport out after the second one.Looking around Perseus saw that only 15 people were left.<br><br>‘This will be fun,’ thought with a crazy smile on his face.<br><br>After taking a breather Perseus rushed back into the fray slashing and stabbing like his life depended on it. He activated his skills whenever he had enough mana and after 7 minutes there was none left fighting him.<br><br>‘Huh, where did everyone go,’ thought Perseus as he looked around to see all the other squires had teleported out and only he and Dan were left.<br>Dan walked over and said, “Perseus we won.”<br><br>“Yeah the fight was awesome,” Perseus replied with an excited face.<br><br>“The winners are Perseus and Dan. They are now the East Base’s representatives for the next stages of the tournament. You two better rest up tomorrow we head to the central base for the next part of the tournament,” the instructor said with a pleased face.<br><br>“YES SIR,” the both of them answered.<br><br>Perseus and Dan spent the rest of the day talking about their strategy and abilities. Perseus confided in Dan that currently he only had buff skills and that he fights freestyle.<br><br>“What about your skills, what magic do you use,” inquired Perseus.<br><br>“Well my magic is a bit different than mages. Mages channel their mana through their wands or staffs to affect mana on the outside. What we do is that we channel our mana into our weapons and release the spells from the weapon. While this makes the spell weaker than those of mages but gives use more control and versatility. Take a fireball spell for example I can channel that spell into my sword to make my sword on fire and use that in melee. Then I can shoot it out of my sword. This allows for many possible uses of the same spell,” explained Dan.<br><br>“So basically you trade power for control,” Perseus said plainly.<br><br>“Yes, that is why the White Order is known for its magic we use what magic we can to its full potential,” said Dan agreeing.<br><br>“If it is that good shouldn’t there be more people in the White Order. I heard that there are only about 500 in the order,” asked Perseus with a confused expression.<br><br>“Well that’s because the training to maintain your wisdom, intelligence, strength and agility at a suitable level is hard. You have to read tons of books a day and do many physical training exercises,” replied Dan.<br><br>“Sounds tough,” said Perseus.<br><br>“Tell me about it,” said Dan agreeing.<br><br>“It’s late why don’t we turn in for the night tomorrow is a big day,” suggested Perseus.<br><br>“Yeah night Perseus,” said Dan.<br><br>With that both Perseus and Dan went to bed.<br>-------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">That Morning at Dawn</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">*HORN SOUNDING IN THE DISTANCE*</span><br><br>“Hey Perseus wake up, dude wake up we are under attack,” said Dan as he urgently tried to wake Perseus.<br><br>Perseus shot up from bed and quickly asked, “What, why, when.”<br><br>“Slow down let me answer. Put your gear on I’ll explain while we get ready,” replied Dan.<br><br>“Ok, start talking,” stated Perseus.<br><br>“I don’t know much since I got up a while before you but apparently the some men attacked the main gates about ten minutes ago while they were changing shifts and took the gate. The kingdom raised the alarm 5 minutes ago. That’s all I know, now come on they called all squires to gather in front of the mess hall,” explained Dan.<br><br>After the explanation Perseus and Dan ran to the Mess and made it there in a couple of minutes. All the squires and instructors were gathered and they were the only ones left.<br><br>“You’re late,” said instructor Grant irritably.<br><br>“Sorry instructor,” apologized Dan.<br><br>“Yeah get in line,” the instructor replied dismissively.<br><br>Perseus and Dan got in line with perplexed expressions, usually he would shout at them for minutes on end for being late. Could the situation really be that bad?<br><br>“Alright maggots I’ll explain the situation to you know. Today at dawn we were attacked by a larger number of men at this stage it is unclear on who they are affiliated with but we managed to stop them from reaching the royal castle,” said the instructor as he explained the situation.Sighs of relief escaped all of the squires as they were glad that they royal family is safe.<br><br>“However there are still many of them wreaking havoc in the residential and shopping districts. All able personnel have been ordered to suppress the enemy. But you all are in training and are therefore forbidden from leaving this base. So we are ordered to protect this base. The other instructors and I will patrol near the walls of the base while you lot patrol the interior. If you hear any fighting at the walls don’t leave your posts we can handle ourselves. Understood,” the instructor questioned them all.<br><br>“YES SIR,” the squires replied energetically.<br><br>“Good get going then,” ordered the instructor.<br><br>After the announcement everyone spread out and began patrolling. Dan and Perseus began patrolling near the smithy when Dan asked, “Perseus do you think we will see some action?”<br><br>“Don’t know but I if they come here they are going to regret it,” Perseus replied honestly.<br><br>“Yeah we will mess the up,” Dan stated with a smile.<br><br>“No I mean they will regret crossing the instructor,” Perseus replied.<br><br>“I know he is our instructor but is he really that strong,” Dan asked.<br><br>“You have no idea,” said Perseus with a knowing expression.<br><br>Then they heard someone scream.<br><br>“What was that,” asked Perseus.<br><br>“Come on it came from the track,” said Dan.<br><br>Perseus and Dan ran to the track with all they had. What they saw there made Perseus curse. There were over 50 men in armor attacking the instructors and squires.<br><br>“Damn where they come from, hurry Perseus we have to stop them,” said Dan in a hurry as he began running to the track to be stopped by Perseus.<br><br>“Wait Dan, they are too many,” said Perseus.<br><br>“But we can’t run away, look the instructor is fighting 15 by himself,” replied Dan as he pointed to the instructor who was fighting over a dozen of the men by himself.<br><br>“I know but someone has to get help. Go find help. Or everyone here is dead,” Perseus stated urgently. Dan seeing that Perseus was right gave in.<br><br>“Alright, just don’t die,” said Dan as he ran to find help.<br><br>Perseus didn’t need to be told twice, he wouldn’t die, not until he saved his friends. He ran straight towards a man who was giving orders. The man was wearing dark blue armor and was using a silver hand and a half sword. Perseus slashed with both swords but the man easily blocked Perseus’s attacks. He attacked Perseus back with speed he would have thought impossible had he not sparred with Sir Aglaron every day. Perseus dodged the attack by centimeters.<br><br>‘He’s fast I have to use them, sorry Instructor,’ thought Perseus as he whispered, “<span style="font-weight: bold;">Activate KS</span>.”<br><br>Activate KS was a shortcut Perseus discovered that allowed him to use all five techniques together. Perseus’s body and claymores gained a black-red glow and his body felt faster and stronger.<br><br>‘Only 10 seconds I have to finish this and help the others.’<br><br>“Well this is surprising,” said the man as he looked at Perseus expectantly.<br><br>Perseus rushed forward and attacked with a flurry attacks. Right-horizontal-slash, left-vertical slash, right-stab, simultaneous attacks he tried every combination his two swords allowed. The man however had just blocked and redirected all the attacks with a bored expression on his face. Perseus still had a 2 second left and in a last ditch effort stabbed forward with his left claymore and when the man moved to block the attack, Perseus used his carelessness against him and dropped his left claymore and brought his other Claymore up in a diagonal slash with both arms for added speed. The man looked surprised but still dodged by tilting his head back. He couldn’t completely dodge the attack and his chin got cut.<br><br>‘You have to be kidding me, after all that just a scratch,’ thought Perseus in disbelief.<br><br>“Damn, I ran out of mana,” Perseus thought exasperated.<br><br>“What, is that it I guess it’s my turn,” said the man finally taking initiative in this fight.<br><br>The man rushed Perseus. He was caught unaware and the attack grazed his side resulting in the loss of 200 HP. <br><br>‘What the hell it just grazed me and I took 200 damage,’ thought Perseus. <br><br>The man kept chasing Perseus and Perseus kept moving around dodging the attacks albeit barely and kept taking hits here and there soon his life was down to 470.<br><br>‘Damn I have to use that, I didn’t want to use it but I have no choice. It’s all or nothing,’ thought Perseus with conviction.<br><br>Perseus stopped moving around and faced the man.<br><br>“Stopped running, huh. Ready to face your death,” said the man taunting Perseus.<br><br>“You’re the only one who is going to die,” said Perseus defiantly.<br><br>“Ha after all this you are being cocky. Alright for lasting this long I will tell you my name; after all it is only right I tell you the name of your killer. I am Drake,” said the man taking a bow and revealing his name.<br><br>“And the name of the man who will kill you is Perseus,” said Perseus as he smiled in spite of his dire situation.<br><br>“Haha you’re funny, because you made me laugh I will let you make the first move,” said Drake taunting Perseus.<br><br>“Enough talk,” said Perseus irritably.<br><br>Perseus calmed his breathing and held his Claymore in front of himself with both hands.<br><br>‘This is my last chance,’ thought Perseus steeling himself.<br><br>There was a distance of 5 meters between the two of them. After gauged the distance he was confident it would hit Drake. Perseus raised his claymore and the black-red energy from before surrounded Perseus again only this time it was darker and felt stronger, Perseus was feeding it his emotions of hatred for this man who was toying with him, further increasing the power of this amplified energy. <br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;">KILLING SPIRIT BURST</span>,” shouted Perseus as he brought down the sword of pure emotion down in a vertical slash sending it hurtling towards a surprised Drake.<br><br>Everyone on the track stopped fighting to see a wave of black-red energy rip through the air towards the man called Drake. Drake was expecting Perseus to charge forward with that peculiar glow he had from before and did not expect a ranged attack, because of his carelessness he couldn’t completely defend from the energy wave. When the dust settled Drake was screaming bloody murder as the attack had managed to hit the left portion of his face taking his left eye. While Drake was screaming Perseus was kneeling on the ground he had barely survived letting loose that attack. <br>Even though Killing Spirit Burst did do five times the damage of an ordinary attack it cost him all his mana and if he didn’t have enough it would drain his life. The only reason he had survived was because he had regained enough mana for his HP to not completely hit zero. But even though he wasn’t dead his HP was in the red zone and he could die at any moment.<br><br>Shock over what just took place still gripped many of the enemy and at the worst possible time for them a shout could be heard.<br><br>“Attack the intruders and protect the base,” said a commanding voice.<br><br>It was Sir Aglaron leading the reinforcements. The enemy was outnumbered and outmatched the moment Sir Aglaron appeared and began retreating. Drake stopped between his screams and looked at Perseus with murderous eyes.<br><br>“I will remember you and I will kill in the most horrific way possible. Just you wait HUHUHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAHHAHHAHAAHAAHAHH,” said Drake as he was half laughing - half screaming his head off.<br><br>With his declaration of war/rant against Perseus over he retreated he retreated with his men. <br><br>“Perseus you, okay,” asked Dan with a look of concern as he helped Perseus up.<br><br>“Hey Dan you took your time, huh,” said Perseus with a smirk on his face. He was glad his friend came when he did any longer and he would have been dead.<br><br>“Sorry about that took me awhile to find Sir Aglaron, come on we have to get you to the priests,” said Dan as he helped Perseus to the Priests who were standing by to heal the injured.<br>After thanking the priest for healing him, Perseus and Dan went to Sir Aglaron.<br><br>“Masenfu, what‘s the situation,” asked Perseus.<br><br>“Well it is finally under control the damage to the districts has been kept to a minimum but we took a large hit,” said Aglaron.<br><br>“Huh, what do you mean sir,” said Dan warily.<br><br>“What I mean is that the enemy specifically targeted all five bases. You owe the instructor your lives he fought over 15 men by himself. That is quite a feat at his age. Without him you would have suffered the same fate as the others,” said Aglaron gravely. <br><br>“So all of the other squires are dead,” said Dan with dread.<br><br>“Weren’t you listening? Yes. As sad as it is only 15 squires remain in the kingdom. They effectively cut off our supply of new knights. We are going to be understaffed for a while now. Many of the squires were capable centurions so we are lacking officers now,” said Aglaron irritation in his voice.<br><br>“Do we know how they got in,” asked Dan.<br><br>“At dawn when the sentries were changing shifts they noticed 20 men in cloaks heading for the gates from the East and while the sentries’ attention was directed there a large number of men came from the forest in the north and took the north gate. They then opened the west gate to let more of their comrades in. The rest you probably know, we stopped them from reaching the royal castle but many of them escaped into the residential and the shopping districts. It took a while to get rid of all of them but we finished them in just 30 minutes. There weren't that many of them to begin with, the only had around 300. The only reason it took long was because they had spread out so far apart,” said Aglaron.<br><br>“Do we know who the enemy is,” Perseus inquired.<br><br>“No, most of them were hired mercenaries or bandits who just came to loot and pillage. The only ones who knew anything were the ones giving orders but if we caught any of them they would just kill themselves,” said Aglaron not hiding the disgust in his voice.<br><br>“So Drake was one of the leaders, huh,” said Perseus.<br><br>“Who is Drake,” asked Aglaron.<br><br>“He was one of the enemies’ leaders; and as much as I hate to admit it he completely outmatched me. I had to use Killing Spirit Burst and managed to get an attack in on his face. He won’t be seeing from his left eye for a long time,” Perseus added with a smile.<br><br>“Oh, you did a good job lasting as long as you did; the other leaders we captured were fairly tough I think their level was around 150. You managed to injure an opponent with greater strength than you, good job. But you know you are my apprentice what can you expect,” Aglaron added with a large smile as he complimented himself.<br><br>Perseus let out a small smile, his Masenfu would never change.<br><br>“Wait a minute Masenfu why didn’t you teach me any of the sub techniques,” Perseus asked suddenly remembering that his Masenfu hadn’t taught him the techniques.<br><br>“Uh um about that, oh look the instructor Grant is calling you, well I’ll be going now see you soon,” said Aglaron hurriedly to avoid questioning.<br><br>“Sigh. So instructor what’s the problem,” Perseus asked as he walked to the instructor who had just been healed by the priests.<br><br>“Well with how things went I think you two should now. The tournament is still going to take place,” the instructor replied.<br><br>“What? But everyone is dead,” said Perseus in disbelief.<br><br>“Yes, but you two are still alive plus it is mandatory that we have the tournament. It has been like this since the times of the old empire. Anyway since there is only the two of you we will have the two of you fight and the winner will take the class test,” said Instructor Grant.<br><br>“YES SIR,” shouted Perseus and Dan.<br><br>“Good, we will have the fight take place at noon. Use the time from now until then to relax and prepare for the fight. Good luck to you both,” said Instructor Grant<br><br>“YES SIR, THANK YOU SIR,” said Perseus and Dan as they thanked him.<br><br>Perseus and Dan then split up, without a word of goodbye. When next they meet they will fight without mercy. With thought in mind both of them went their separate ways. Dan to their quarters and Perseus to the smithy.<br><br>‘Ok I have been practicing all week it’s time to make myself some epic armor,’ thought Perseus excitedly.<br><br>After 5 hours Perseus finally created his armor.<br><br>“Awesome looks cool now to check the stats. Identify all,” said Perseus smiling at his new creation. <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hard Iron Chain Mail<br>Defense: 17<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br><br>Hard Iron Breastplate<br>Defense: 19<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br><br>Hard Iron Gauntlets<br>Defense: 15<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br><br>Hard Iron Bracers<br>Defense: 16<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br><br>Hard Iron Boots<br>Defense: 17<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br><br>Hard Iron Leg Guards <br>Defense:19<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br><br>Hard Iron Helm<br>Defense: 18<br>Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense.<br>Limits:<br>STR +50<br></span><br><br>“These have really good stats plus the dark silver makes them look awesome,” said Perseus happily.<br><br>Deciding to test out his new armor Perseus removed his old armor he got from training and tried on this new one. His first reaction was that it was heavier but in a more balanced way. Like it was heavy in place it needed to be but light in others. All in all it felt good. <br><br>Deciding to get some practice done Perseus took out his swords and walked over to a nearby scarecrow. He then spent the next ten minutes attack the scarecrow and learning the best possible motions his armor allowed him to make. He found that the motions felt more efficient since he made the armor specifically for his physique. Once he was comfortable with his armor he decided to get some sleep.<br><br>Instead of going to his room, where he knew Dan is, he went to his Masenfu’s room. And after checking if he wasn’t there crashed down onto his bed and fell asleep anticipating the match in a few hours.<br>-----------------------------------------------<br>“Uhh what time is it? Oh no the match starts in 10 minutes,” said Perseus as he grabbed his gear and ran to the track.<br>He reached the track in a few minutes and ran to the instructor.<br><br>“I thought you were going have to forfeit,” said the instructor in a worried voice.<br><br>“Sorry instructor Grant,” said Perseus apologizing.<br><br>“Don’t worry about it but any longer and you would have caused a riot,” said Instructor Grant with an amused expression.<br><br>“Huh,” said Perseus confused.<br><br>“Look over there,” said Instructor Grant as he pointed to the large stand of people waiting for the match to begin.<br>Perseus looked in the direction of the stands and saw hundreds of people talking and shouting.<br><br>“Why are there so many people here,” said Perseus shocked.<br><br>“You used that large Killing Spirit attack and rumors spread fast of a knight with an unusual ability. Add to the fact that you are the idiot’s disciple a lot of people came to see if it was true,” said the instructor half accusing half playing.<br><br>“Why me,” Perseus asked to no one in particular.<br><br>“Hahah. Now enough talking we have to start the match,” said Instructor Grant as he led Perseus to the ring.<br><br>Perseus walked into the ring and stood in front of Dan who had arrived earlier. Dan was equipped with the regular equipment he always wore and a sword and shield.<br><br>“Hey Perseus took your time, huh,” said Dan.<br><br>“Yea sorry about that I slept in, but look at this armor I made,” said Perseus showing Dan his new armor.<br><br>“Wow it looks cool but it won’t stop me from beating you,” said Dan with confidence.<br><br>“Heh, we’ll see won’t we,” replied Perseus.<br><br>“Alright I am going to announce the rules of the match. First the ring has been designed so that if your life goes below 10% you will be teleported out and lose. Second the only way for someone to lose is if you are teleported out or one of you surrenders. Do both combatants agree to the terms,” asked Instructor Grant.<br><br>After a nod from both Perseus and Dan the instructor continued.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Then ready your weapons and steel your hearts. The match begins in 10”</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“9”<br></span><br>Perseus and Dan both took out their weapons.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“8”</span><br><br>Perseus was scrutinizing Dan up and down.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“7”</span><br><br>He noticed that Dan was wearing the same armor he always wore but his sword and shield were different.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“6”</span><br><br>The sword was long sword the same as always it just felt different.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“5”</span><br><br>It was as if the sword was stronger or harder.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“4”</span><br><br>He felt the same thing with the shield as he had with the sword.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“3”</span><br><br>Whatever it was Perseus was going to be cautious.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“2”</span><br><br>Perseus and Dan both took their fighting stances.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“1”</span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Fight”</span><br><br>At the signal both Dan and Perseus rushed toward each other meeting in the middle of the field.<br><br>Perseus brought both his claymores in a dual vertical slash. He followed it up with a diagonal slash from his right claymore. Dan however had blocked the first series of attacks with his shield and then redirected the diagonal slash. Dan then counterattacked Perseus aiming for his stomach. Perseus quickly sidestepped to avoid the attack and slashed with his claymore. Dan once again blocked and slashed back at Perseus. The two of them were making the best of their foot work and were moving around the arena at a rapid pace, the control of the fight never staying with either of them. Perseus and Dan continued like this going back and forth between attack and defense. Both of them were taking small hits. There fight was drawing oohs and ahhs from the crowd who were not expecting such a good fight from squires.<br><br>After 10 minutes of fighting in this pattern both Perseus and Dan stopped moving and looked at each other.<br><br>“Hey Dan I think it’s time we fight seriously,” said Perseus with a smirk. <br><br>“Yeah I was thinking the same thing it’s been getting kind of boring,” said Dan agreeing.<br><br>The crowd didn’t understand what they were talking about and thought they were fighting full force from the beginning. The truth was both of them were holding back in different ways. Perseus wasn’t using his full strength/speed or his Killing Spirit techniques. And Dan wasn’t using any of the spells that made him a White Order knight candidate.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">‘Sigh these two finally get serious. They have been testing each other long enough. The real match starts now,’ thought Instructor Grant with a small smile on his face. He was proud of the two squires he trained.</span><br><br>Dan’s blade became coated with fire and his shield took on a brown glow. He rushed Perseus and when it seemed like he was about to get a hit on Perseus he jumped back with speed surpassing that of what he had shown until now.<br><br>“So you’re that fast,” said Dan with the surprise on his face evident.<br><br>“Yes, without using my skills that is roughly my maximum speed. By the way how long can you keep that glowing mana sucking thing for,” said Perseus.<br><br>“About 20 more seconds,” replied Dan. <br><br>“Then let’s finish it before it ends,” Perseus said finally.<br><br>“Okay then,” said Dan agreeing.<br><br>This time Perseus rushed towards Dan and began slashing in combination attacks using both swords at the same time. It was the same thing he used against Drake only this time it was faster, courtesy of his new armor. The new armor allowed him to move in a more efficient way than his previous armor. And because of that his speed improved. Dan however could keep up with Perseus’s speed and blocked with his extra strong shield even responding with a few attacks of his own. What surprised Perseus more than the fact that Dan could block his attacks was that his sword and shield could take all the hits from his heavier Claymores.<br><br>“I knew there was something off about your weapons, you enchanted them to withstand a large loss of durability right,” said Perseus with realization on his face.<br><br>“Aww you figured out already? That’s not fair you know most of my abilities but I haven’t seen yours yet,” said Dan <br><br>“Oh if you want to see my mine sure,” replied Perseus willing to comply with Dan’s request.<br><br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;">Activate KS</span>,” whispered Perseus.<br><br>With the activation of his Killing Spirit techniques he gained the Black-red glow again as well as a drastic increase in speed and power. He renewed his attacks with greater speed and began pressuring Dan. Dan understanding that he would make a mistake if he dragged this any longer slammed his shield into the ground and yelled, “<span style="font-weight: bold;">EARTH WAVE</span>”<br><br>The attack caused a tremor in the ground and caught Perseus off guard he stumbled backwards while Dan prepared an attack. Dan’s blade was gathering electricity and was giving off sparks. Dan wanted to end this in one blow and Perseus was happy to comply. He began gathering his Killing Spirit into his right Claymore.<br><br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;">KILLING SPIRIT/ ELECTRO</span>,” shouted Perseus and Dan as they ran towards each other.<br><br>“<span style="font-weight: bold;">BURST/BLAST</span>,” they yelled as their blades collided resulting in a massive shockwave.<br><br>The entire arena was quite everyone was in their seats in anticipation even the instructor. When the dust settled both Dan and Perseus were still standing but panting like dogs.<br><br>“Hmph I guess you win Perseus, I concede,” said Dan as he sheathed his sword.<br><br>“What,” said Perseus in disbelief.<br><br>The audiences were just as shocked as Perseus they couldn’t believe that after that amazing fight how Dan could just concede like that.<br><br>“You know why. Don’t think I didn’t notice. When our swords crossed you brought your other sword to my throat but stopped because you didn’t want to hurt me, right? In fact I noticed you give up many chances to kill me,” replied Dan with a knowing expression on his face.<br><br>The audience was shocked that something like that happened during the match. There were many high-ranking knights in the audience and they couldn’t believe that they didn’t notice something like that happen in front of them.<br><br>“I guess you noticed but if it makes you feel better I didn’t hold back because you were my friend, I only held back because I thought I would be arrested for killing a fellow squire,” said Perseus sheepishly.<br><br>“You do know I will just resurrect in 4 days right,” said Dan laughing at his friends foolishness.<br><br>“Oh yea maybe I should have killed you,” said Perseus as he too laughed.<br><br>The audience was shocked again, this time for an entirely different reason. They couldn’t believe how easy going both of them were in that life or death situation or how easily they talked about killing each other. Even players in the audience couldn’t hold back their shock.<br><br>“Ladies and gents it looks like we have our winner, Perseus. Let’s give a round of applause for our two fighters. They showed us a marvelous fight today,” said Instructor Grant as he showed the biggest smile Perseus had ever seen him have.<br><br>The audience forgot about their shock and started clapping vigorously for both of them. Perseus and Dan exited the arena together with the instructor.<br><br>“Perseus are you ready for the test, we will start in 2 hours,” said Instructor Grant.<br><br>“What already, I just finished the fight with Dan,” replied Perseus with a tired expression.<br><br>“Yes but the kingdom is short on people know and we really need to knight the two of you to increase the number of knight we have. The only way to knight you is if you finish the test. So you are going to do it in an hour and while you do the test Dan will be knighted,” explained Instructor Grant.<br><br>“Okay, fine, I am going to my room to rest where should I come for the test,” said Perseus.<br><br>“Come to the royal castle and tell them who you are they will let you in,” said Instructor Grant as he and Dan were leaving.<br><br>“Okay I am off to bed for now,” said Perseus as he made his way to his shared quarters.<br>-----------------------------------<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 6 END</span><br>As always comments, opinions and suggestions are always appreciated. </div>

Chapter 6: The Long Awaited Tournament Hey Guys i haven't posted in a while but know i am back and more kick ass than ever before. I took some time off to fix some thing for the future plot. I also made some changes to the tournament chapter than what i said before as you will see. I also tried changed the way I write a bit tell me what you think of it. Also finally i did some revisions and calculations and i changed the mana and health regeneration a bit check the stats skills page a but after this chapter and it should be updated with new gear as well as updated stats. Now without further ado Chapter 6. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The instructor started speaking, “Listen up maggots; I will go over the specifics of the first round now. As I said before it will be a battle royal style where all of you fight each other at the same time. This will show you how chaotic it will be in a real war plus it’s fun to watch. There is no need to worry about dying the ring in front of you is enchanted so that if your life falls below 30 percent you will be teleported to the healing area to the right of the ring. There are priests stationed there to heal you the moment you teleport out. So don’t worry about death and give it your all. The last two of you left at the end of the battle go on to the next round. Do a final check and enter the ring. And remember not to make a fool of yourself all the knights in the base are watching you.” “So, Perseus, how do you want to go about this,” asked Dan. “Well seeing as how this is going to be a free for all lets just go in attack wherever we can and try not to die,” replied Perseus. “Isn’t that a bit too simple,” said Dan with a questioning look. “Nah, what else can we do, it’s going to be a scramble,” Perseus replied. “Alright, should I use any spells, I have been training them,” Dan asked. “Only if you are sure you won’t hit me by mistake,” said Perseus. “Yeah I can do that. What about you are you going to fight with the weights on,” Dan asked pointing to Perseus’s weights. “I might be battle crazy but I’m not suicidal so I’ll take them off,” answered Perseus while taking off his weights. Having their plan figured out they entered the ring and a few seconds later the bell rung. *RRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIINGG* As Perseus thought it was a scramble everyone was running around trying to kill each other. ‘I can’t use Steel Skin or Spirit Weapon, the instructor told me to keep the skills hidden. How troublesome, it would be easier if I could use at least steel skin, but I guess orders are orders,’ thought Perseus reluctantly. Perseus spoke in a whisper, “Iron Lungs. Muscle Empowerment, Sturdy Bones” The 28 squires were nervous and made wild swings for each other. One came up to Perseus and slashed at him in a big arc. Perseus calmly saw through his attack, dodged it by slightly bending sideways and slashed at his wrists and heels with both his swords. His amplified strength and speed made it possible to slash through the armor and disable the foolish squire, who recklessly attacked. The squire then teleported out of the arena. ‘Still have 15 seconds till the buffs wear off better make the most of them.’ Perseus walked over the fallen squire and ran over to two squires with bastard swords who were fighting each other. They noticed Perseus and were fast to turn to attack him, but Perseus with his buffed stats was faster still and got a good strike in on both of them. The two of them realizing Perseus was a greater threat decided to take care of Perseus first. Perseus slashed to the left while blocking a slash from the right. The three of them kept trading blows both sides taking small hits and overall remaining in a stalemate until one of them made a foolish mistake of lunging in for a stab. It was the chance Perseus was waiting for he sidestepped to the right and struck at the first squire’s sword arm, slicing through his armguard and drawing blood. Perseus didn’t stop there and followed it up with a slash to the squire’s knee, shattering it. The squire gasped and fell to the floor clutching his arm and leg, while Perseus jumped back to avoid a slash aimed at his head from the second squire on the left. Perseus then suddenly felt a decrease in speed. ‘Damn, I ran out of mana I need to end this fast.’ Perseus feinted to the right and slashed with his left sword, the squire had just barely brought his sword up to block the attack. Perseus however had expected this and stepped in with his right foot and brought his right claymore up in a diagonal slash. It was a clean hit and had penetrated through the second squire’s armor. He then slashed at the squire with another diagonal slash while he was stunned from the shock of the attack. Perseus then turned back to the first of the pair and made him teleport out after the second one.Looking around Perseus saw that only 15 people were left. ‘This will be fun,’ thought with a crazy smile on his face. After taking a breather Perseus rushed back into the fray slashing and stabbing like his life depended on it. He activated his skills whenever he had enough mana and after 7 minutes there was none left fighting him. ‘Huh, where did everyone go,’ thought Perseus as he looked around to see all the other squires had teleported out and only he and Dan were left. Dan walked over and said, “Perseus we won.” “Yeah the fight was awesome,” Perseus replied with an excited face. “The winners are Perseus and Dan. They are now the East Base’s representatives for the next stages of the tournament. You two better rest up tomorrow we head to the central base for the next part of the tournament,” the instructor said with a pleased face. “YES SIR,” the both of them answered. Perseus and Dan spent the rest of the day talking about their strategy and abilities. Perseus confided in Dan that currently he only had buff skills and that he fights freestyle. “What about your skills, what magic do you use,” inquired Perseus. “Well my magic is a bit different than mages. Mages channel their mana through their wands or staffs to affect mana on the outside. What we do is that we channel our mana into our weapons and release the spells from the weapon. While this makes the spell weaker than those of mages but gives use more control and versatility. Take a fireball spell for example I can channel that spell into my sword to make my sword on fire and use that in melee. Then I can shoot it out of my sword. This allows for many possible uses of the same spell,” explained Dan. “So basically you trade power for control,” Perseus said plainly. “Yes, that is why the White Order is known for its magic we use what magic we can to its full potential,” said Dan agreeing. “If it is that good shouldn’t there be more people in the White Order. I heard that there are only about 500 in the order,” asked Perseus with a confused expression. “Well that’s because the training to maintain your wisdom, intelligence, strength and agility at a suitable level is hard. You have to read tons of books a day and do many physical training exercises,” replied Dan. “Sounds tough,” said Perseus. “Tell me about it,” said Dan agreeing. “It’s late why don’t we turn in for the night tomorrow is a big day,” suggested Perseus. “Yeah night Perseus,” said Dan. With that both Perseus and Dan went to bed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- That Morning at Dawn *HORN SOUNDING IN THE DISTANCE* “Hey Perseus wake up, dude wake up we are under attack,” said Dan as he urgently tried to wake Perseus. Perseus shot up from bed and quickly asked, “What, why, when.” “Slow down let me answer. Put your gear on I’ll explain while we get ready,” replied Dan. “Ok, start talking,” stated Perseus. “I don’t know much since I got up a while before you but apparently the some men attacked the main gates about ten minutes ago while they were changing shifts and took the gate. The kingdom raised the alarm 5 minutes ago. That’s all I know, now come on they called all squires to gather in front of the mess hall,” explained Dan. After the explanation Perseus and Dan ran to the Mess and made it there in a couple of minutes. All the squires and instructors were gathered and they were the only ones left. “You’re late,” said instructor Grant irritably. “Sorry instructor,” apologized Dan. “Yeah get in line,” the instructor replied dismissively. Perseus and Dan got in line with perplexed expressions, usually he would shout at them for minutes on end for being late. Could the situation really be that bad? “Alright maggots I’ll explain the situation to you know. Today at dawn we were attacked by a larger number of men at this stage it is unclear on who they are affiliated with but we managed to stop them from reaching the royal castle,” said the instructor as he explained the situation.Sighs of relief escaped all of the squires as they were glad that they royal family is safe. “However there are still many of them wreaking havoc in the residential and shopping districts. All able personnel have been ordered to suppress the enemy. But you all are in training and are therefore forbidden from leaving this base. So we are ordered to protect this base. The other instructors and I will patrol near the walls of the base while you lot patrol the interior. If you hear any fighting at the walls don’t leave your posts we can handle ourselves. Understood,” the instructor questioned them all. “YES SIR,” the squires replied energetically. “Good get going then,” ordered the instructor. After the announcement everyone spread out and began patrolling. Dan and Perseus began patrolling near the smithy when Dan asked, “Perseus do you think we will see some action?” “Don’t know but I if they come here they are going to regret it,” Perseus replied honestly. “Yeah we will mess the up,” Dan stated with a smile. “No I mean they will regret crossing the instructor,” Perseus replied. “I know he is our instructor but is he really that strong,” Dan asked. “You have no idea,” said Perseus with a knowing expression. Then they heard someone scream. “What was that,” asked Perseus. “Come on it came from the track,” said Dan. Perseus and Dan ran to the track with all they had. What they saw there made Perseus curse. There were over 50 men in armor attacking the instructors and squires. “Damn where they come from, hurry Perseus we have to stop them,” said Dan in a hurry as he began running to the track to be stopped by Perseus. “Wait Dan, they are too many,” said Perseus. “But we can’t run away, look the instructor is fighting 15 by himself,” replied Dan as he pointed to the instructor who was fighting over a dozen of the men by himself. “I know but someone has to get help. Go find help. Or everyone here is dead,” Perseus stated urgently. Dan seeing that Perseus was right gave in. “Alright, just don’t die,” said Dan as he ran to find help. Perseus didn’t need to be told twice, he wouldn’t die, not until he saved his friends. He ran straight towards a man who was giving orders. The man was wearing dark blue armor and was using a silver hand and a half sword. Perseus slashed with both swords but the man easily blocked Perseus’s attacks. He attacked Perseus back with speed he would have thought impossible had he not sparred with Sir Aglaron every day. Perseus dodged the attack by centimeters. ‘He’s fast I have to use them, sorry Instructor,’ thought Perseus as he whispered, “Activate KS.” Activate KS was a shortcut Perseus discovered that allowed him to use all five techniques together. Perseus’s body and claymores gained a black-red glow and his body felt faster and stronger. ‘Only 10 seconds I have to finish this and help the others.’ “Well this is surprising,” said the man as he looked at Perseus expectantly. Perseus rushed forward and attacked with a flurry attacks. Right-horizontal-slash, left-vertical slash, right-stab, simultaneous attacks he tried every combination his two swords allowed. The man however had just blocked and redirected all the attacks with a bored expression on his face. Perseus still had a 2 second left and in a last ditch effort stabbed forward with his left claymore and when the man moved to block the attack, Perseus used his carelessness against him and dropped his left claymore and brought his other Claymore up in a diagonal slash with both arms for added speed. The man looked surprised but still dodged by tilting his head back. He couldn’t completely dodge the attack and his chin got cut. ‘You have to be kidding me, after all that just a scratch,’ thought Perseus in disbelief. “Damn, I ran out of mana,” Perseus thought exasperated. “What, is that it I guess it’s my turn,” said the man finally taking initiative in this fight. The man rushed Perseus. He was caught unaware and the attack grazed his side resulting in the loss of 200 HP. ‘What the hell it just grazed me and I took 200 damage,’ thought Perseus. The man kept chasing Perseus and Perseus kept moving around dodging the attacks albeit barely and kept taking hits here and there soon his life was down to 470. ‘Damn I have to use that, I didn’t want to use it but I have no choice. It’s all or nothing,’ thought Perseus with conviction. Perseus stopped moving around and faced the man. “Stopped running, huh. Ready to face your death,” said the man taunting Perseus. “You’re the only one who is going to die,” said Perseus defiantly. “Ha after all this you are being cocky. Alright for lasting this long I will tell you my name; after all it is only right I tell you the name of your killer. I am Drake,” said the man taking a bow and revealing his name. “And the name of the man who will kill you is Perseus,” said Perseus as he smiled in spite of his dire situation. “Haha you’re funny, because you made me laugh I will let you make the first move,” said Drake taunting Perseus. “Enough talk,” said Perseus irritably. Perseus calmed his breathing and held his Claymore in front of himself with both hands. ‘This is my last chance,’ thought Perseus steeling himself. There was a distance of 5 meters between the two of them. After gauged the distance he was confident it would hit Drake. Perseus raised his claymore and the black-red energy from before surrounded Perseus again only this time it was darker and felt stronger, Perseus was feeding it his emotions of hatred for this man who was toying with him, further increasing the power of this amplified energy. “KILLING SPIRIT BURST,” shouted Perseus as he brought down the sword of pure emotion down in a vertical slash sending it hurtling towards a surprised Drake. Everyone on the track stopped fighting to see a wave of black-red energy rip through the air towards the man called Drake. Drake was expecting Perseus to charge forward with that peculiar glow he had from before and did not expect a ranged attack, because of his carelessness he couldn’t completely defend from the energy wave. When the dust settled Drake was screaming bloody murder as the attack had managed to hit the left portion of his face taking his left eye. While Drake was screaming Perseus was kneeling on the ground he had barely survived letting loose that attack. Even though Killing Spirit Burst did do five times the damage of an ordinary attack it cost him all his mana and if he didn’t have enough it would drain his life. The only reason he had survived was because he had regained enough mana for his HP to not completely hit zero. But even though he wasn’t dead his HP was in the red zone and he could die at any moment. Shock over what just took place still gripped many of the enemy and at the worst possible time for them a shout could be heard. “Attack the intruders and protect the base,” said a commanding voice. It was Sir Aglaron leading the reinforcements. The enemy was outnumbered and outmatched the moment Sir Aglaron appeared and began retreating. Drake stopped between his screams and looked at Perseus with murderous eyes. “I will remember you and I will kill in the most horrific way possible. Just you wait HUHUHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAHHAHHAHAAHAAHAHH,” said Drake as he was half laughing - half screaming his head off. With his declaration of war/rant against Perseus over he retreated he retreated with his men. “Perseus you, okay,” asked Dan with a look of concern as he helped Perseus up. “Hey Dan you took your time, huh,” said Perseus with a smirk on his face. He was glad his friend came when he did any longer and he would have been dead. “Sorry about that took me awhile to find Sir Aglaron, come on we have to get you to the priests,” said Dan as he helped Perseus to the Priests who were standing by to heal the injured. After thanking the priest for healing him, Perseus and Dan went to Sir Aglaron. “Masenfu, what‘s the situation,” asked Perseus. “Well it is finally under control the damage to the districts has been kept to a minimum but we took a large hit,” said Aglaron. “Huh, what do you mean sir,” said Dan warily. “What I mean is that the enemy specifically targeted all five bases. You owe the instructor your lives he fought over 15 men by himself. That is quite a feat at his age. Without him you would have suffered the same fate as the others,” said Aglaron gravely. “So all of the other squires are dead,” said Dan with dread. “Weren’t you listening? Yes. As sad as it is only 15 squires remain in the kingdom. They effectively cut off our supply of new knights. We are going to be understaffed for a while now. Many of the squires were capable centurions so we are lacking officers now,” said Aglaron irritation in his voice. “Do we know how they got in,” asked Dan. “At dawn when the sentries were changing shifts they noticed 20 men in cloaks heading for the gates from the East and while the sentries’ attention was directed there a large number of men came from the forest in the north and took the north gate. They then opened the west gate to let more of their comrades in. The rest you probably know, we stopped them from reaching the royal castle but many of them escaped into the residential and the shopping districts. It took a while to get rid of all of them but we finished them in just 30 minutes. There weren't that many of them to begin with, the only had around 300. The only reason it took long was because they had spread out so far apart,” said Aglaron. “Do we know who the enemy is,” Perseus inquired. “No, most of them were hired mercenaries or bandits who just came to loot and pillage. The only ones who knew anything were the ones giving orders but if we caught any of them they would just kill themselves,” said Aglaron not hiding the disgust in his voice. “So Drake was one of the leaders, huh,” said Perseus. “Who is Drake,” asked Aglaron. “He was one of the enemies’ leaders; and as much as I hate to admit it he completely outmatched me. I had to use Killing Spirit Burst and managed to get an attack in on his face. He won’t be seeing from his left eye for a long time,” Perseus added with a smile. “Oh, you did a good job lasting as long as you did; the other leaders we captured were fairly tough I think their level was around 150. You managed to injure an opponent with greater strength than you, good job. But you know you are my apprentice what can you expect,” Aglaron added with a large smile as he complimented himself. Perseus let out a small smile, his Masenfu would never change. “Wait a minute Masenfu why didn’t you teach me any of the sub techniques,” Perseus asked suddenly remembering that his Masenfu hadn’t taught him the techniques. “Uh um about that, oh look the instructor Grant is calling you, well I’ll be going now see you soon,” said Aglaron hurriedly to avoid questioning. “Sigh. So instructor what’s the problem,” Perseus asked as he walked to the instructor who had just been healed by the priests. “Well with how things went I think you two should now. The tournament is still going to take place,” the instructor replied. “What? But everyone is dead,” said Perseus in disbelief. “Yes, but you two are still alive plus it is mandatory that we have the tournament. It has been like this since the times of the old empire. Anyway since there is only the two of you we will have the two of you fight and the winner will take the class test,” said Instructor Grant. “YES SIR,” shouted Perseus and Dan. “Good, we will have the fight take place at noon. Use the time from now until then to relax and prepare for the fight. Good luck to you both,” said Instructor Grant “YES SIR, THANK YOU SIR,” said Perseus and Dan as they thanked him. Perseus and Dan then split up, without a word of goodbye. When next they meet they will fight without mercy. With thought in mind both of them went their separate ways. Dan to their quarters and Perseus to the smithy. ‘Ok I have been practicing all week it’s time to make myself some epic armor,’ thought Perseus excitedly. After 5 hours Perseus finally created his armor. “Awesome looks cool now to check the stats. Identify all,” said Perseus smiling at his new creation. Hard Iron Chain Mail Defense: 17 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 Hard Iron Breastplate Defense: 19 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 Hard Iron Gauntlets Defense: 15 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 Hard Iron Bracers Defense: 16 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 Hard Iron Boots Defense: 17 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 Hard Iron Leg Guards Defense:19 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 Hard Iron Helm Defense: 18 Created by a blacksmith with decent skill. Provides good defense. Limits: STR +50 “These have really good stats plus the dark silver makes them look awesome,” said Perseus happily. Deciding to test out his new armor Perseus removed his old armor he got from training and tried on this new one. His first reaction was that it was heavier but in a more balanced way. Like it was heavy in place it needed to be but light in others. All in all it felt good. Deciding to get some practice done Perseus took out his swords and walked over to a nearby scarecrow. He then spent the next ten minutes attack the scarecrow and learning the best possible motions his armor allowed him to make. He found that the motions felt more efficient since he made the armor specifically for his physique. Once he was comfortable with his armor he decided to get some sleep. Instead of going to his room, where he knew Dan is, he went to his Masenfu’s room. And after checking if he wasn’t there crashed down onto his bed and fell asleep anticipating the match in a few hours. ----------------------------------------------- “Uhh what time is it? Oh no the match starts in 10 minutes,” said Perseus as he grabbed his gear and ran to the track. He reached the track in a few minutes and ran to the instructor. “I thought you were going have to forfeit,” said the instructor in a worried voice. “Sorry instructor Grant,” said Perseus apologizing. “Don’t worry about it but any longer and you would have caused a riot,” said Instructor Grant with an amused expression. “Huh,” said Perseus confused. “Look over there,” said Instructor Grant as he pointed to the large stand of people waiting for the match to begin. Perseus looked in the direction of the stands and saw hundreds of people talking and shouting. “Why are there so many people here,” said Perseus shocked. “You used that large Killing Spirit attack and rumors spread fast of a knight with an unusual ability. Add to the fact that you are the idiot’s disciple a lot of people came to see if it was true,” said the instructor half accusing half playing. “Why me,” Perseus asked to no one in particular. “Hahah. Now enough talking we have to start the match,” said Instructor Grant as he led Perseus to the ring. Perseus walked into the ring and stood in front of Dan who had arrived earlier. Dan was equipped with the regular equipment he always wore and a sword and shield. “Hey Perseus took your time, huh,” said Dan. “Yea sorry about that I slept in, but look at this armor I made,” said Perseus showing Dan his new armor. “Wow it looks cool but it won’t stop me from beating you,” said Dan with confidence. “Heh, we’ll see won’t we,” replied Perseus. “Alright I am going to announce the rules of the match. First the ring has been designed so that if your life goes below 10% you will be teleported out and lose. Second the only way for someone to lose is if you are teleported out or one of you surrenders. Do both combatants agree to the terms,” asked Instructor Grant. After a nod from both Perseus and Dan the instructor continued. “Then ready your weapons and steel your hearts. The match begins in 10” “9” Perseus and Dan both took out their weapons. “8” Perseus was scrutinizing Dan up and down. “7” He noticed that Dan was wearing the same armor he always wore but his sword and shield were different. “6” The sword was long sword the same as always it just felt different. “5” It was as if the sword was stronger or harder. “4” He felt the same thing with the shield as he had with the sword. “3” Whatever it was Perseus was going to be cautious. “2” Perseus and Dan both took their fighting stances. “1” “Fight” At the signal both Dan and Perseus rushed toward each other meeting in the middle of the field. Perseus brought both his claymores in a dual vertical slash. He followed it up with a diagonal slash from his right claymore. Dan however had blocked the first series of attacks with his shield and then redirected the diagonal slash. Dan then counterattacked Perseus aiming for his stomach. Perseus quickly sidestepped to avoid the attack and slashed with his claymore. Dan once again blocked and slashed back at Perseus. The two of them were making the best of their foot work and were moving around the arena at a rapid pace, the control of the fight never staying with either of them. Perseus and Dan continued like this going back and forth between attack and defense. Both of them were taking small hits. There fight was drawing oohs and ahhs from the crowd who were not expecting such a good fight from squires. After 10 minutes of fighting in this pattern both Perseus and Dan stopped moving and looked at each other. “Hey Dan I think it’s time we fight seriously,” said Perseus with a smirk. “Yeah I was thinking the same thing it’s been getting kind of boring,” said Dan agreeing. The crowd didn’t understand what they were talking about and thought they were fighting full force from the beginning. The truth was both of them were holding back in different ways. Perseus wasn’t using his full strength/speed or his Killing Spirit techniques. And Dan wasn’t using any of the spells that made him a White Order knight candidate. ‘Sigh these two finally get serious. They have been testing each other long enough. The real match starts now,’ thought Instructor Grant with a small smile on his face. He was proud of the two squires he trained. Dan’s blade became coated with fire and his shield took on a brown glow. He rushed Perseus and when it seemed like he was about to get a hit on Perseus he jumped back with speed surpassing that of what he had shown until now. “So you’re that fast,” said Dan with the surprise on his face evident. “Yes, without using my skills that is roughly my maximum speed. By the way how long can you keep that glowing mana sucking thing for,” said Perseus. “About 20 more seconds,” replied Dan. “Then let’s finish it before it ends,” Perseus said finally. “Okay then,” said Dan agreeing. This time Perseus rushed towards Dan and began slashing in combination attacks using both swords at the same time. It was the same thing he used against Drake only this time it was faster, courtesy of his new armor. The new armor allowed him to move in a more efficient way than his previous armor. And because of that his speed improved. Dan however could keep up with Perseus’s speed and blocked with his extra strong shield even responding with a few attacks of his own. What surprised Perseus more than the fact that Dan could block his attacks was that his sword and shield could take all the hits from his heavier Claymores. “I knew there was something off about your weapons, you enchanted them to withstand a large loss of durability right,” said Perseus with realization on his face. “Aww you figured out already? That’s not fair you know most of my abilities but I haven’t seen yours yet,” said Dan “Oh if you want to see my mine sure,” replied Perseus willing to comply with Dan’s request. “Activate KS,” whispered Perseus. With the activation of his Killing Spirit techniques he gained the Black-red glow again as well as a drastic increase in speed and power. He renewed his attacks with greater speed and began pressuring Dan. Dan understanding that he would make a mistake if he dragged this any longer slammed his shield into the ground and yelled, “EARTH WAVE” The attack caused a tremor in the ground and caught Perseus off guard he stumbled backwards while Dan prepared an attack. Dan’s blade was gathering electricity and was giving off sparks. Dan wanted to end this in one blow and Perseus was happy to comply. He began gathering his Killing Spirit into his right Claymore. “KILLING SPIRIT/ ELECTRO,” shouted Perseus and Dan as they ran towards each other. “BURST/BLAST,” they yelled as their blades collided resulting in a massive shockwave. The entire arena was quite everyone was in their seats in anticipation even the instructor. When the dust settled both Dan and Perseus were still standing but panting like dogs. “Hmph I guess you win Perseus, I concede,” said Dan as he sheathed his sword. “What,” said Perseus in disbelief. The audiences were just as shocked as Perseus they couldn’t believe that after that amazing fight how Dan could just concede like that. “You know why. Don’t think I didn’t notice. When our swords crossed you brought your other sword to my throat but stopped because you didn’t want to hurt me, right? In fact I noticed you give up many chances to kill me,” replied Dan with a knowing expression on his face. The audience was shocked that something like that happened during the match. There were many high-ranking knights in the audience and they couldn’t believe that they didn’t notice something like that happen in front of them. “I guess you noticed but if it makes you feel better I didn’t hold back because you were my friend, I only held back because I thought I would be arrested for killing a fellow squire,” said Perseus sheepishly. “You do know I will just resurrect in 4 days right,” said Dan laughing at his friends foolishness. “Oh yea maybe I should have killed you,” said Perseus as he too laughed. The audience was shocked again, this time for an entirely different reason. They couldn’t believe how easy going both of them were in that life or death situation or how easily they talked about killing each other. Even players in the audience couldn’t hold back their shock. “Ladies and gents it looks like we have our winner, Perseus. Let’s give a round of applause for our two fighters. They showed us a marvelous fight today,” said Instructor Grant as he showed the biggest smile Perseus had ever seen him have. The audience forgot about their shock and started clapping vigorously for both of them. Perseus and Dan exited the arena together with the instructor. “Perseus are you ready for the test, we will start in 2 hours,” said Instructor Grant. “What already, I just finished the fight with Dan,” replied Perseus with a tired expression. “Yes but the kingdom is short on people know and we really need to knight the two of you to increase the number of knight we have. The only way to knight you is if you finish the test. So you are going to do it in an hour and while you do the test Dan will be knighted,” explained Instructor Grant. “Okay, fine, I am going to my room to rest where should I come for the test,” said Perseus. “Come to the royal castle and tell them who you are they will let you in,” said Instructor Grant as he and Dan were leaving. “Okay I am off to bed for now,” said Perseus as he made his way to his shared quarters. ----------------------------------- Chapter 6 END As always comments, opinions and suggestions are always appreciated.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Lee Jun Zhou had tears in his eyes as he watched the news of Pai winning $10,000. He was already envious of those who had won $100, but this was too much!! It was as if the universe was teasing him for quitting RREV. It had been pretty difficult on him letting go off Elementarem Vim especially during the summer break. It also did not help that his mom bought him power up coupons for RREV as his birthday gift. When summer break ending, Lee Jun thought the worst was over…but he was mistaken, RREV was growing in popularity in one way or another. It was always on the news and then his classmates constantly talked about it during class…<br><br>Lee Jun let out a sigh as he packed his tablet in the locker and changed into sportswear. He hated PE class; it wasn’t because he was terrible at physical activity (which he was) rather because he was the target of constant bullying. <br><br>He gazed into his locker, it was just the right size for him to hide in….he wondered if he got in and hid would anyone notice? The only problem would be getting out…He let out another sigh as he leaned into close the locker.<br><br>“HEY! JUN! SEE YOU ON THE COURT!” Roared a nearly six feet tall muscular build child. Skin white as snow, black hair, unibrow and hands big enough to cover Lee Jun’s face. Everyone called that him Tall Sam for his extraordinary height at the age of fourteen. <br><br>Lee Jun believed that Sams genetic history could be traced back to gorillas. For those more realistic would go with the fact that his height could be explained by the fact he was of foreign origin. His dad was Dutch and mom was Japanese (an extremely odd combination). However, there were still others who believed he had been repeating seventh grade for 3 years now. <br><br>Either way, Tall Sam attracted attention where ever he went. His hunk like looks attracted the attention of his female seniors and juniors. If it wasn’t enough for some that he gifted with an extremely athletic build, Tall Sam was also brilliant at academics. His rank was consistently second in his grade, just below Lee Jun. Compared to Tall Same, Lee Jun was only good at academics. He did not have a physical build like Sams and being on an accelerated programme, at age eleven, Lee Jun was the shortest and youngest child in his grade. <br><br>Both students attracted the attention of their peers for their distinct uniqueness. While Tall Sam would be sought after, Lee Jun would be shunned. The distinction in fact was so deep their very personalities could be compared as light and dark. Sam was cheerful, loud, and talkative. In short a complete extrovert. Lee Jun on the other hand barely ever spoke to anyone. His socializing skills were terrible, maybe owing to the fact that he had often accelerated through grades he never really had the chance to make friends. Whatever the case might be, Lee Jun would find it discomforting to interact with others. If anything he would avoid people’s attention. Nobody other than bullies would probably notice Lee Jun. His presence was almost ghost like. Over the course of time, Lee Jun learnt how to skillfully hide from bullies as well, that is until Tall Sam showed up. It never mattered how much Lee Jun tried, Sam would always see him and be able to pick him out from the crowd. Why? That was a question Lee Jun desperately wanted answered. He had no idea, but it just so happened to be the case Tall Sam had thing for little things. Lee Jun who happened to be petite was his favourite toy.<br><br>Bullying in during class was impossible since everything was VR. As everything was recorded it only meant that students couldn’t physically or verbally torture / bully another student (not that anything like strength or pain existed in VR classrooms). That however didn’t mean that there was no other means of bullying in the class. Students always had the option to ignore the very existence of the victim during VR class. No student could be forced to interact / talk with another. One could say that at least it is not painful, but there still existed more ways to bully. Names or faceless drawings, gifts with double meanings given student imagination there was a plethora of ways to by-pass the system. If questions of effectiveness of such a system were posed, it could be a well debated topic. The VR classroom system did not protect the students from physical bullying as during PE (which happened in RL), students had to attend school. So what did the VR system of classrooms accomplish? That is a question that is still being debated amongst the politicians. One set saw it as nothing more than a cost saving measure, others saw it as a way to enhance teaching. Whatever the politicians may have argued, it didn’t change the fact as long as PE was happening, Lee Jun was Tall Sam’s favourite target. Regardless of which sport, Tall Sam would crush Lee Jun with his massive body. Even if Lee Jun wanted to sit out, Tall Sam would act all friendly in front of others and drag him to the court.<br><br>The teachers present would see no bullying. In their eyes, they saw a cheerful student dragging a gloomy student to court. If anything they applauded Sam for being so thoughtful and caring. <br><br>‘Ah, there he is, including everyone in fun and games. What an excellent model student.’ Is what most PE teachers would think. Even the students would think the same, not that any of them actually bothered to become Lee Jun’s friend. <br><br>Today was no different, Lee Jun crouched against the wall hoping Sam and his followers would miss him. He hated the attention every time Sam would call him out to play, he would become the center of attention. Whispers of how pathetic he is to what an outcast he is would flood the grounds. It wasn’t just about him being an outcast, those who were envious of his intellect cracked jokes about it, those who knew about his failures in Athenos would talk about it but the worst of the lot were those who knew him the longest. These children would talk about him being adopted from an orphanage. Jokes of him being an abandoned child were the ones that hurt Lee Jun the most.<br><br>Hence, overtime Lee Jun developed the sacred art of avoiding attention. He would never ask questions in class, never talk to anyone and never do anything out of the ordinary. That was also the reason why he changed his appearance in RREV. He didn’t want anyone from school or Athenos to know it is him. He only performed academically well so that he could quickly skip through school and avoid the torture. Unfortunately, the cloak of invisibility that Lee Jun tried so hard to maintain would dissipate in an instant with Sam’s badgering to get him to play and instantly transform him into the target of bullies. Short, weak, young, timid and never complained, the perfect dream target of every bully in Seoul. <br><br>“JUN!” Sam shouted out while dribbling the ball on the court. <br><br>Lee Jun who was crouching on the ground, holding his knees, ducked his head between his legs like an ostrich. ‘Argh! Not again!’<br><br>Lee Jun was already finding it difficult to hide his presence given that everyone was talking about his absence from VR classrooms. He simply hoped that Sam would ignore him. Then again Sam never ignored him. <br><br>“What’s up dude!” Sam shouted out as he continued to dribble the ball near Lee Jun. <br><br>Lee Jun timidly looked up at the predator. Sam was soaked in sweat, his shirt was drenched wet sticking to his muscular frame, making it stand out more. If men had a would drool over women’s wet shirt, then the same was true here except women were drooling over Sam as his muscles gleamed in the indoor court lights. Everything about him, including his mix of foreign features just added to attraction that both sexes felt for him (yes both!). Approaching Lee Jun directed all that attention towards Lee Jun as well. Of course, Lee Jun reciprocated a different reaction, girls turned sour seeing him and boys felt like bullying him. <br><br>“I see you still haven’t turned up for classes?”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“What you ignoring me?” Sam asked with his voice revealing his lack of patience and irritation for being ignored.<br>“No….” Lee Jun meekly replied.<br><br>“Good.” Sam’s eyes gleamed with elation as he maintained his control over Lee Jun. “Why don’t you join my team, we are one player short.”<br><br>“…” Lee Jun quietly got up. It was time to be crushed. Sam wrapped his long arms around Lee Jun’s neck almost choking him and dragged him on to the court. However, before they could take a single step forward, a girl stood in front of them blocking their way. She had a bob haircut, black hair and a thin frame. Her striking features were not her wide big eyes with long lashes or the dimples on the cheeks or her foreign features but the gothic or princesses-ly air around her that she possessed. Whatever it was, by any boy’s standard, she would be classified as very pretty. <br><br>“LET HIM GO.” She shouted.<br><br>Sam raised an eye brow. “Huh?”<br><br>“I said LET HIM GO!” She repeated herself.<br><br>“Silvia Ji Woo, right?” Sam prodded his memory. She had joined school as a transfer student somewhere after summer break. He already tried wooing her once and failed at it epicly. Since then he never bothered approaching the girl. <br><br>Lee Jun hadn’t been logging onto VR classes, so he had never known of the transfer students existence, not that it was likely he would know any of his classmates names (though he did recognize a few faces…like Sams). Either ways, the girls intrusion was as unwelcoming as Sam’s. Now Lee Jun attracted the hateful and jealous stares of all the boys on the court.<br><br>Sam let go off Lee Jun’s neck. “Is the princess happy?” Sam bent down to level face to face with the girl. His voice was laden with sarcasm. Although she was very pretty, Sam who received enough attention from the opposite sex displayed an air of indifference to the girl. He only let go off Lee Jun since he didn’t want to tarnish his reputation or gain the wrong attention. After all he was a model student in everyone’s eyes.<br><br>Unfortunately, for Sam, the young girl who stood in front of him was not used to such behavior. Her princess-ly air was a reflection of her background and not something that she faked. It perplexed her that Sam was unmoved by her beauty. She was used to being adored and fussed over. Sam’s response was discourteous and irritating her. She did the only thing she knew when something irritated her, get physically violent. <br><br>What happened next was too fast for most to see (though Lee Jun saw it all). Ji Woo kicked Tall Sam right in the nuts. The impact was devastating; Tall Sam went down on his knees and muttered curses at Ji Woo. <br>Ji Woo grabbed Lee Jun’s hand as he stood in awe over what just transpired and pulled him over to her side. “Let’s go.” She whispered to him.<br><br>As they began walking away, Sam’s long arm reached out and he grabbed Ji Woo by the shoulder. <br><br>“Now just….where …..do….you…think you are running off too?” Sam asked while still kneeling. He was in deep pain. Most men would be groveling on the ground from a kick that powerful, but Sam was stronger than most men….even if he had been knocked in the nuts; a kryptonite for men.<br><br>“You are strong, I acknowledge that.” Ji Woo whispered. “BUT WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TOUCHING A FAIR MAIDEN LIKE ME!”<br><br>Sam had no idea what just happened next but he found himself flying through midair . <br><br>Lee Jun stared at Ji Woo in shock. “Did you just hurl him 5 feet across the air?” <br><br>Lee Jun was not the only one who was staring at the girl in shock. Everyone present was as shocked as he was. A small girl who was not even five feet just grabbed Sam’s arm and flung him over her back, across feet….those boys who saw Ji Woo as a fragile pretty girl in need for their protection now saw her in a different light….a flower which was really a beast from the inside.<br><br>“Let’s get out of here.” Ji Woo said as he grabbed the timid Lee Jun by the arm and dragged him away. She just created unnecessary and unwanted attention for herself and it worried her. She didn’t intend to do so. Her only intention was to help Lee Jun out who seemed to be in need for some help…not become famous for her monstrous strength. The whole point of transferring schools had been ruined! Ji Woo cringed her face as she cursed her own stupidity. <br><br>“Ummm…” Lee Jun mumbled.<br><br>“What?” She asked him angrily.<br><br>“Could you let go off my hand?” He asked with a soft voice.<br><br>Ji Woo immediately let go of his hand as if she was holding a cockroach. She was just as embarrassed as he was. Given their fair skin, the blushing was very much visible. <br><br>They both stood quietly staring away from each other, near the school gate. With an awkward moment of silence passing them by, Ji Woo finally broke the silence.<br><br>“You could at least say thanks!” She snapped.<br><br>“Thaa…..” Lee Jun stood still with his mouth open. He had almost said thanks…. Coming to his senses, Lee Jun quickly analysed the situation. Receiving help from Ji Woo was the worst possible outcome! Not only would he be targeted by Sam but also fan groups of both Sam and Ji Woo!!! Sam’s followers would blame him for Sam getting hurt and Ji Woo’s would blame him for stealing her heart or something ridiculous….his hopes of graduating from school without any major troubles diminished…<br><br>“YOU!!!” Lee Jun screamed at Ji Woo in anger taking her by complete surprise.<br><br>“What?”<br><br>“Do you have any idea what you have done!”<br><br>“I saved you from the bully? I have been seeing him for the last few months how he always picks on you in PE. I thought I would save you from him. Is that why you stopped coming to classes?” Ji Woo angrily replied back. She was really expecting a thank you at the very least.<br><br>“Are you insane?” Lee Jun replied in horror. He was just completely shocked how dim witted this girl could be. While taking on the role of a justice salvaging marauder she overlooked the difficulties she created for him in the future!<br><br>“How will I deal with Sam and the others in the future?” Lee Jun asked while continuing to vent out his anger at his savior. <br><br>“Just become stronger?” Ji Woo casually replied.<br><br>“…” Lee Jun was convinced this girl was an idiot.<br><br>Ji Woo grabbed his hand and began dragging him.<br><br>“Wait, where are we going?” Lee Jun asked as he tried resisting her dragging him out of school. Sadly, Ji Woo much stronger than Lee Jun, no matter how much he resisted her pull was to strong. It almost felt like his arms were going to be yanked out.<br><br>“Training!” Ji Woo cheerfully replied.<br><br>“Eh?” <br><br>“I know this amazing Dojang!”<br><br>“…”<br><br>“Taxi!” An orange imported car stopped in front of the pair. “Please take us to Kumdo dojang!”<br><br><br><br><br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>Authors Note:<br><br>1. :) Ah exciting is it not?<br>2. Happy Diwali everyone! - Its the Indian version of xmas mixed with guy fox....<br><br>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter?</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=1271" target="_blank">Yes</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&amp;t=348" target="_blank">No</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </div>

Lee Jun Zhou had tears in his eyes as he watched the news of Pai winning $10,000. He was already envious of those who had won $100, but this was too much!! It was as if the universe was teasing him for quitting RREV. It had been pretty difficult on him letting go off Elementarem Vim especially during the summer break. It also did not help that his mom bought him power up coupons for RREV as his birthday gift. When summer break ending, Lee Jun thought the worst was over…but he was mistaken, RREV was growing in popularity in one way or another. It was always on the news and then his classmates constantly talked about it during class… Lee Jun let out a sigh as he packed his tablet in the locker and changed into sportswear. He hated PE class; it wasn’t because he was terrible at physical activity (which he was) rather because he was the target of constant bullying. He gazed into his locker, it was just the right size for him to hide in….he wondered if he got in and hid would anyone notice? The only problem would be getting out…He let out another sigh as he leaned into close the locker. “HEY! JUN! SEE YOU ON THE COURT!” Roared a nearly six feet tall muscular build child. Skin white as snow, black hair, unibrow and hands big enough to cover Lee Jun’s face. Everyone called that him Tall Sam for his extraordinary height at the age of fourteen. Lee Jun believed that Sams genetic history could be traced back to gorillas. For those more realistic would go with the fact that his height could be explained by the fact he was of foreign origin. His dad was Dutch and mom was Japanese (an extremely odd combination). However, there were still others who believed he had been repeating seventh grade for 3 years now. Either way, Tall Sam attracted attention where ever he went. His hunk like looks attracted the attention of his female seniors and juniors. If it wasn’t enough for some that he gifted with an extremely athletic build, Tall Sam was also brilliant at academics. His rank was consistently second in his grade, just below Lee Jun. Compared to Tall Same, Lee Jun was only good at academics. He did not have a physical build like Sams and being on an accelerated programme, at age eleven, Lee Jun was the shortest and youngest child in his grade. Both students attracted the attention of their peers for their distinct uniqueness. While Tall Sam would be sought after, Lee Jun would be shunned. The distinction in fact was so deep their very personalities could be compared as light and dark. Sam was cheerful, loud, and talkative. In short a complete extrovert. Lee Jun on the other hand barely ever spoke to anyone. His socializing skills were terrible, maybe owing to the fact that he had often accelerated through grades he never really had the chance to make friends. Whatever the case might be, Lee Jun would find it discomforting to interact with others. If anything he would avoid people’s attention. Nobody other than bullies would probably notice Lee Jun. His presence was almost ghost like. Over the course of time, Lee Jun learnt how to skillfully hide from bullies as well, that is until Tall Sam showed up. It never mattered how much Lee Jun tried, Sam would always see him and be able to pick him out from the crowd. Why? That was a question Lee Jun desperately wanted answered. He had no idea, but it just so happened to be the case Tall Sam had thing for little things. Lee Jun who happened to be petite was his favourite toy. Bullying in during class was impossible since everything was VR. As everything was recorded it only meant that students couldn’t physically or verbally torture / bully another student (not that anything like strength or pain existed in VR classrooms). That however didn’t mean that there was no other means of bullying in the class. Students always had the option to ignore the very existence of the victim during VR class. No student could be forced to interact / talk with another. One could say that at least it is not painful, but there still existed more ways to bully. Names or faceless drawings, gifts with double meanings given student imagination there was a plethora of ways to by-pass the system. If questions of effectiveness of such a system were posed, it could be a well debated topic. The VR classroom system did not protect the students from physical bullying as during PE (which happened in RL), students had to attend school. So what did the VR system of classrooms accomplish? That is a question that is still being debated amongst the politicians. One set saw it as nothing more than a cost saving measure, others saw it as a way to enhance teaching. Whatever the politicians may have argued, it didn’t change the fact as long as PE was happening, Lee Jun was Tall Sam’s favourite target. Regardless of which sport, Tall Sam would crush Lee Jun with his massive body. Even if Lee Jun wanted to sit out, Tall Sam would act all friendly in front of others and drag him to the court. The teachers present would see no bullying. In their eyes, they saw a cheerful student dragging a gloomy student to court. If anything they applauded Sam for being so thoughtful and caring. ‘Ah, there he is, including everyone in fun and games. What an excellent model student.’ Is what most PE teachers would think. Even the students would think the same, not that any of them actually bothered to become Lee Jun’s friend. Today was no different, Lee Jun crouched against the wall hoping Sam and his followers would miss him. He hated the attention every time Sam would call him out to play, he would become the center of attention. Whispers of how pathetic he is to what an outcast he is would flood the grounds. It wasn’t just about him being an outcast, those who were envious of his intellect cracked jokes about it, those who knew about his failures in Athenos would talk about it but the worst of the lot were those who knew him the longest. These children would talk about him being adopted from an orphanage. Jokes of him being an abandoned child were the ones that hurt Lee Jun the most. Hence, overtime Lee Jun developed the sacred art of avoiding attention. He would never ask questions in class, never talk to anyone and never do anything out of the ordinary. That was also the reason why he changed his appearance in RREV. He didn’t want anyone from school or Athenos to know it is him. He only performed academically well so that he could quickly skip through school and avoid the torture. Unfortunately, the cloak of invisibility that Lee Jun tried so hard to maintain would dissipate in an instant with Sam’s badgering to get him to play and instantly transform him into the target of bullies. Short, weak, young, timid and never complained, the perfect dream target of every bully in Seoul. “JUN!” Sam shouted out while dribbling the ball on the court. Lee Jun who was crouching on the ground, holding his knees, ducked his head between his legs like an ostrich. ‘Argh! Not again!’ Lee Jun was already finding it difficult to hide his presence given that everyone was talking about his absence from VR classrooms. He simply hoped that Sam would ignore him. Then again Sam never ignored him. “What’s up dude!” Sam shouted out as he continued to dribble the ball near Lee Jun. Lee Jun timidly looked up at the predator. Sam was soaked in sweat, his shirt was drenched wet sticking to his muscular frame, making it stand out more. If men had a would drool over women’s wet shirt, then the same was true here except women were drooling over Sam as his muscles gleamed in the indoor court lights. Everything about him, including his mix of foreign features just added to attraction that both sexes felt for him (yes both!). Approaching Lee Jun directed all that attention towards Lee Jun as well. Of course, Lee Jun reciprocated a different reaction, girls turned sour seeing him and boys felt like bullying him. “I see you still haven’t turned up for classes?” “…” “What you ignoring me?” Sam asked with his voice revealing his lack of patience and irritation for being ignored. “No….” Lee Jun meekly replied. “Good.” Sam’s eyes gleamed with elation as he maintained his control over Lee Jun. “Why don’t you join my team, we are one player short.” “…” Lee Jun quietly got up. It was time to be crushed. Sam wrapped his long arms around Lee Jun’s neck almost choking him and dragged him on to the court. However, before they could take a single step forward, a girl stood in front of them blocking their way. She had a bob haircut, black hair and a thin frame. Her striking features were not her wide big eyes with long lashes or the dimples on the cheeks or her foreign features but the gothic or princesses-ly air around her that she possessed. Whatever it was, by any boy’s standard, she would be classified as very pretty. “LET HIM GO.” She shouted. Sam raised an eye brow. “Huh?” “I said LET HIM GO!” She repeated herself. “Silvia Ji Woo, right?” Sam prodded his memory. She had joined school as a transfer student somewhere after summer break. He already tried wooing her once and failed at it epicly. Since then he never bothered approaching the girl. Lee Jun hadn’t been logging onto VR classes, so he had never known of the transfer students existence, not that it was likely he would know any of his classmates names (though he did recognize a few faces…like Sams). Either ways, the girls intrusion was as unwelcoming as Sam’s. Now Lee Jun attracted the hateful and jealous stares of all the boys on the court. Sam let go off Lee Jun’s neck. “Is the princess happy?” Sam bent down to level face to face with the girl. His voice was laden with sarcasm. Although she was very pretty, Sam who received enough attention from the opposite sex displayed an air of indifference to the girl. He only let go off Lee Jun since he didn’t want to tarnish his reputation or gain the wrong attention. After all he was a model student in everyone’s eyes. Unfortunately, for Sam, the young girl who stood in front of him was not used to such behavior. Her princess-ly air was a reflection of her background and not something that she faked. It perplexed her that Sam was unmoved by her beauty. She was used to being adored and fussed over. Sam’s response was discourteous and irritating her. She did the only thing she knew when something irritated her, get physically violent. What happened next was too fast for most to see (though Lee Jun saw it all). Ji Woo kicked Tall Sam right in the nuts. The impact was devastating; Tall Sam went down on his knees and muttered curses at Ji Woo. Ji Woo grabbed Lee Jun’s hand as he stood in awe over what just transpired and pulled him over to her side. “Let’s go.” She whispered to him. As they began walking away, Sam’s long arm reached out and he grabbed Ji Woo by the shoulder. “Now just….where …..do….you…think you are running off too?” Sam asked while still kneeling. He was in deep pain. Most men would be groveling on the ground from a kick that powerful, but Sam was stronger than most men….even if he had been knocked in the nuts; a kryptonite for men. “You are strong, I acknowledge that.” Ji Woo whispered. “BUT WHERE THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TOUCHING A FAIR MAIDEN LIKE ME!” Sam had no idea what just happened next but he found himself flying through midair . Lee Jun stared at Ji Woo in shock. “Did you just hurl him 5 feet across the air?” Lee Jun was not the only one who was staring at the girl in shock. Everyone present was as shocked as he was. A small girl who was not even five feet just grabbed Sam’s arm and flung him over her back, across feet….those boys who saw Ji Woo as a fragile pretty girl in need for their protection now saw her in a different light….a flower which was really a beast from the inside. “Let’s get out of here.” Ji Woo said as he grabbed the timid Lee Jun by the arm and dragged him away. She just created unnecessary and unwanted attention for herself and it worried her. She didn’t intend to do so. Her only intention was to help Lee Jun out who seemed to be in need for some help…not become famous for her monstrous strength. The whole point of transferring schools had been ruined! Ji Woo cringed her face as she cursed her own stupidity. “Ummm…” Lee Jun mumbled. “What?” She asked him angrily. “Could you let go off my hand?” He asked with a soft voice. Ji Woo immediately let go of his hand as if she was holding a cockroach. She was just as embarrassed as he was. Given their fair skin, the blushing was very much visible. They both stood quietly staring away from each other, near the school gate. With an awkward moment of silence passing them by, Ji Woo finally broke the silence. “You could at least say thanks!” She snapped. “Thaa…..” Lee Jun stood still with his mouth open. He had almost said thanks…. Coming to his senses, Lee Jun quickly analysed the situation. Receiving help from Ji Woo was the worst possible outcome! Not only would he be targeted by Sam but also fan groups of both Sam and Ji Woo!!! Sam’s followers would blame him for Sam getting hurt and Ji Woo’s would blame him for stealing her heart or something ridiculous….his hopes of graduating from school without any major troubles diminished… “YOU!!!” Lee Jun screamed at Ji Woo in anger taking her by complete surprise. “What?” “Do you have any idea what you have done!” “I saved you from the bully? I have been seeing him for the last few months how he always picks on you in PE. I thought I would save you from him. Is that why you stopped coming to classes?” Ji Woo angrily replied back. She was really expecting a thank you at the very least. “Are you insane?” Lee Jun replied in horror. He was just completely shocked how dim witted this girl could be. While taking on the role of a justice salvaging marauder she overlooked the difficulties she created for him in the future! “How will I deal with Sam and the others in the future?” Lee Jun asked while continuing to vent out his anger at his savior. “Just become stronger?” Ji Woo casually replied. “…” Lee Jun was convinced this girl was an idiot. Ji Woo grabbed his hand and began dragging him. “Wait, where are we going?” Lee Jun asked as he tried resisting her dragging him out of school. Sadly, Ji Woo much stronger than Lee Jun, no matter how much he resisted her pull was to strong. It almost felt like his arms were going to be yanked out. “Training!” Ji Woo cheerfully replied. “Eh?” “I know this amazing Dojang!” “…” “Taxi!” An orange imported car stopped in front of the pair. “Please take us to Kumdo dojang!” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors Note: 1. :) Ah exciting is it not? 2. Happy Diwali everyone! - Its the Indian version of xmas mixed with guy fox.... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Connect to Royal Road – Elementarem Vim next Chapter? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Yes](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=1271) | | [No](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=348) | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Prologue<br><br> There was a time when everything was crystal clear to me. I seriously thought I was living in the one and only world. I was born and raised as any other child and lived like any other. Who would have thought that this was but an illusion meant to keep us blinded to reality.<br><br>The sun was starting to seep in through the shutters, its’ warmth slowly waking me from my sleep. I got up to the sound of the city. It was probably around 8 am and already the merchants were hawking their wares. I lay there for a moment listening. Finally, stretching, I pulled myself out of bed and began to prepare for the day.<br><br>I’m the son of a blacksmith and as such have a looooot of stuff to do to prepare each day. After eating breakfast I need to check that all the tools that my father was using through the night are in good condition. I clean them and organize everything. The furnace has to be rekindled, as the flames became nothing more than embers while we slept.<br><br>I just finished cleaning up when my father came in. He’s a large sturdy man of medium height say around 5’10”. He’s rough looking but that’s mainly a result of his trade choice. His body is built to last, another result of his trade.<br><br>Father looks at me as I he turns around, having just finished putting on his apron. Its was once brown apron but has since become completely black. He smiles upon seeing I have finished preparing for the shop to open.<br><br>“Good job son. Way to take initiative.”<br><br>“Ah thanks.” I say as I finish putting my apron over my head.<br><br>“Oi you know I’m not very liberal with praise be happier about it!” He feigns being hurt by my cold attitude. Of course he knows I’m just not the kind of guy that takes compliments that well. It’s kind of like feeling that there is something wrong and something you did wrong wasn’t noticed properly. But anyways, I digress.<br><br>“I got it, I got it. Thanks dad. Now can we get this work started?” Smiling I try to assuage his hurt albeit feigned feelings.<br><br>He looks me in the eye for a sec with a stink eye. Then bursts out laughing. This is basically a routine of ours. “HAH! Well then open the door boyo. Let’s get to work!”<br><br>I open the gates to the forge to allow any customers in and so our business day begins. Basically, being a smith is not easy work but it does make a decent living. There are always people needing new tools and foreigners who are always coming buy for repairs on their weapons or with requests for a more powerful weapon or armor to be crafted. Were not the best smiths ever but I’m proud to say were pretty darn good at what we do.<br><br>As the day goes by we get a number of such requests. Sometimes we’ll get a random foreigner wearing peasant attire that comes in asking to learn blacksmithing. Its funny hearing the tidbits of things the foreigners say as they for some reason call these outfits “Noob clothes” the meaning of which I have yet to figure out. Of course my father and I are more than pleased to help people learn but never let them take such a skill easily. Besides the price we charge we also force them to make a weapon and a piece of armor just to be sure they actually paid attention to what they learned. The one’s actually taking up the class of Blacksmith we give them a bit of an easier time because we know it will be a tough path for them. Not that it stops us from charging them. Every copper counts.<br><br>Its getting late in the day and people are starting to close down their shops for the night. Foreigners are still going around and hawking their wares and fighting like crazies. I can’t understand how they manage to go around for so long without any sleep. Usually they are around for 4 days or so before they just disappear off the face of Versailles never to be heard from until they come back again after 2 days or so. I guess what really bothers me about this is not that they can go without sleep for so long its that they can disappear. It may just be the blessings of the Goddess Gaea allowing them to be concealed when they are sleeping.<br><br>As we are about to close our own shop down a large man walks in.<br>He swaggers a bit as he walks up to my father working some last bits of metal on his anvil. “Hey I’d like a weapon made. I need it immediately as my party and I are intending to destroy the Kobolds in the swamps near Taldo Village and I need a good weapon!” by the end of this little speech the man was in my fathers face yelling for what he wanted.<br><br>Of course, I’m just surprised that this man who seems to be pretty famous from what I have heard would be yelling at a man.<br><br>My father calmly looked up at him. “Young man,” he sternly replies, “I’m afraid were about to close for the night and cannot spare a moment to craft it for you. However, if you come back in the morning I swear you will be the first person I will craft something for since I’m having to turn you away right now.” fairly diplomatic even if I do say so myself.<br><br>But as seems to be a more common thing with foreigners lately the man, instead of thanking my father for his generosity decides to begin taunting him. Just so you know don’t ever taunt a blacksmith when he’s holding his hammer. It usually doesn’t go well.<br><br>“OHO! So your saying you can’t even make a sword is that it? What a useless smithy this is. I’m sure some other Blacksmith will make my blade for me even with it being so ‘late’.” His swagger was, of course, more pronounced by than previously.<br><br>My father, being the upright gentleman, at least to customers, who he is, stares hard at the man’s eyes before finally calming himself down enough to speak to the man, “Sir if you wish to take your business elsewhere then so be it. I won’t have someone sitting here and insulting me in my own smithy. So you best move along now.” With that my father turned around to ignore the man.<br><br>Face red as a beet the foreigner began sputtering and yelling obscenities before pulling the sword he had on his waist out on my father and proceeding to attack him. My father being the man he is immediately brings up his hammer to parry the man’s weapon while then taking his still red tongs and shoving them in the man’s face. Imagine still red from the forge tongs being shoved in your eyes. That about sums up what just happened.<br><br>The man scream incoherently as he starts swinging wildly. By this point we’ve had enough and so I start calling for the guards who monitor this area. It just so happens they were already almost to our shop when I started calling, probably from the screaming... yeah most definitely the screaming.<br><br>The guards were yelling at the man to stand down but he just kept wildly swinging. Finally, the guard captain of the squad that came ordered his men to put the man down. With his last breath the man swore to get us back for this. Little did we know this was the man was part of a fearsome party. At the time we thought this little bit of trouble was over with. No native has any real problem with killing a violent foreigner since for some reason they always come back to life in the halls of the Church of Freya. Unlike them we natives don’t have such a convenient ability. It is likely another blessing of Gaea who brought them from the land where they were once enslaved.<br><br>Happy to finally close up shop we cleaned up the most important things and made sure all the tools and metals were properly put away before making our way to dinner then bed.<br><br>That night I was sleeping a bit restlessly. The event at that occurred before we closed was troubling to say the least. I woke from another hour of terrible sleep. Staring out at the moon outside my window I wondered why it seemed that the way natives acted was so different from such a large number of foreigners? The foreigners always seemed to behave as if they didn’t really care as much what happened as a result of their actions. I mean I guess if you can come back to life you can just do what you want but still.<br><br>The wind was blowing pretty hard outside. I wondered at the time if it might rain the next day. Then I heard a light scuffling. Nothing unusual, most of the time, but it was the middle of the night, and most people would be either asleep or at a tavern. And we weren’t near a tavern.<br>Silence seemed to encroach again. Now I was worried. The silence was different than before. None of the bugs that one usually hears were chirping anymore. I got up out of bed slowly and put on the shirt I had by my bed. I slept with pants on so I didn’t need to worry about that. I crept to my door and slowly sidled up to it and listened. At first I heard nothing. Then I heard that scuffling sound again only much louder. Whoever is out there is really close by. I didn’t have a weapon on hand as most of our tools and wares were in the forge area. I waited till the sound was going past my door then opened it slowly. Good thing we oil our doors often as any sound would have been disastrous. Peering out I saw 4 men heading down our hallway. Three of them had hoods on while the last seemed to be wearing some kind of heavy armor, chainmail perhaps.<br><br>Looking on it seemed they were headed towards my father’s room. As I watched the man in the armor made a few gestures to which the first hooded person nodded. Suddenly he kicked in my fathers door splintering it with the tremendous force behind his kick. I opened my door fully to go out and try to stop them. It was obvious what they were doing now. They wanted to kill my father.<br><br>Yelling my father came awake. Unlike me he slept with a massive hammer at his bedside and, still yelling, began to lay into the 2nd hooded man who had entered the room first. This man was startled by how quickly my father had reacted and was immediately heavily injured by the ensuing hammer blows. The 3rd hooded man was shouting as his friend began to fall. He lunged for my father with daggers in his hand. The first guy took out a staff and was beginning to cast a spell as shown by a glow that radiated around the staff.<br><br>I ran at the last guy who was just standing behind the hooded men. The guy in armor was watching with a maniacal grin on his face as if he had the best job ever. I rammed into his back with my shoulder the way a boar tries to gore a man from below. Surprised the heavy armored man fell forward onto the 1st hooded man interrupting his spell casting. Father was pushed back as the 2nd hooded man had managed to avoid a few blows and pull out his long sword. This put my father on the defensive. Apparently they weren’t as weak as it had originally seemed. The armored man was able to turn himself over and with the help of the 3rd man he got me off of him. Now I was upset that these men dared to attack us and so I quickly went to kick the man. It just so happens I aimed really low. The armored guy was now temporarily incapacitated.<br><br>Father turned towards me while warding off the blows of the sword wielding 2nd hood “SON STOP THEIR SPELL CASTER BEFORE HE GETS A SPELL OFF!!” His fight wasn’t going so well anymore it seemed as the 2nd hood was pressing him. <br><br>I tried to lunge at the 1st hood who was just managing to get himself off the floor when the 3rd hood got in my way. He swung his daggers in a cross pattern to try and lacerate my chest. I just barely avoided it by leaning my upper body back. I countered him by slugging him in the face the moment his daggers passed. Sadly from that position my punch didn’t have much power behind it and it only caused him to flinch. I tried to use this opening to follow through with another attack when I was grabbed from behind. Apparently armor boy was no longer unable to move. He pulled me into a hold cutting off my windpipe. I couldn’t breath well and was struggling to get out of his grip.<br><br>Pulling a little tighter man sneered into my ear. “How does it feel to be cornered rabbit?”<br><br>I couldn’t answer as I was presently choking. The 3rd hood finally took off his hood to display a bright blood red crystal on his forehead. His name was also displayed. It read “Rorick.” I being chocked was unable to shout at him but memorized the name in case I managed to survive.<br><br>The 1st hood took off his as well after finishing a spell that caused both my father and I to become unable to move. I was fine since armor man was holding me up, but my father collapsed onto the floor unable to move. The 2nd hood also removed his as he lay his sword on my father’s neck. All three had red diamonds on their heads. The mage was named Sorin and the swordsman Matt. The armored man threw me on the ground next to my father. The four of them piled into the room and closed the door. The armored man didn’t have a red diamond. The mage cast a small fireball that lit up the room. Now we could clearly see their faces. We knew now that foreigners had attacked us. Three of them were people who had previously killed other natives or their own fellow foreigners. From the way they behaved it was obvious they had done this before.<br><br>The armored man stepped closer to us and sneered. “I heard about what you all did to my little brother yesterday afternoon. After he died he came to me ranting and raving about some NPC’s who just didn’t know how to behave around others.” He proceeded to kick us once a piece. “Too bad you all don’t understand why were killing you. Hell you probably couldn’t care less since your not people anyways.”<br><br>I stared at him like he was an idiot. In all the heavens and all the hells since when were we not people? And so I said so like an idiot.<br><br>He just laughed at this. “Ah well its not like it matters anyways. But since your both about to die I’ll tell you. We, who you NPC’s call foreigners are Players. We are people who come to Versailles via a machine. This place is what’s called a Virtual Reality video game. Its just too bad none of this even makes sense to you all. As far as I’m aware whenever a player says these kind of things to NPC’s all they here is foreigner and magic or something, GAHAHAHA!” He begins to laugh loudly as if it were the funniest thing in the world.<br><br>“You Sir are insane. What do you even mean by all that nonsense?!” my father began yelling at the man. “how dare you come into our house and attack –“ He was cut off by a kick to the stomach.<br><br>“Shut up you old bastard! I was just getting to that.” He swaggered to the side. “As I said you all got my brother killed yesterday, so now were going to kill you.” He smiled gleefully with the last two words. It was obvious to me at least that the man wasn’t all there. Or maybe this was just how foreigners, or I guess I should call them players, behaved. <br><br>I started yelling at the man after hearing his little ultimatum. “By Freya what are you talking about? That man was attacking us after we told him we couldn’t make his weapon for him since we were closing and that we would do so first thing in the morning! He attacked US! Where-“ And I was kicked right in the face. Man if you have ever been kicked in the face it really, really, hurts.<br><br>“Enough out of you. But as a concession since we’ll be killing you now I’ll tell you.” He turned to the men behind him then back with a grin on his face. “Its not really because you killed him. That’s just what he deserved. Its because I can’t stand that any besides me killed him even if he won’t be dead for more than four days Versailles time anyways. So good bye now.” He waved his hand. The man with the sword stepped forward while the mage began to recite a spell. I stared at them all with hatred but especially that armored guy. Father turned his head to me and whispered something that even now I remember with stark clarity.<br><br>“Son I’m sorry and…I love you.”<br>The swordsman cut off his head. I screamed as loudly as I could. The pain that would come was nothing compared to this sorrow. I swore at that moment I would slaughter them. I would kill them and any others of their kind who thought we natives were nothing but trash. They would pay.<br>This oath I took as the fames engulfed our home and ate away at my body. </div>

Prologue There was a time when everything was crystal clear to me. I seriously thought I was living in the one and only world. I was born and raised as any other child and lived like any other. Who would have thought that this was but an illusion meant to keep us blinded to reality. The sun was starting to seep in through the shutters, its’ warmth slowly waking me from my sleep. I got up to the sound of the city. It was probably around 8 am and already the merchants were hawking their wares. I lay there for a moment listening. Finally, stretching, I pulled myself out of bed and began to prepare for the day. I’m the son of a blacksmith and as such have a looooot of stuff to do to prepare each day. After eating breakfast I need to check that all the tools that my father was using through the night are in good condition. I clean them and organize everything. The furnace has to be rekindled, as the flames became nothing more than embers while we slept. I just finished cleaning up when my father came in. He’s a large sturdy man of medium height say around 5’10”. He’s rough looking but that’s mainly a result of his trade choice. His body is built to last, another result of his trade. Father looks at me as I he turns around, having just finished putting on his apron. Its was once brown apron but has since become completely black. He smiles upon seeing I have finished preparing for the shop to open. “Good job son. Way to take initiative.” “Ah thanks.” I say as I finish putting my apron over my head. “Oi you know I’m not very liberal with praise be happier about it!” He feigns being hurt by my cold attitude. Of course he knows I’m just not the kind of guy that takes compliments that well. It’s kind of like feeling that there is something wrong and something you did wrong wasn’t noticed properly. But anyways, I digress. “I got it, I got it. Thanks dad. Now can we get this work started?” Smiling I try to assuage his hurt albeit feigned feelings. He looks me in the eye for a sec with a stink eye. Then bursts out laughing. This is basically a routine of ours. “HAH! Well then open the door boyo. Let’s get to work!” I open the gates to the forge to allow any customers in and so our business day begins. Basically, being a smith is not easy work but it does make a decent living. There are always people needing new tools and foreigners who are always coming buy for repairs on their weapons or with requests for a more powerful weapon or armor to be crafted. Were not the best smiths ever but I’m proud to say were pretty darn good at what we do. As the day goes by we get a number of such requests. Sometimes we’ll get a random foreigner wearing peasant attire that comes in asking to learn blacksmithing. Its funny hearing the tidbits of things the foreigners say as they for some reason call these outfits “Noob clothes” the meaning of which I have yet to figure out. Of course my father and I are more than pleased to help people learn but never let them take such a skill easily. Besides the price we charge we also force them to make a weapon and a piece of armor just to be sure they actually paid attention to what they learned. The one’s actually taking up the class of Blacksmith we give them a bit of an easier time because we know it will be a tough path for them. Not that it stops us from charging them. Every copper counts. Its getting late in the day and people are starting to close down their shops for the night. Foreigners are still going around and hawking their wares and fighting like crazies. I can’t understand how they manage to go around for so long without any sleep. Usually they are around for 4 days or so before they just disappear off the face of Versailles never to be heard from until they come back again after 2 days or so. I guess what really bothers me about this is not that they can go without sleep for so long its that they can disappear. It may just be the blessings of the Goddess Gaea allowing them to be concealed when they are sleeping. As we are about to close our own shop down a large man walks in. He swaggers a bit as he walks up to my father working some last bits of metal on his anvil. “Hey I’d like a weapon made. I need it immediately as my party and I are intending to destroy the Kobolds in the swamps near Taldo Village and I need a good weapon!” by the end of this little speech the man was in my fathers face yelling for what he wanted. Of course, I’m just surprised that this man who seems to be pretty famous from what I have heard would be yelling at a man. My father calmly looked up at him. “Young man,” he sternly replies, “I’m afraid were about to close for the night and cannot spare a moment to craft it for you. However, if you come back in the morning I swear you will be the first person I will craft something for since I’m having to turn you away right now.” fairly diplomatic even if I do say so myself. But as seems to be a more common thing with foreigners lately the man, instead of thanking my father for his generosity decides to begin taunting him. Just so you know don’t ever taunt a blacksmith when he’s holding his hammer. It usually doesn’t go well. “OHO! So your saying you can’t even make a sword is that it? What a useless smithy this is. I’m sure some other Blacksmith will make my blade for me even with it being so ‘late’.” His swagger was, of course, more pronounced by than previously. My father, being the upright gentleman, at least to customers, who he is, stares hard at the man’s eyes before finally calming himself down enough to speak to the man, “Sir if you wish to take your business elsewhere then so be it. I won’t have someone sitting here and insulting me in my own smithy. So you best move along now.” With that my father turned around to ignore the man. Face red as a beet the foreigner began sputtering and yelling obscenities before pulling the sword he had on his waist out on my father and proceeding to attack him. My father being the man he is immediately brings up his hammer to parry the man’s weapon while then taking his still red tongs and shoving them in the man’s face. Imagine still red from the forge tongs being shoved in your eyes. That about sums up what just happened. The man scream incoherently as he starts swinging wildly. By this point we’ve had enough and so I start calling for the guards who monitor this area. It just so happens they were already almost to our shop when I started calling, probably from the screaming... yeah most definitely the screaming. The guards were yelling at the man to stand down but he just kept wildly swinging. Finally, the guard captain of the squad that came ordered his men to put the man down. With his last breath the man swore to get us back for this. Little did we know this was the man was part of a fearsome party. At the time we thought this little bit of trouble was over with. No native has any real problem with killing a violent foreigner since for some reason they always come back to life in the halls of the Church of Freya. Unlike them we natives don’t have such a convenient ability. It is likely another blessing of Gaea who brought them from the land where they were once enslaved. Happy to finally close up shop we cleaned up the most important things and made sure all the tools and metals were properly put away before making our way to dinner then bed. That night I was sleeping a bit restlessly. The event at that occurred before we closed was troubling to say the least. I woke from another hour of terrible sleep. Staring out at the moon outside my window I wondered why it seemed that the way natives acted was so different from such a large number of foreigners? The foreigners always seemed to behave as if they didn’t really care as much what happened as a result of their actions. I mean I guess if you can come back to life you can just do what you want but still. The wind was blowing pretty hard outside. I wondered at the time if it might rain the next day. Then I heard a light scuffling. Nothing unusual, most of the time, but it was the middle of the night, and most people would be either asleep or at a tavern. And we weren’t near a tavern. Silence seemed to encroach again. Now I was worried. The silence was different than before. None of the bugs that one usually hears were chirping anymore. I got up out of bed slowly and put on the shirt I had by my bed. I slept with pants on so I didn’t need to worry about that. I crept to my door and slowly sidled up to it and listened. At first I heard nothing. Then I heard that scuffling sound again only much louder. Whoever is out there is really close by. I didn’t have a weapon on hand as most of our tools and wares were in the forge area. I waited till the sound was going past my door then opened it slowly. Good thing we oil our doors often as any sound would have been disastrous. Peering out I saw 4 men heading down our hallway. Three of them had hoods on while the last seemed to be wearing some kind of heavy armor, chainmail perhaps. Looking on it seemed they were headed towards my father’s room. As I watched the man in the armor made a few gestures to which the first hooded person nodded. Suddenly he kicked in my fathers door splintering it with the tremendous force behind his kick. I opened my door fully to go out and try to stop them. It was obvious what they were doing now. They wanted to kill my father. Yelling my father came awake. Unlike me he slept with a massive hammer at his bedside and, still yelling, began to lay into the 2nd hooded man who had entered the room first. This man was startled by how quickly my father had reacted and was immediately heavily injured by the ensuing hammer blows. The 3rd hooded man was shouting as his friend began to fall. He lunged for my father with daggers in his hand. The first guy took out a staff and was beginning to cast a spell as shown by a glow that radiated around the staff. I ran at the last guy who was just standing behind the hooded men. The guy in armor was watching with a maniacal grin on his face as if he had the best job ever. I rammed into his back with my shoulder the way a boar tries to gore a man from below. Surprised the heavy armored man fell forward onto the 1st hooded man interrupting his spell casting. Father was pushed back as the 2nd hooded man had managed to avoid a few blows and pull out his long sword. This put my father on the defensive. Apparently they weren’t as weak as it had originally seemed. The armored man was able to turn himself over and with the help of the 3rd man he got me off of him. Now I was upset that these men dared to attack us and so I quickly went to kick the man. It just so happens I aimed really low. The armored guy was now temporarily incapacitated. Father turned towards me while warding off the blows of the sword wielding 2nd hood “SON STOP THEIR SPELL CASTER BEFORE HE GETS A SPELL OFF!!” His fight wasn’t going so well anymore it seemed as the 2nd hood was pressing him. I tried to lunge at the 1st hood who was just managing to get himself off the floor when the 3rd hood got in my way. He swung his daggers in a cross pattern to try and lacerate my chest. I just barely avoided it by leaning my upper body back. I countered him by slugging him in the face the moment his daggers passed. Sadly from that position my punch didn’t have much power behind it and it only caused him to flinch. I tried to use this opening to follow through with another attack when I was grabbed from behind. Apparently armor boy was no longer unable to move. He pulled me into a hold cutting off my windpipe. I couldn’t breath well and was struggling to get out of his grip. Pulling a little tighter man sneered into my ear. “How does it feel to be cornered rabbit?” I couldn’t answer as I was presently choking. The 3rd hood finally took off his hood to display a bright blood red crystal on his forehead. His name was also displayed. It read “Rorick.” I being chocked was unable to shout at him but memorized the name in case I managed to survive. The 1st hood took off his as well after finishing a spell that caused both my father and I to become unable to move. I was fine since armor man was holding me up, but my father collapsed onto the floor unable to move. The 2nd hood also removed his as he lay his sword on my father’s neck. All three had red diamonds on their heads. The mage was named Sorin and the swordsman Matt. The armored man threw me on the ground next to my father. The four of them piled into the room and closed the door. The armored man didn’t have a red diamond. The mage cast a small fireball that lit up the room. Now we could clearly see their faces. We knew now that foreigners had attacked us. Three of them were people who had previously killed other natives or their own fellow foreigners. From the way they behaved it was obvious they had done this before. The armored man stepped closer to us and sneered. “I heard about what you all did to my little brother yesterday afternoon. After he died he came to me ranting and raving about some NPC’s who just didn’t know how to behave around others.” He proceeded to kick us once a piece. “Too bad you all don’t understand why were killing you. Hell you probably couldn’t care less since your not people anyways.” I stared at him like he was an idiot. In all the heavens and all the hells since when were we not people? And so I said so like an idiot. He just laughed at this. “Ah well its not like it matters anyways. But since your both about to die I’ll tell you. We, who you NPC’s call foreigners are Players. We are people who come to Versailles via a machine. This place is what’s called a Virtual Reality video game. Its just too bad none of this even makes sense to you all. As far as I’m aware whenever a player says these kind of things to NPC’s all they here is foreigner and magic or something, GAHAHAHA!” He begins to laugh loudly as if it were the funniest thing in the world. “You Sir are insane. What do you even mean by all that nonsense?!” my father began yelling at the man. “how dare you come into our house and attack –“ He was cut off by a kick to the stomach. “Shut up you old bastard! I was just getting to that.” He swaggered to the side. “As I said you all got my brother killed yesterday, so now were going to kill you.” He smiled gleefully with the last two words. It was obvious to me at least that the man wasn’t all there. Or maybe this was just how foreigners, or I guess I should call them players, behaved. I started yelling at the man after hearing his little ultimatum. “By Freya what are you talking about? That man was attacking us after we told him we couldn’t make his weapon for him since we were closing and that we would do so first thing in the morning! He attacked US! Where-“ And I was kicked right in the face. Man if you have ever been kicked in the face it really, really, hurts. “Enough out of you. But as a concession since we’ll be killing you now I’ll tell you.” He turned to the men behind him then back with a grin on his face. “Its not really because you killed him. That’s just what he deserved. Its because I can’t stand that any besides me killed him even if he won’t be dead for more than four days Versailles time anyways. So good bye now.” He waved his hand. The man with the sword stepped forward while the mage began to recite a spell. I stared at them all with hatred but especially that armored guy. Father turned his head to me and whispered something that even now I remember with stark clarity. “Son I’m sorry and…I love you.” The swordsman cut off his head. I screamed as loudly as I could. The pain that would come was nothing compared to this sorrow. I swore at that moment I would slaughter them. I would kill them and any others of their kind who thought we natives were nothing but trash. They would pay. This oath I took as the fames engulfed our home and ate away at my body.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 1 – Lost Conciousness </span> <br> <br>From my body cracks started to appear as well. At this rate am I going to end up like the bracelet. All broken and stuff. I don't want to end up like that. This game is so realistic that falling apart like that would be similar to torture. <br> <br>################################################################################ <br> <br>Something is entering my head! Damnit it hurts beyond hell. It makes the training from the church seem painless.....what training?.....what was I doing?.......who am I?............... <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 2 – Sealing</span> <br> <br>Its finally time for the part of the training before Eden has all of the tools he needs to collect those mana fragments. Lets see he definitely needs some more advance techniques to manipulate the elements but what about giving him some healing abilities as well since he is pretty weak. If that's the case then might as well give him some defence spells as well. Then what about curses that weaken the enemy. Or I can force all of this into his brain. Yes that's what I'm going to do. <br> <br>BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM <br> <br>What was that? I detect a distortion in time and space. What the hell did Crysero do this time. Wait, the origin of this distortion is where Eden should be....crap. <br> <br>I ran quickly in the room where Eden was suppose to be and found him....in the centre of all of this destruction with Crysero grinning like an idiot on the side. <br> <br>“CRYSERO. What did you do this TIME!!” <br> <br>Everything that's bad happens one way or other due to him. <br> <br>“Oh I place 'that' into Eden. I thought it might help him overcome his weak nature.~” <br> <br>No. What the hell did you do now? <br> <br>“Wait 'that'? You mean that book with that thing in it!” <br> <br>“Yes~” <br> <br>As I was arguing with Crysero the distortions became bigger and bigger. A number of things were being drawn in and destroyed. My good furniture.... &nbsp; <br> <br>“Damnit help me seal him NOW!” I shouted commanding Crysero to help me fix his mistakes. <br> <br>“Yes Yes~” <br> <br>Judging you the power he has now it'll need the highest level of sealing possible...no that's still not enough...have to use two or three of them on his body. <br> <br>“Crysero! Hold the surge of power now!” <br> <br>Countless magic circles designed to keep the flow of mana stable surrounded Eden's body which was already almost completely consumed by the being called [llyfr]. A very dangerous and powerful existence that rivals a God. Although separating them is impossible now I can still make it so [llyfr] can't control his body. [llyfr] was sealed in a book by several forces to get rid of it since it can't be removed from existence. &nbsp; <br> <br>This feeling....Crysero's spells are working. The amount of mana pouring out is decreasing. At this rate we can contain it without resorting to purging Eden's body. After what seemed to be eternity I heard something weird. &nbsp; <br> <br>THUMP THUMP THUMP <br> <br>The sound of heartbeats? What? My mana...its being drained. But where.....it can't be?! [llyfr] is sucking our mana from our body. This never happened before?! <br> <br>“Crysero!” <br> <br>Now is the time for the sealing. We can't let it gain more mana from us. <br> <br>“Yeah~” <br> <br>“Let the chains of God Bind you!” <br> <br>“Wrapped around your soul~” <br> <br>“Dancing in the moonlit day!” <br> <br>“Weeping in the sunless night~” <br> <br>“Bring forth the despair known as hope!” <br> <br>“For all eternity~” <br> <br>“Heavenly 12 element Seal!!!!!!” <br> <br>“Heavenly 13 element Seal!!!!~” <br> <br>Wait what? 13 not 12? <br> <br>“Crysero what did you do.......” <br> <br>“Hmm? Added the bacon element in~” <br> <br>“No.” <br> <br>“Yes~” <br> <br>“The sealing won't be balanced then.” <br> <br>Who on Earth would want to use the bacon element anyway.... <br> <br>“It'll be interesting to see~” <br> <br>“No we have to redo the seal again now.” <br> <br>“Awwwwwwwwwwwwww~” <br> <br>“Lets start again.” <br> <br>After some time we managed to redo the seal after the......I don't to think of it. <br> <br>Twelve balls of representing each element appeared around Eden's body. From each of them a chain came out made of a different element each and covered his body in it. In one swoop action it tightened and bounded itself to Eden's soul. <br> <br>I can feel it. The mana coming form Eden's body is being suppressed. But its still not enough. The highest ranked sealing spell that we have access to isn't enough. <br> <br>“Crysero the second one!” <br> <br>“Right-o~ Bacon element Seal!” <br> <br>Not again..... <br> <br>“CRYSERO” <br> <br>“What?~” <br> <br>“Why are you using the bacon element you created as a seal?!” <br> <br>“Because its fun~” <br> <br>This man infuriates me to no end. <br> <br>“Unseal!” <br> <br>The damn bacon seal that Crysero placed on Eden came undone. And once more the power he now held went loose. Preparing a proper seal I said, “Five element Seal!” <br> <br>Five symbols representing the 5 core elements of the world appeared. They merged together and sucked the excess power from Eden's body. The symbol then implanted itself on Eden's chest. <br> <br>“That was close.” I said looking at the unconscious Eden. <br> <br>“True~” said Crysero still making a smirk at the situation. <br> <br>I went up to Crysero and started to pull his cheeks. <br> <br>“This is again your fault you know!” <br> <br>“It hurts It hurts. Please stop.” Crysero tried to plea with me but I'm not going to fall for it. Even of you felt some remorse you'll do something even more dangerous next time. Time? Yes what time is it now. Hmm...its been a couple of hours since the incident first started. As expected from a being that once drove the world mad with its chaos. Well the only thing left to do is observe the current situation and wait for Eden to awaken. <br> <br>“Crysero do you know any processors of [llyfr] having the power to absorb mana?” <br> <br>“None of the previous processors had that power but [llyfr] originally had that power.~” <br> <br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Part 3 – New Power</span> <br> <br>I woke up to the cold hard stone floor again. This is really becoming annoying. Not because its a running gag now but it seriously annoying that I wake up at random places now every time I faint due to one thing or the other. I looked around the room and found that it was trashed? What the hell happened here? Anyway I should find Warlic or Crysero. Preferably the former. Wait why am I shirtless? And what's with this weird symbol on my chest? Its some sort of marking....is that a word ? Maybe maybe not. Who cares right now. <br> <br>I tried to leap off the ground gently as usual to get up. <br> <br>BANG <br> <br>My head hit the ceiling. <br> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">You have lost 50 mana</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Damn I took damage to my health? Why does it say mana? I dropped to the ground again this time on my butt. It didn't hurt as much as I expected.....what was going on?! Wait! Why were there weird markings on my arms now? It looked like I tattooed myself. I noticed that the markings on each arm was the same except when it reached my hands. They also had some characters or a word on them which I had no understanding of. It kinda looked like some Latin but I have no intentions to search the meaning of it up at all. <br> <br>I got up again this time making sure that I don't jump into the ceiling again. Now where did those two go. <br> <br>“We're behind you.” <br> <br>“Yep~” <br> <br>“FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK” <br> <br>“Stop being all surprised. You should be used to this.” commented Warlic showing no concern that normal people don't deal with this. <br> <br>“True now that you have that I expected more~” <br> <br>What is that? You mean the book you placed in me? By the way can you explain everything from the start so I can understand. <br> <br>“It seems like your confused. Weird I expected the possessor of the Tyrant [llyfr] would know the current situation like all the past ones.” <br> <br>Tyrant? IIyfr? <br> <br>“Maybe its because we sealed it~” <br> <br>“True. How are you feeling. From your current state which had your head implanted into my ceiling and still running about, fine I guess.” <br> <br>So why did you ask in the first place? <br> <br>“Also you should check the differences in your body now. Your not exactly human any more, despite have the form of one.” <br> <br>Not human? I guess that explains the weird markings and such. <br> <br>“Status Window” <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Eden</td><td width="25%">Type</td><td width="25%">Chaotic</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Anhrefn</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td width="25%">Darllenydd o'r holl</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">25</td><td width="25%">Class</td><td width="25%">Awdur Dim</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">170</td><td width="25%">Infamy</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">N/A</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">3370</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">71+50</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">111+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">89+100</td><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">42+100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Concentration</td><td width="25%">83+100</td><td width="25%">Endurance</td><td width="25%">32+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Sustenance</td><td width="25%">78+50</td><td width="25%">Fighting Spirit</td><td width="25%">41+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">52+50</td><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">51+50</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Offence</td><td width="25%">80</td><td width="25%">Defense</td><td width="25%">97</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">15%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Bonus</td><td colspan="3">+10 magic resistance <br>+50 to all physical related stats <br>+100 to all magic related stats <br>Mana will replace Health <br>Skills will require half the experience to level up</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>The hell is this? When did I get a title? And what's with these stats added on as well. <br> <br>“Hey Warlic, what does Anhrefn, Awdur Dim and Darllenydd o'r holl mean?” <br> <br>Warlic took a moment and said, “Chaos, Writer of none and Reader of all in that order. Its in Welsh....” <br> <br>“So my race is now chaos?” <br> <br>“Well the first one can be translated as Disorder as well and the last one can be translated as no author thanks to Google translate.” <br> <br>You used google translate? <br> <br>“Is there a difference between it and humans?” I asked a bit concern that something may have disappeared. <br> <br>“Yes.” <br> <br>Oh great something must have disapppeared. <br> <br>“What these differences?” <br> <br>“First they are much more brutal with the strength to back it. All of them poccess massive amounts of knowledge and wisdom. And all of them were slain or sealed in the past.” <br> <br>So...nothing disappeared? <br> <br>“So...why are my physical and magical stats amplified?” <br> <br>“Probably due to your new race, class and title now.” <br> <br>That makes sense. <br> <br>“Hmm...did anything else changed? Skill Window!” <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Skill Window</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Magic Mastery Beginner Level 6 (39%) <br> <br>Increase casting speed by 18% <br>Increase magic strength by 60%</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Magic Control Beginner Level 3(12%) (Passive) <br> <br>Increase success rate of all spells hitting the target</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Sword Mastery Beginner Level 3 (54%) <br> <br>Increase sword speed by 9% <br>Increase sword attack by 30%</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Elemental Mastery Beginner Level 5 (3%) <br> <br>Increases Elemental damage by 50% <br>Increase Elemental resistance by 5%</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mediation Beginner Level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Regain 50 mana per minute.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Absorption Beginner Level 1 (1%) (Passive) <br> <br>Absorb 1 mana per second passively <br>Range: 10 metres</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Mana Shield Beginner Level 1 (0%) <br> <br>Shield Health per use: 100</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center">Creation Magic Beginner Level 1(0%) <br> <br>Mana used per square metre: 1000</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <br> <br>Wait some of this changed and a couple of things were added as well. <br> <br>“Bring Information on Mana Absorption, Mana Shield and Creation Magic” <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill Window</td></tr><tr><td>Mana Absorption Beginner Level 1 (1%) (Passive) <br> <br>The ability to use the force of the enemy and everything around you as fuel. Does not require direct contact and range cannot be controlled. As the skill increases the power of the drain and its strength increases. <br> <br>Absorb 1 mana per second passively</td></tr><tr><td>Mana Shield Beginner Level 1 (0%) <br> <br>To create a shell to protect the user form all harm big and small. Also known as a borg in some places, magicians of the past often used this in battle to protect themselves from physical and magical attacks. Only one shell can be produced at a time but as the skill levels up the number of shells produced and the strength of each shell will increase. <br> <br>Cost: 100 mana <br>Shield Health per use: 100 <br>Number of Shields can create at one time: 1</td></tr><tr><td>Creation Magic Beginner Level 1(0%) <br> <br>The power that rivals gods themselves. To create matter requires energy. This comes from any source in exchange to bypass the laws set at the beginning of time. Anything can be create as long as there is enough energy or mana to make it. The strength of the object made and the length at which it lasts will increase with the level. <br> <br>Mana used per cubic metre: 1000</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>These seems interesting to play around with but what is this unknown skill? Are there some conditions to unlock it? <br> <br>“So what changed?” asked Warlic concerned about me. <br> <br>“Umm..the masteries of the 8 elements combined into one skill called elemental mastery. I think it just combined into one skkill, then there's these three new skills. Mana absorption, mana shield and creation magic...and there's an unknown skill there.” <br> <br>“I see those are your skill set.” <br> <br>“I'm sorry?” <br> <br>“Each possessor of the thing your habouring each have their own set of skill as a side effect. Mana shield is pretty common but the other two creation magic and especially mana absorption are very rare to have. Naturally they are much more powerful but can come with very servere side-effects from using them too much.” <br> <br>“Yeah I can't control the mana absorption at all and the strength and range increases as the skill levels up. Even now my body is absorping mana from the area....but for some reason the two of you aren't effected. Does it not effect humans then?” <br> <br>“No it does effects humans. Its just that we're &nbsp;a bit different.” <br> <br>“How so?” <br> <br>Now I'm curious... <br> <br>“I have no mana to begin with. To be more precise I gain mana form using spells.” <br> <br>Wow that sounds really overpowered. Having no limit. <br> <br>“Even though I have no limit to the amount of power I can have, there is a limit where I could just explode from the amount of mana I process in my body. Which is also the reason we put those seals on you. To prevent you from exploding into bits....” <br> <br>So you helped me not explode because you have that fear as well.... <br> <br>“I see what about you Crysero?” <br> <br>“Hmm....how do I explain this~” <br> <br>Explain it normally please. <br> <br>“Think about how oil and water doesn't mix~” <br> <br>Huh? I don't get it. I hoped you explain it normally. <br> <br>“He means that he has other 'sources' in and out of his body.” <br> <br>That also doesn't make sense.... <br> <br>“Don't think of it too much. All you need to know is that your mana absorption doesn't effect us.” <br> <br>“Good.” <br> <br>“But everyone else will. That means we have to put another seal on you. Tell me how much mana you have now.” <br> <br>What? Okay I have... <br> <br>“Holy Shit! I have over 5000 mana now!” <br> <br>“Okay then. I put the limit of your mana to 5000.” <br> <br>Eh? <br> <br>“Why?” I asked with a frown. Why couldn't it be higher like 10000 or something. <br> <br>“Haven't you been listening.” Warlic face palmed himself to my objection. <br> <br>“Anyway the limit will increase as your body gets stronger so do some physical activities as well.” <br> <br>Warlic grabbed my hands and looked at them before saying, “Burning Snake Seal!” <br> <br>My hands suddenly became hot. Very hot. Too hot. <br> <br>“Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow .” <br> <br>My hand was burnt black from whatever Warlic did. I looked at my hand and saw that there was a circle with a snake on my hands instead of the weird words. <br> <br>“So what did you do?” <br> <br>“Limit your maximum mana and stopped the mana absorption. Though both effects are temporary. The first one won't come off unless you do something stupid and the second one will be removed when you go into battle unless you want to fight being restricted by the amount of mana you have at a time.” <br> <br>“Okay.....” <br> <br>“Now that your body can probably survive in the real world, we can get you to start the gathering of the mana fragment at last.” <br> <br>“Wait. Can't you do that. You're infintely stronger than me.” <br> <br>“Not infintely. Not anymore I'm not now that you changed. Me and Crysero have to manage the space/time problem. The existance of us and the mana fragments are causing difficulties on this world. We are working to minimise this as much as possible. So that means we're out for the count on collecting them.” <br> <br>“And that leaves...” <br> <br>“Yes you. Humans are foolish greedy creatures. Do you think many would give the chance to become stronger over that easily? No. But you have powers greater than the mana fragments now. You don't need them. So you can collect them and supress their power without being destroyed in the process.” <br> <br>“Is there any way...” <br> <br>“No you can't get out of this. You owe us to much for that. Consider collecting the mana fragments as a way to even out the debt. You can do whatever you want afterwards.” <br> <br>Shit. I can't escape. <br> <br>“So what if I run?” <br> <br>“I'll remove the seal and you'll go boom.” <br> <br>Damnit I can't get out of this one........there goes my boring simple days...even though it kinda ended a while ago. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Continue Misfortune?</td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1281" target="_blank">Previous</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&amp;t=1293" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br> <br>Author's Notes: <br>-Thank moskatero for the text boxes help :) <br>- Short Chapter with 2879 words <br>- ALL HAIL GOOGLE TRANSLATE!!! <br>- MC is not overpowered. He is underpowered for what I'm going to put him through. </div>

Part 1 – Lost Conciousness From my body cracks started to appear as well. At this rate am I going to end up like the bracelet. All broken and stuff. I don't want to end up like that. This game is so realistic that falling apart like that would be similar to torture. ################################################################################ Something is entering my head! Damnit it hurts beyond hell. It makes the training from the church seem painless.....what training?.....what was I doing?.......who am I?............... Part 2 – Sealing Its finally time for the part of the training before Eden has all of the tools he needs to collect those mana fragments. Lets see he definitely needs some more advance techniques to manipulate the elements but what about giving him some healing abilities as well since he is pretty weak. If that's the case then might as well give him some defence spells as well. Then what about curses that weaken the enemy. Or I can force all of this into his brain. Yes that's what I'm going to do. BBBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM What was that? I detect a distortion in time and space. What the hell did Crysero do this time. Wait, the origin of this distortion is where Eden should be....crap. I ran quickly in the room where Eden was suppose to be and found him....in the centre of all of this destruction with Crysero grinning like an idiot on the side. “CRYSERO. What did you do this TIME!!” Everything that's bad happens one way or other due to him. “Oh I place 'that' into Eden. I thought it might help him overcome his weak nature.~” No. What the hell did you do now? “Wait 'that'? You mean that book with that thing in it!” “Yes~” As I was arguing with Crysero the distortions became bigger and bigger. A number of things were being drawn in and destroyed. My good furniture....   “Damnit help me seal him NOW!” I shouted commanding Crysero to help me fix his mistakes. “Yes Yes~” Judging you the power he has now it'll need the highest level of sealing possible...no that's still not enough...have to use two or three of them on his body. “Crysero! Hold the surge of power now!” Countless magic circles designed to keep the flow of mana stable surrounded Eden's body which was already almost completely consumed by the being called [llyfr]. A very dangerous and powerful existence that rivals a God. Although separating them is impossible now I can still make it so [llyfr] can't control his body. [llyfr] was sealed in a book by several forces to get rid of it since it can't be removed from existence.   This feeling....Crysero's spells are working. The amount of mana pouring out is decreasing. At this rate we can contain it without resorting to purging Eden's body. After what seemed to be eternity I heard something weird.   THUMP THUMP THUMP The sound of heartbeats? What? My mana...its being drained. But where.....it can't be?! [llyfr] is sucking our mana from our body. This never happened before?! “Crysero!” Now is the time for the sealing. We can't let it gain more mana from us. “Yeah~” “Let the chains of God Bind you!” “Wrapped around your soul~” “Dancing in the moonlit day!” “Weeping in the sunless night~” “Bring forth the despair known as hope!” “For all eternity~” “Heavenly 12 element Seal!!!!!!” “Heavenly 13 element Seal!!!!~” Wait what? 13 not 12? “Crysero what did you do.......” “Hmm? Added the bacon element in~” “No.” “Yes~” “The sealing won't be balanced then.” Who on Earth would want to use the bacon element anyway.... “It'll be interesting to see~” “No we have to redo the seal again now.” “Awwwwwwwwwwwwww~” “Lets start again.” After some time we managed to redo the seal after the......I don't to think of it. Twelve balls of representing each element appeared around Eden's body. From each of them a chain came out made of a different element each and covered his body in it. In one swoop action it tightened and bounded itself to Eden's soul. I can feel it. The mana coming form Eden's body is being suppressed. But its still not enough. The highest ranked sealing spell that we have access to isn't enough. “Crysero the second one!” “Right-o~ Bacon element Seal!” Not again..... “CRYSERO” “What?~” “Why are you using the bacon element you created as a seal?!” “Because its fun~” This man infuriates me to no end. “Unseal!” The damn bacon seal that Crysero placed on Eden came undone. And once more the power he now held went loose. Preparing a proper seal I said, “Five element Seal!” Five symbols representing the 5 core elements of the world appeared. They merged together and sucked the excess power from Eden's body. The symbol then implanted itself on Eden's chest. “That was close.” I said looking at the unconscious Eden. “True~” said Crysero still making a smirk at the situation. I went up to Crysero and started to pull his cheeks. “This is again your fault you know!” “It hurts It hurts. Please stop.” Crysero tried to plea with me but I'm not going to fall for it. Even of you felt some remorse you'll do something even more dangerous next time. Time? Yes what time is it now. Hmm...its been a couple of hours since the incident first started. As expected from a being that once drove the world mad with its chaos. Well the only thing left to do is observe the current situation and wait for Eden to awaken. “Crysero do you know any processors of [llyfr] having the power to absorb mana?” “None of the previous processors had that power but [llyfr] originally had that power.~” Part 3 – New Power I woke up to the cold hard stone floor again. This is really becoming annoying. Not because its a running gag now but it seriously annoying that I wake up at random places now every time I faint due to one thing or the other. I looked around the room and found that it was trashed? What the hell happened here? Anyway I should find Warlic or Crysero. Preferably the former. Wait why am I shirtless? And what's with this weird symbol on my chest? Its some sort of marking....is that a word ? Maybe maybe not. Who cares right now. I tried to leap off the ground gently as usual to get up. BANG My head hit the ceiling. | You have lost 50 mana | | --- | Damn I took damage to my health? Why does it say mana? I dropped to the ground again this time on my butt. It didn't hurt as much as I expected.....what was going on?! Wait! Why were there weird markings on my arms now? It looked like I tattooed myself. I noticed that the markings on each arm was the same except when it reached my hands. They also had some characters or a word on them which I had no understanding of. It kinda looked like some Latin but I have no intentions to search the meaning of it up at all. I got up again this time making sure that I don't jump into the ceiling again. Now where did those two go. “We're behind you.” “Yep~” “FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKK” “Stop being all surprised. You should be used to this.” commented Warlic showing no concern that normal people don't deal with this. “True now that you have that I expected more~” What is that? You mean the book you placed in me? By the way can you explain everything from the start so I can understand. “It seems like your confused. Weird I expected the possessor of the Tyrant [llyfr] would know the current situation like all the past ones.” Tyrant? IIyfr? “Maybe its because we sealed it~” “True. How are you feeling. From your current state which had your head implanted into my ceiling and still running about, fine I guess.” So why did you ask in the first place? “Also you should check the differences in your body now. Your not exactly human any more, despite have the form of one.” Not human? I guess that explains the weird markings and such. “Status Window” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Eden | Type | Chaotic | | Race | Anhrefn | Title | Darllenydd o'r holl | | Level | 25 | Class | Awdur Dim | | Fame | 170 | Infamy | 0 | | Health | N/A | Mana | 3370 | | Strength | 71+50 | Agility | 111+50 | | Intelligence | 89+100 | Wisdom | 42+100 | | Concentration | 83+100 | Endurance | 32+50 | | Sustenance | 78+50 | Fighting Spirit | 41+50 | | Vitality | 52+50 | Stamina | 51+50 | | Offence | 80 | Defense | 97 | | Magic Resistance | 15% | | | | Bonus | +10 magic resistance +50 to all physical related stats +100 to all magic related stats Mana will replace Health Skills will require half the experience to level up | | | The hell is this? When did I get a title? And what's with these stats added on as well. “Hey Warlic, what does Anhrefn, Awdur Dim and Darllenydd o'r holl mean?” Warlic took a moment and said, “Chaos, Writer of none and Reader of all in that order. Its in Welsh....” “So my race is now chaos?” “Well the first one can be translated as Disorder as well and the last one can be translated as no author thanks to Google translate.” You used google translate? “Is there a difference between it and humans?” I asked a bit concern that something may have disappeared. “Yes.” Oh great something must have disapppeared. “What these differences?” “First they are much more brutal with the strength to back it. All of them poccess massive amounts of knowledge and wisdom. And all of them were slain or sealed in the past.” So...nothing disappeared? “So...why are my physical and magical stats amplified?” “Probably due to your new race, class and title now.” That makes sense. “Hmm...did anything else changed? Skill Window!” | Skill Window | | --- | | Magic Mastery Beginner Level 6 (39%) Increase casting speed by 18% Increase magic strength by 60% | | --- | | Magic Control Beginner Level 3(12%) (Passive) Increase success rate of all spells hitting the target | | --- | | Sword Mastery Beginner Level 3 (54%) Increase sword speed by 9% Increase sword attack by 30% | | --- | | Elemental Mastery Beginner Level 5 (3%) Increases Elemental damage by 50% Increase Elemental resistance by 5% | | --- | | Mediation Beginner Level 1 (0%) Regain 50 mana per minute. | | --- | | Mana Absorption Beginner Level 1 (1%) (Passive) Absorb 1 mana per second passively Range: 10 metres | | --- | | Mana Shield Beginner Level 1 (0%) Shield Health per use: 100 | | --- | | Creation Magic Beginner Level 1(0%) Mana used per square metre: 1000 | | --- | Wait some of this changed and a couple of things were added as well. “Bring Information on Mana Absorption, Mana Shield and Creation Magic” | Skill Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Mana Absorption Beginner Level 1 (1%) (Passive) The ability to use the force of the enemy and everything around you as fuel. Does not require direct contact and range cannot be controlled. As the skill increases the power of the drain and its strength increases. Absorb 1 mana per second passively | | Mana Shield Beginner Level 1 (0%) To create a shell to protect the user form all harm big and small. Also known as a borg in some places, magicians of the past often used this in battle to protect themselves from physical and magical attacks. Only one shell can be produced at a time but as the skill levels up the number of shells produced and the strength of each shell will increase. Cost: 100 mana Shield Health per use: 100 Number of Shields can create at one time: 1 | | Creation Magic Beginner Level 1(0%) The power that rivals gods themselves. To create matter requires energy. This comes from any source in exchange to bypass the laws set at the beginning of time. Anything can be create as long as there is enough energy or mana to make it. The strength of the object made and the length at which it lasts will increase with the level. Mana used per cubic metre: 1000 | These seems interesting to play around with but what is this unknown skill? Are there some conditions to unlock it? “So what changed?” asked Warlic concerned about me. “Umm..the masteries of the 8 elements combined into one skill called elemental mastery. I think it just combined into one skkill, then there's these three new skills. Mana absorption, mana shield and creation magic...and there's an unknown skill there.” “I see those are your skill set.” “I'm sorry?” “Each possessor of the thing your habouring each have their own set of skill as a side effect. Mana shield is pretty common but the other two creation magic and especially mana absorption are very rare to have. Naturally they are much more powerful but can come with very servere side-effects from using them too much.” “Yeah I can't control the mana absorption at all and the strength and range increases as the skill levels up. Even now my body is absorping mana from the area....but for some reason the two of you aren't effected. Does it not effect humans then?” “No it does effects humans. Its just that we're  a bit different.” “How so?” Now I'm curious... “I have no mana to begin with. To be more precise I gain mana form using spells.” Wow that sounds really overpowered. Having no limit. “Even though I have no limit to the amount of power I can have, there is a limit where I could just explode from the amount of mana I process in my body. Which is also the reason we put those seals on you. To prevent you from exploding into bits....” So you helped me not explode because you have that fear as well.... “I see what about you Crysero?” “Hmm....how do I explain this~” Explain it normally please. “Think about how oil and water doesn't mix~” Huh? I don't get it. I hoped you explain it normally. “He means that he has other 'sources' in and out of his body.” That also doesn't make sense.... “Don't think of it too much. All you need to know is that your mana absorption doesn't effect us.” “Good.” “But everyone else will. That means we have to put another seal on you. Tell me how much mana you have now.” What? Okay I have... “Holy Shit! I have over 5000 mana now!” “Okay then. I put the limit of your mana to 5000.” Eh? “Why?” I asked with a frown. Why couldn't it be higher like 10000 or something. “Haven't you been listening.” Warlic face palmed himself to my objection. “Anyway the limit will increase as your body gets stronger so do some physical activities as well.” Warlic grabbed my hands and looked at them before saying, “Burning Snake Seal!” My hands suddenly became hot. Very hot. Too hot. “Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow .” My hand was burnt black from whatever Warlic did. I looked at my hand and saw that there was a circle with a snake on my hands instead of the weird words. “So what did you do?” “Limit your maximum mana and stopped the mana absorption. Though both effects are temporary. The first one won't come off unless you do something stupid and the second one will be removed when you go into battle unless you want to fight being restricted by the amount of mana you have at a time.” “Okay.....” “Now that your body can probably survive in the real world, we can get you to start the gathering of the mana fragment at last.” “Wait. Can't you do that. You're infintely stronger than me.” “Not infintely. Not anymore I'm not now that you changed. Me and Crysero have to manage the space/time problem. The existance of us and the mana fragments are causing difficulties on this world. We are working to minimise this as much as possible. So that means we're out for the count on collecting them.” “And that leaves...” “Yes you. Humans are foolish greedy creatures. Do you think many would give the chance to become stronger over that easily? No. But you have powers greater than the mana fragments now. You don't need them. So you can collect them and supress their power without being destroyed in the process.” “Is there any way...” “No you can't get out of this. You owe us to much for that. Consider collecting the mana fragments as a way to even out the debt. You can do whatever you want afterwards.” Shit. I can't escape. “So what if I run?” “I'll remove the seal and you'll go boom.” Damnit I can't get out of this one........there goes my boring simple days...even though it kinda ended a while ago. | Continue Misfortune? | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1281) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=161) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=1293) | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's Notes: -Thank moskatero for the text boxes help :) - Short Chapter with 2879 words - ALL HAIL GOOGLE TRANSLATE!!! - MC is not overpowered. He is underpowered for what I'm going to put him through.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Aaron quickly jumped over the wall after Laee and Kris while using shadow step to safely get to the ground and strike one of the undead. Kris had activated Holy Hammer and struck a group of undead causing an explosion of force as the hammer made it to the ground. Laee was firing fireballs at all the undead around them.<br><br>As Aaron was finishing off a second undead he started to be swarmed by undead. He quickly activated whirlwind destroying a number of them while sending the rest flying into the air. Charging to the next undead he continued to hack through them.<br><br>Kris was using her holy magic to destroy and weaken the undead around her while making her way to Crazed. As she used holy hammer again to clear another group of undead she came face to face with crazed. He was now wearing a black and gold armor while holding his sword out in one hand pointing at her while the other hand still held onto the unconscious mage.<br><br>Kris, “You are going to pay for laying your hands on her!”<br><br>Crazed, “ha what can you do she’s already mine.”<br><br>Kris pulled a holy wand out of her sleeve and pointed it at him.<br><br>Crazed laughed, “what do you plan to do with that stick poke me with it.”<br><br>Kris snarled in anger while casting holy light. The spell created a beam of light that grew as it went strait at Crazed. Crazed just laughed while pointing his sword strait up with the flat of his blade toward her. As the spell was about to strike crazed a black mist formed around the blade and began to form a shield in front of him. As the spell made contact with the mist it was absorbed.<br><br>Kris, “how?! That’s not possible.”<br><br>Crazed, “Oh have you already forgotten about the seven blades fallen.”<br><br>Kris stepped back in shock, “that’s impossible they where lost a millennia ago.”<br><br>Crazed laughed once again pointing his blade at her.<br><br>“Not any more a few have recently been discovered by certain gods. This one was given to me by the great lord.”<br><br>Kris, “I’m not afraid of your sword.”<br><br>Crazed laughed before splitting into two copies.<br><br>Laee was continuing to fire one spell after another into the undead as she neared one of the groups of soldiers that where still fighting. She quickly shot a fireball at the group of undead that was between them. As the smoke cleared Laee moved into the group of soldiers.<br><br>Laee, “are you alright.”<br><br>Soldier, “who are you?!”<br><br>Laee, “one of the chosen defending this city.”<br><br>Soldier, “sorry chosen but we won’t make it at this rate.”<br><br>Laee, “I need you to gather the other groups of soldiers while the other chosen and I are fighting the undead.”<br><br>Soldier, “we’ll do as you say.”<br><br>Laee said, “quickly now!” as she turned to head back to Kris and Aaron.<br><br>Aaron was still hacking his way through the undead but could not see the other’s through the undead surrounding him. He used whirlwind again while trying to look for the other two. Taking another step forward he hacked off an undead's head. As it disintegrated he spotted Kris and began to make his way to her. <br><br>He used twin blade on two of the undead in front of him making them disintegrate as they fell to the ground. He looked back at Kris as he spotted two Crazed’s charging at her with the mage on the ground behind them. Aaron quickly shoved an undead out of his way as he ran towards them. <br><br>Kris was casting as many of the holy spells as she could at the two charging Crazed’s but they where blocking or dodging them. As they where about to strike her Aaron materialized in front of her blocking the two Crazed’s attacks. He managed to hold one of their swords but the other one shattered allowing the sword to pierce into his side. He yelled out while kicking the crazed back.<br><br>Crazed, “oh my dear toy why did you have to ruin my fun.”<br><br>Aaron, “you sure are a twisted man.”<br><br>Aaron touched his side to cover the wound.<br><br>[Aaron, “man I hate that this armor does not cover my stomach while in this form.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Aaron are you ok?!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “just fine, what do you think.”]<br><br>[Enea, “I am worried about you Aaron.”]<br><br>[Laee, “What happened!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “nothing don’t worry.”]<br><br>[Kris, “Aaron took a blade that was meant for me.”]<br><br>[Laee, “what! How could you let him do that?!”]<br><br>[Kris, “I’m sorry.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “don’t worry I’m fine.”]<br><br>Aaron began to feel a burning sensation but blocked it out.<br><br>[Kris, “no you’re not that is one of the seven blades.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Seven blades?”]<br><br>[Enea, “Kris quickly heal him.”]<br><br>[Kris, “I’ll try.”]<br><br>Crazed, “Ha twisted! No I’m not twisted I just fallow my instincts and desires.” <br><br>Kris quickly put her hands on Aarons wound and began to use her healing spells on him.<br><br>Aaron, “so you do what ever you want while causing others to suffer?!”<br><br>Crazed laughed, “that’s what makes it so fun.”<br><br>Aaron, “you are a monster.”<br><br>Crazed, “Oh my little toy that will be the last time you call me that. Soon you will be calling me master.”<br><br>Aaron, “over my dead body!”<br><br>Aaron quickly got out another sword and readied his blades as Kris stepped back with his side healed but still burning.<br><br>Crazed, “Toy don’t be that way, soon you will be smiling at my every word.”<br><br>Aaron lunged forward striking at the Crazed’s. They blocked the attack with ease nocking his blades aside. They quickly began their attack pushing Aaron back a few steps while blocking their swings.<br><br>He quickly used activated fire blades and began to try and get past Crazed’s guard. As the two Crazed’s swung at his arms he used shadow step to get behind them and struck at their backs. The attacks only bounced off their armor as they quickly turned to face him.<br><br>Crazed, “oh that tickles.” <br><br>[Aaron, “how am I going to defeat him!?”]<br><br>[Enea, “keep at it and look for openings.”]<br><br>[Kris, “I’ll cast a few holy spells at him.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Please don’t overboard we still need your healing.”]<br><br>[Laee, “It’s going to take a while to reach you. There is a large amount of undead between us.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “do what you can.”]<br><br>[Enea, “Laee using fire storm should help lower their numbers.”]<br><br>[Laee, “I’m working on it but there are a few demons mixed in with the undead.”]<br><br>Aaron activated twin blades having all but one attack blocked. The one that made it through left a long gash on his arm. The gash appeared on both Crazed’s arm in the same place but was quickly healed as a black mist came out of the wound. <br><br>[Aaron, “is this guy immortal!”]<br><br>[Enea, “No but he can rival the lower class goddess in power.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “But how is that possible.”]<br><br>[Kris, “He is absorbing the energy of those he kills and when he needs to the undead around him. He can also draw energy out of slave or people that have his mark on them if they are near by.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Is that what he means when people are his belongings.”]<br>[Enea, “Most likely that is part of it.”]<br><br>[Kris, “Oh no Rachael!”]<br><br>Aaron was blocking another of Crazed’s attacks before launching his own.<br><br>[Aaron, “what is it, crap that was a close one.”]<br><br>Kris was holding on to the mage that was left on the ground. A portion of her ropes choler had been ripped away showing a black snake emblem.<br> <br>[Kris, “he’s put his mark on her!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Would getting her away from Crazed work?”]<br><br>[Enea, “it should, watch out Aaron!”]<br><br>Aaron had to roll to the side to get away from another of Crazed’s attacks.<br><br>[Aaron, “Kris get her out of here but don’t take to long.”]<br><br>[Laee, “it’s to dangerous with out her helping you!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “Crazed’s got the advantage by draining the mage’s energy and don’t get me started on the number of undead.”]<br><br>[Kris, “I’ll be back as fast as I can.”]<br><br>Kris lifted up Rachel and flew back up to the cities walls.<br><br>Crazed, “where do you think you are taking my prize!”<br><br>Crazed was about to attack Kris as she passed but Aaron quickly used twin blades on the two Crazed’s before they could do anything. They blocked the attack before moving to the sides of him.<br><br>Crazed, “no more playing around.”<br><br>Both Crazed’s activated their own versions of twin blades nicking Aarons sides as he tried to block the attacks. He jumped back to try and get some distance between himself and the two Crazed’s but they both lunged forward bringing down their swords at him.<br><br>Aaron blocked with both his swords crossed in front of him. As the Crazed’s attacks struck he was thrown back with his swords cracking from the force of the swords. He landed on his back while having his breath taken from the impact. <br><br>Crazed, “looks like your swords are can’t be used anymore.”<br><br>Aaron quickly threw them to the side and brought out the Katana that he got from the demon and his demonic sword he’s been working on.<br><br>Crazed, “what do you think you are going to do with that junk? You should just give up my little toy.”<br><br>Aaron, “never!”<br><br>As Aaron readied his swords his demonic aura began to swirl around demonic sword. The sword began to change having its years of wear and tear disappear revealing a dark black blade with white runes running down it.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Creator’s second demonic blade has been restored!</span><br>Creator’s Demonic Sword:<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Attack|</span> 50-75 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Durability|</span> 38/50<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">This sword was one of seven blades forged by this worlds creator and was given to the first seven god’s of the realm. The swords have been lost for many millennia only appearing during major world conflicts.</span><br><br>[Enea, “One of the seven… we can take Crazed now!”]<br><br>[Laee, “Hay Aaron are you glad I wanted to look through the merchants good’s now.”]<br><br>[Aaron, “You where only looking for mead. Well thank you Drunken Laee for this mighty sword.”]<br><br>[Laee, You are welcome… wait you called me a drunkard!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “no I didn’t.”]<br><br>[Enea, “there is no time for this we still need to stop Crazed.”]<br><br>[Kris, “I’m on my way back down.”]<br><br>Crazed stopped laughing as he stared at the sword.<br><br>Aaron, “What do you think of this junk now!”<br><br>Crazed, “Oh what a wonderful surprise my little toy but I will be making you and that sword mine!”<br><br>Crazed charged forward as Aaron activated fire blade. The flames on the demonic sword where pure black and seemed to be absorbing light from its surroundings. Their blades struck each other sending sparks into the air.<br><br>Aaron quickly used shadow step to get behind one of the Crazed’s while also activating twin blades. His blade stuck the armor but did not break through. Crazed turned slashing at Aaron but was blocked with the katana. Aaron swung his demonic sword at Crazed’s face but only grazed his nose as he jumped back. The blood from the wound began to run down his face.<br><br>Both Crazed’s lifted a hand to their nose touching the wound that was not healing. The mist was there but the blood just kept poring.<br>Crazed just laughed as his hand began to glow and a scare appeared where the wound was.<br><br>Crazed, “now this is interesting.”<br><br>Crazed was raising his sword again as a magic circle appeared next to him floating in the air. Walking out out of the circle was a demon in a armor that was similar to a samurais but had a western style to it. Its horns where massive pointing out of his head like a bulls.<br><br>Demon, “Crazed the great lord has called for you!”<br><br>Crazed, “what horrible timing Mot!”<br><br>Mot, “we serve the great lord and when he calls we answer.”<br><br>Crazed two copies combined back into one while sliding his sword back into its sheaf.<br><br>Crazed, “well it looks like I have to go my little toy but I will be back for you.”<br><br>Aaron, “your not getting away again crazed!”<br><br>Crazed and Mot stepped into the demons circle and vanished as Aaron ran towards them. Aaron began to look around at the battle going on around him. The soldiers had finally regrouped and where taking out a nice chunk of the undead out. Laee was a short distance away working her way towards him through the undead.<br><br>Kris, “Aaron!”<br><br>He turned to have Kris crash into him making him fall to the ground. She kissed him then started to pound at his chest.<br><br>Aaron, “what is that for?!”<br><br>Kris, “you moron, I’m happy that you allowed me to take my friend back but you where stupid facing him alone.”<br><br>Aaron laughed for a moment, “This is not a good time for this.”<br><br>Kris, “Oh really! well I’m just going to have to get your head strait later.”<br><br>[Enea, “Kris get off of my Aaron!”]<br><br>[Kris, “He’s not yours anymore he is mine.”]<br><br>[Laee, “Laee no he’s mine!”]<br><br>[Aaron, “can you guys not start this right now?!”]<br><br>[Enea, Laee and Kris, “No!”]<br><br>Laee was finally next to them and grabbed Kris.<br><br>Laee, “I had him first!”<br><br>Kris, “you have no claim on him.”<br><br>Laee, “oh really, I slept with him.”<br><br>Kris slapped Laee; “I bet you forced yourself on him.”<br><br>Aaron, “nothing happened, and can you guys stop its not the time for this.”<br><br>Laee and Kris “shut up!”<br><br>A near by undead was about to swing its sword at Laee but it was punched in the face by her. It fell back disintegrating and leaving loot.<br><br>Laee, “He belongs to the one that kills the most undead.”<br><br>Kris, “deal.”<br><br>They began to massacre the undead. Laee ran around throwing fireballs everywhere while Kris ran around with her holy hammer crushing them. Aaron just stared at the two of them mopping up the undead like it was nothing.<br><br>[Aaron, “Oh great are they going to keep doing this.”]<br><br>[Enea, “most likely.”]<br><br>Aaron sighed before he began gathering the piles of loot. </div>

Aaron quickly jumped over the wall after Laee and Kris while using shadow step to safely get to the ground and strike one of the undead. Kris had activated Holy Hammer and struck a group of undead causing an explosion of force as the hammer made it to the ground. Laee was firing fireballs at all the undead around them. As Aaron was finishing off a second undead he started to be swarmed by undead. He quickly activated whirlwind destroying a number of them while sending the rest flying into the air. Charging to the next undead he continued to hack through them. Kris was using her holy magic to destroy and weaken the undead around her while making her way to Crazed. As she used holy hammer again to clear another group of undead she came face to face with crazed. He was now wearing a black and gold armor while holding his sword out in one hand pointing at her while the other hand still held onto the unconscious mage. Kris, “You are going to pay for laying your hands on her!” Crazed, “ha what can you do she’s already mine.” Kris pulled a holy wand out of her sleeve and pointed it at him. Crazed laughed, “what do you plan to do with that stick poke me with it.” Kris snarled in anger while casting holy light. The spell created a beam of light that grew as it went strait at Crazed. Crazed just laughed while pointing his sword strait up with the flat of his blade toward her. As the spell was about to strike crazed a black mist formed around the blade and began to form a shield in front of him. As the spell made contact with the mist it was absorbed. Kris, “how?! That’s not possible.” Crazed, “Oh have you already forgotten about the seven blades fallen.” Kris stepped back in shock, “that’s impossible they where lost a millennia ago.” Crazed laughed once again pointing his blade at her. “Not any more a few have recently been discovered by certain gods. This one was given to me by the great lord.” Kris, “I’m not afraid of your sword.” Crazed laughed before splitting into two copies. Laee was continuing to fire one spell after another into the undead as she neared one of the groups of soldiers that where still fighting. She quickly shot a fireball at the group of undead that was between them. As the smoke cleared Laee moved into the group of soldiers. Laee, “are you alright.” Soldier, “who are you?!” Laee, “one of the chosen defending this city.” Soldier, “sorry chosen but we won’t make it at this rate.” Laee, “I need you to gather the other groups of soldiers while the other chosen and I are fighting the undead.” Soldier, “we’ll do as you say.” Laee said, “quickly now!” as she turned to head back to Kris and Aaron. Aaron was still hacking his way through the undead but could not see the other’s through the undead surrounding him. He used whirlwind again while trying to look for the other two. Taking another step forward he hacked off an undead's head. As it disintegrated he spotted Kris and began to make his way to her. He used twin blade on two of the undead in front of him making them disintegrate as they fell to the ground. He looked back at Kris as he spotted two Crazed’s charging at her with the mage on the ground behind them. Aaron quickly shoved an undead out of his way as he ran towards them. Kris was casting as many of the holy spells as she could at the two charging Crazed’s but they where blocking or dodging them. As they where about to strike her Aaron materialized in front of her blocking the two Crazed’s attacks. He managed to hold one of their swords but the other one shattered allowing the sword to pierce into his side. He yelled out while kicking the crazed back. Crazed, “oh my dear toy why did you have to ruin my fun.” Aaron, “you sure are a twisted man.” Aaron touched his side to cover the wound. [Aaron, “man I hate that this armor does not cover my stomach while in this form.”] [Enea, “Aaron are you ok?!”] [Aaron, “just fine, what do you think.”] [Enea, “I am worried about you Aaron.”] [Laee, “What happened!”] [Aaron, “nothing don’t worry.”] [Kris, “Aaron took a blade that was meant for me.”] [Laee, “what! How could you let him do that?!”] [Kris, “I’m sorry.”] [Aaron, “don’t worry I’m fine.”] Aaron began to feel a burning sensation but blocked it out. [Kris, “no you’re not that is one of the seven blades.”] [Aaron, “Seven blades?”] [Enea, “Kris quickly heal him.”] [Kris, “I’ll try.”] Crazed, “Ha twisted! No I’m not twisted I just fallow my instincts and desires.” Kris quickly put her hands on Aarons wound and began to use her healing spells on him. Aaron, “so you do what ever you want while causing others to suffer?!” Crazed laughed, “that’s what makes it so fun.” Aaron, “you are a monster.” Crazed, “Oh my little toy that will be the last time you call me that. Soon you will be calling me master.” Aaron, “over my dead body!” Aaron quickly got out another sword and readied his blades as Kris stepped back with his side healed but still burning. Crazed, “Toy don’t be that way, soon you will be smiling at my every word.” Aaron lunged forward striking at the Crazed’s. They blocked the attack with ease nocking his blades aside. They quickly began their attack pushing Aaron back a few steps while blocking their swings. He quickly used activated fire blades and began to try and get past Crazed’s guard. As the two Crazed’s swung at his arms he used shadow step to get behind them and struck at their backs. The attacks only bounced off their armor as they quickly turned to face him. Crazed, “oh that tickles.” [Aaron, “how am I going to defeat him!?”] [Enea, “keep at it and look for openings.”] [Kris, “I’ll cast a few holy spells at him.”] [Aaron, “Please don’t overboard we still need your healing.”] [Laee, “It’s going to take a while to reach you. There is a large amount of undead between us.”] [Aaron, “do what you can.”] [Enea, “Laee using fire storm should help lower their numbers.”] [Laee, “I’m working on it but there are a few demons mixed in with the undead.”] Aaron activated twin blades having all but one attack blocked. The one that made it through left a long gash on his arm. The gash appeared on both Crazed’s arm in the same place but was quickly healed as a black mist came out of the wound. [Aaron, “is this guy immortal!”] [Enea, “No but he can rival the lower class goddess in power.”] [Aaron, “But how is that possible.”] [Kris, “He is absorbing the energy of those he kills and when he needs to the undead around him. He can also draw energy out of slave or people that have his mark on them if they are near by.”] [Aaron, “Is that what he means when people are his belongings.”] [Enea, “Most likely that is part of it.”] [Kris, “Oh no Rachael!”] Aaron was blocking another of Crazed’s attacks before launching his own. [Aaron, “what is it, crap that was a close one.”] Kris was holding on to the mage that was left on the ground. A portion of her ropes choler had been ripped away showing a black snake emblem. [Kris, “he’s put his mark on her!”] [Aaron, “Would getting her away from Crazed work?”] [Enea, “it should, watch out Aaron!”] Aaron had to roll to the side to get away from another of Crazed’s attacks. [Aaron, “Kris get her out of here but don’t take to long.”] [Laee, “it’s to dangerous with out her helping you!”] [Aaron, “Crazed’s got the advantage by draining the mage’s energy and don’t get me started on the number of undead.”] [Kris, “I’ll be back as fast as I can.”] Kris lifted up Rachel and flew back up to the cities walls. Crazed, “where do you think you are taking my prize!” Crazed was about to attack Kris as she passed but Aaron quickly used twin blades on the two Crazed’s before they could do anything. They blocked the attack before moving to the sides of him. Crazed, “no more playing around.” Both Crazed’s activated their own versions of twin blades nicking Aarons sides as he tried to block the attacks. He jumped back to try and get some distance between himself and the two Crazed’s but they both lunged forward bringing down their swords at him. Aaron blocked with both his swords crossed in front of him. As the Crazed’s attacks struck he was thrown back with his swords cracking from the force of the swords. He landed on his back while having his breath taken from the impact. Crazed, “looks like your swords are can’t be used anymore.” Aaron quickly threw them to the side and brought out the Katana that he got from the demon and his demonic sword he’s been working on. Crazed, “what do you think you are going to do with that junk? You should just give up my little toy.” Aaron, “never!” As Aaron readied his swords his demonic aura began to swirl around demonic sword. The sword began to change having its years of wear and tear disappear revealing a dark black blade with white runes running down it. Creator’s second demonic blade has been restored! Creator’s Demonic Sword: Attack| 50-75 Durability| 38/50 This sword was one of seven blades forged by this worlds creator and was given to the first seven god’s of the realm. The swords have been lost for many millennia only appearing during major world conflicts. [Enea, “One of the seven… we can take Crazed now!”] [Laee, “Hay Aaron are you glad I wanted to look through the merchants good’s now.”] [Aaron, “You where only looking for mead. Well thank you Drunken Laee for this mighty sword.”] [Laee, You are welcome… wait you called me a drunkard!”] [Aaron, “no I didn’t.”] [Enea, “there is no time for this we still need to stop Crazed.”] [Kris, “I’m on my way back down.”] Crazed stopped laughing as he stared at the sword. Aaron, “What do you think of this junk now!” Crazed, “Oh what a wonderful surprise my little toy but I will be making you and that sword mine!” Crazed charged forward as Aaron activated fire blade. The flames on the demonic sword where pure black and seemed to be absorbing light from its surroundings. Their blades struck each other sending sparks into the air. Aaron quickly used shadow step to get behind one of the Crazed’s while also activating twin blades. His blade stuck the armor but did not break through. Crazed turned slashing at Aaron but was blocked with the katana. Aaron swung his demonic sword at Crazed’s face but only grazed his nose as he jumped back. The blood from the wound began to run down his face. Both Crazed’s lifted a hand to their nose touching the wound that was not healing. The mist was there but the blood just kept poring. Crazed just laughed as his hand began to glow and a scare appeared where the wound was. Crazed, “now this is interesting.” Crazed was raising his sword again as a magic circle appeared next to him floating in the air. Walking out out of the circle was a demon in a armor that was similar to a samurais but had a western style to it. Its horns where massive pointing out of his head like a bulls. Demon, “Crazed the great lord has called for you!” Crazed, “what horrible timing Mot!” Mot, “we serve the great lord and when he calls we answer.” Crazed two copies combined back into one while sliding his sword back into its sheaf. Crazed, “well it looks like I have to go my little toy but I will be back for you.” Aaron, “your not getting away again crazed!” Crazed and Mot stepped into the demons circle and vanished as Aaron ran towards them. Aaron began to look around at the battle going on around him. The soldiers had finally regrouped and where taking out a nice chunk of the undead out. Laee was a short distance away working her way towards him through the undead. Kris, “Aaron!” He turned to have Kris crash into him making him fall to the ground. She kissed him then started to pound at his chest. Aaron, “what is that for?!” Kris, “you moron, I’m happy that you allowed me to take my friend back but you where stupid facing him alone.” Aaron laughed for a moment, “This is not a good time for this.” Kris, “Oh really! well I’m just going to have to get your head strait later.” [Enea, “Kris get off of my Aaron!”] [Kris, “He’s not yours anymore he is mine.”] [Laee, “Laee no he’s mine!”] [Aaron, “can you guys not start this right now?!”] [Enea, Laee and Kris, “No!”] Laee was finally next to them and grabbed Kris. Laee, “I had him first!” Kris, “you have no claim on him.” Laee, “oh really, I slept with him.” Kris slapped Laee; “I bet you forced yourself on him.” Aaron, “nothing happened, and can you guys stop its not the time for this.” Laee and Kris “shut up!” A near by undead was about to swing its sword at Laee but it was punched in the face by her. It fell back disintegrating and leaving loot. Laee, “He belongs to the one that kills the most undead.” Kris, “deal.” They began to massacre the undead. Laee ran around throwing fireballs everywhere while Kris ran around with her holy hammer crushing them. Aaron just stared at the two of them mopping up the undead like it was nothing. [Aaron, “Oh great are they going to keep doing this.”] [Enea, “most likely.”] Aaron sighed before he began gathering the piles of loot.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Done with PR. Answer my questions, please. And please tell Bowac he can PR check now, if he’s free. <br><br><br><br>“Play with me!”<br><br><br>“Your level is too low, and we are far away from your kingdom!”<br><br><br>“Come find me… I don’t want to play alone...”<br><br><br>“No! Go and look for people to play with you!”<br><br><br>“...”<br><br><br>Kayle left the dining table grumpily as his sisters refused to play with him. He wanted to play with his sisters very much. However, they seemed to avoid him as much as possible in-game. Sitting on the capsule, he figured out that his sister would not play with him now, so it was useless to bug them.<br><br><br>The ringtone of Estee's phone could be heard. Kayle stuck his ears to the wall, trying to eavesdrop on his sister's conversation.<br><br><br>"Yes Sara, what can I do for you?”<br><br><br>"Oh, 4 weeks have passed in-game? Great, where are you all?"<br><br><br>"You are all in Rosenheim Kingdom? Hmmm... I don't really want to go there, as there’s a chance of bumping into my brother..."<br><br><br>"Ah, nevermind, I will go there with Ester. Wait for me."<br><br><br>Hearing the conversation, tears of sorrow and jealousy flowed down his cheeks. He now knew that his sisters would prefer playing with their classmates than the little child called Kayle.<br><br><br>Kayle closed his capsule and connected to Royal Road.<br><br><br>He appeared in front of King George’s grave, with a large yellow egg fastened on his pink pouch. He removed the egg and hugged it tightly as he walked back to the town.<br><br><br>"Saviour Kayle!" The spirits cried out loud and rushed to him. Ever since the initial quest, his fame had risen quickly and the spirits saw him as a messiah. Feeling that leaving Kyonin was the best choice of action, he rushed out of town before any spirits could stop him.<br><br><br>The howls of wolves could be heard as the moonlight cast a shadow of Kayle, accompanying him on a lonely night. He was still depressed that his sisters had rejected his request. Tears of solitude flowed down his cheeks and landed on the egg, as flashbacks of memories of his sisters playing with him appeared. A few years back, his sisters had treated him like a treasure, snuggling him from time to time, playing with him every day, and reading to him bedtime stories. He blamed their clique of friends for taking his sisters away from him. However, there was nothing he could do about it. <br><br><br>Every drop of tear caused the egg to glow a golden color. It seemed to understand his loneliness. As the egg glowed brighter and brighter, it started shaking vigorously. Kayle stopped his footsteps and raised the egg up to eye level. Cracks appeared and bright rays of light shot out of the cracks of the shell. He was blinded by the sudden flashes of bright light, and at the same time, the egg got lighter. As he recovered his vision, a golden dragon appeared in front of him, licking away his tears. It seemed to be hinting that he was no longer alone, as it was here to accompany him. A system message appeared in front of him.<br><br><br>//Name your pet.//<br><br><br>“Sunshine,” he whispered in a downcast voice.<br><br><br>The golden dragon was half a meter long, from head to tail. It had small horns on its head, together with large, sky blue eyes, like a puppy. Majority of its body was filled with yellow scale with some multicolored scales as well. It had small, sharp claws on its hands and legs. The claws would currently be described as chicken claws, as it was still a hatchling.<br><br><br>Sunshine sat on Kayle’s shoulder and started rubbing its head against his cheek. Kayle’s mood lightened as he finally had a companion. Wiping his tears of solitude away, he started walking out of the forest. <br><br><br>He exited the forest as dawn was breaking. Rays of sunshine fell upon him, warming his body. He hugged Sunshine and walked towards the city. Before he reached the city, a strong revolting smell entered his nose. He was rather familiar with the smell, or rather, the smell was once on his clothes. It's the flowering herb that Uncle Thomas had wanted. He tailored a scarf quickly, and another miniature one for Sunshine.<br><br><br>He walked closer and could see a few large, red flowers just by the gates. Another flashback came upon him. He remembered planting some seeds by the gates. "What happened!? Did my lavender plants turn into the smelly flowers?” Kayle wondered, not knowing that Uncle Thomas had tricked him.<br><br><br>A group of players started running out of the gates, and he saw familiar faces. Tears started welling in his eyes as his sisters ran towards him, not knowing that their worst nightmare was in front of them. <br><br><br>Kayle had seen each and every member in his sisters’ clique before. They stopped in front of Kayle, looking at his shoulder in surprise. A human player, identifying herself as Saraphina, approached him.<br><br><br>"Wow, is that your pet? It's so cute! How did you get it?"<br><br><br>"...." No replies came out of Kayle’s red swollen eyes.<br><br><br>Saraphina turned back to address her party. A few minutes later, she turned around, and a system message appeared in front of kayle.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Estee invited you the party.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><br>He stared at the system message in surprise, no one had noticed his identity yet. As it was a rare chance to play with his sisters, he quickly accepted the request, knowing that the party would be shocked when he entered the party.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Kayle had entered the party.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Both siblings stood motionless. "You are Kayle?" They muttered.<br><br><br>Kayle nodded his head, as disappointment engulfed his sisters, while their friends were surprised.<br><br><br>"Kayle, is that you?"<br><br><br>Kayle nodded his head.<br><br><br>"Well, let’s go then," his sister wanted to removed him from party, but it wasn't the best course of action.<br><br><br>He followed the party, taking another path opposite the forest. Following silently, he listened to the chats and conversation between the clique of friends. Laughter from the group of adventurers echoed through the mountain range after few days of walking. Although few days had passed, Kayle still hadn't spoken a single word. When fights broke out with wild monsters, he fought alone with Sunshine. No one came to aid him. When he was injured, no one bothered to check if he was fine. No one offered to share food with him. The only companion he had was Sunshine. <br><br><br>In fact, he overheard his sister telling her friends to ignore Kayle, on the phone, if they met their him.<br><br><br>On the fifth day in-game, he left the party without anyone knowing when a split road appeared. <br><br><br>"Leave party," he said, while tears of solitude flowed down once again. He was jealous of his sisters. Unlike her, he had no friends at all. He pitied himself and hated himself. He was jealous of his classmates, even if they were only 9 years old, their siblings played with them. Even with a huge level gap, the older siblings would protect the younger siblings.<br><br><br>Walking down the rocky canyon, an arrow flew towards him. With great reflex, Sunshine shot out icicles from its mouth, deflecting the arrow.<br><br><br>Dejected, Kayle raised his head. A group of bandits were in sight.<br><br><br>"Well, what do we have here? A little kid with a baby dragon. Kukuku," a bandit with agreat axe exclaimed.<br><br><br>"Hey boss, it's a dragon! Let's kill the boy and take it. Kukuku."<br><br><br>More tears flowed down his cheeks. His eyes were watery, but he didn't care. He let out a childish scream and dashed towards the bandit.<br><br><br>Sunshine, who had grown in size over the days, had learned basic elemental magic and started shooting mini fireballs and icicles at the archers.<br><br>With emotion overflowing his concentration, he casted iaijutsu, which was deflected easily by the great axe. A large opening appeared, and a downward slash cut across Kayle’s chest, and he was sent flying. <br><br><br>Kayle’s blood boiled when he saw his wound. Rage consumed him, and he dashed towards the bandit, slashing at him wildly with great precision and speed. Two large arcs of blood sprayed across the wall. The bandit had his head and torso disconnected, and landed on the ground. He stomped on the head, and a white light consumed it before disappearing. With a grim expression, Kayle continue rampaging, and killed every single bandit he laid his sight on. <br><br><br>He jumped onto the mage, and with a sidestep, he dodged the fireball. Kayle quickly slashed the mage’s throat with his dagger. He then cut the mage’s limbs off before diving his sword into the mage’s heart. Next, he ran after the cleric. With a dash, he quickly shortened the distance and tripped him. With a quick slash, the cleric disappeared. Sunshine finished off the archers and warriors by itself, and flew back to Kayle, who was in pursuit of the last thief. However, Kayle fell into a pitfall. With only 10% health left, he was bleeding, causing him to continuously lose health. The thief decided to hide from Kayle’s and Sunshine’s view, and wait for him to bleed to death. <br><br><br>Sunshine tried desperately to carry Kayle. However, it was not strong enough. He rummaged through his inventory to find a rope. However, he had none. He could only wait for death… Kayle regretted that he left the party, and had to die a horrible death. He learnt that solo play was too difficult. However, no one would play with him. He sat down in the pit hole, and pulled Sunshine closer to him, as tears fell.<br><br><br>“GAAAAAHAHHHHH!” A loud scream echoed across the canyon. He tilted his face up, and a rope smacked right on his face. <br><br><br>“Quick, heal him, he is bleeding!” A teenager’s voice sounded.<br><br><br>A female appeared above the pitfall and engulfed Kayle’s body with white, warm light.<br><br><br>Kayle clung onto the rope and hung there. 3 minutes later, Kayle was still hanging on the rope. The party figured out that Kayle had no idea how to climb the rope, and started pulling him out.<br><br><br>The 9 year old boy with red swollen eyes, finally got out of the pitfall, and appeared before them, together with a baby dragon. <br><br><br>“Wow, a dragon!” They exclaimed. The priest took out some smoked meat and waved it at Sunshine. With its tiny claws, Sunshine took the meat and started biting it. She also took out some donuts for Kayle.<br><br><br>“Eat this, I hope this will help you.”<br><br><br>Kayle accepted the donut and started chewing it slowly. <br><br><br>Donuts… it reminded Kayle of his childhood days. After school, his sisters would bring back a donut for him. He would share with his 5 sisters, and each would take a bite, and then it would be gone. However, ever since he received his own pocket money, the donuts that his sisters bought became a part of the past. He enjoyed the moment of joy when they flashed a piece of donut. He enjoyed the time when he share the donut with his sisters. He knew that it had become a piece of important memory, and it would not happen anymore.<br><br><br>“What is your name?” The priest spoke, bringing Kayle back from his memories.<br><br><br>“Kayle,” he replied in a soft tone.<br><br><br>“Are you lost? Have you taken the wrong path, and strayed from your friends? Let us bring you to a nearby village, then.”<br><br><br>Kayle nodded his head and stood up.<br><br><br>He followed the party back into the town.<br><br><br>On the way, more bandits appeared, and the party begin their formation. The knight charged forward, while the rogue disappeared into thin air. The priest buffed the team, including Kayle and Sunshine, and proceeded to prepare healing spells while holding Kayle’s hand. The archer started engaging the back lines of the bandits. It seemed they let Kayle into the fight due to his age. So Kayle commanded Sunshine to use its magic while he stayed alert for danger. His bestial sense activated suddenly, and he could feel danger approaching him and the priest. He lowered his stance, and prepared to use Iaijutsu in case anyone approached. He closed his eyes and prepared. With the passive, bestial sense, he could feel that the enemy was within a 6 meter radius of him. However, he didn’t know which direction the enemy was!! Instinctively, Kayle pulled the priest away from danger with his left hand, and used Iaijutsu, as something shot off from the ground. The sword sliced across the dust with a white trajectory, and blood soon followed, splashing out.<br><br><br>“ARGGGGHHHH!” a loud shout echoed, as the assassin was deeply cut across his chest. The priest panicked and bashed the assassin hard with her staff. The assassin got knocked back from the blow, and staggered. Using this opportunity, Kayle unsheathed his dagger and slit his throat. He died instantly from the fatal strike, and loot dropped.<br><br><br>Another threat appeared from behind the priest. Kayle twisted his body and dashed forward. The priest was surprised as Kayle approached her with lightning speed, and his sword was raised to her neck level. She was too slow to react, and the sword dove past her. “Pssstkk” the sound of sword penetrating flesh could be heard, and soon, a dagger followed, flying in the air and striking someone behind her. She turned her head. There was a rogue with a dagger in his head like a unicorn, and a long, slightly curved sword, that had pierced through his neck. She had been saved by Kayle, any second later, and she would be forcefully logged out, denied from gameplay for 1 day.<br><br><br>“Retreat!” A loud voice boomed across the cliff, and the bandits started disengaging. Kayle found his hand once again held tightly by the priest, as the bandits ran for their lives. The fight ended, and the party united again.<br><br><br>“Is everyone alright?” The knight asked. Everyone nod in affirmative, and the knight spoke again, “Well, we are so lucky that they didn’t attack our backline.”<br><br><br>“Oh, Kayle took care of the rogue and assassin,” the priest grinned. <br><br><br>“Wow, really?” The knight replied in surprise, and patted Kayle.<br><br><br>The group walked for an hour, before taking a lunch break while camping in a nearby cave.<br><br><br>Kayle logged out and walked to the dining table. His sisters were already at their seats, waiting for him before tucking in.<br><br><br>“When did you leave the party?” Asked Estee.<br><br><br>Kayle did not reply and started eating his lunch. Although it was his favourite food, fried rice, he did not enjoy it. He quickly wolfed down his food and walked off.<br><br><br>“What happened to Kayle?” Asked Caitlyn.<br><br><br>Estee started describing the incident, while Kayle logged back into the game.<br><br><br>Back in-game, Sunshine flew onto Kayle, demanding a hug. Sunshine had grown considerably after a few days in-game, and was now as tall as him. “Soon, you can fly with me riding on you!” Kayle cried out in excitement, while the party was having their lunch break. The priest approached him, and started talking to him,<br><br><br>“Kayle, how did you get lost from your party members?”<br><br><br>“I left them. My sisters do not want me in their party, so I left…” He replied in a downcast voice.<br><br><br>“I’m sorry for asking...” <br><br><br>“What is your name?”<br><br><br>“Isabelle.”<br><br><br>Kayle sent her a friend request, while the rest of her party members logged on.<br><br><br>“Let’s go,” the knight announced. Everyone got up to their feet and start walking to the village close-by.<br><br><br>Kayle walked closely beside Isabelle, as he had found someone who would talk to him.<br><br><br>===========================================================================<br><br>Sorry for slow updates I am getting busy with school work and some problems... <br>Next chapter will be main arc and adventure~ </div>

Done with PR. Answer my questions, please. And please tell Bowac he can PR check now, if he’s free. “Play with me!” “Your level is too low, and we are far away from your kingdom!” “Come find me… I don’t want to play alone...” “No! Go and look for people to play with you!” “...” Kayle left the dining table grumpily as his sisters refused to play with him. He wanted to play with his sisters very much. However, they seemed to avoid him as much as possible in-game. Sitting on the capsule, he figured out that his sister would not play with him now, so it was useless to bug them. The ringtone of Estee's phone could be heard. Kayle stuck his ears to the wall, trying to eavesdrop on his sister's conversation. "Yes Sara, what can I do for you?” "Oh, 4 weeks have passed in-game? Great, where are you all?" "You are all in Rosenheim Kingdom? Hmmm... I don't really want to go there, as there’s a chance of bumping into my brother..." "Ah, nevermind, I will go there with Ester. Wait for me." Hearing the conversation, tears of sorrow and jealousy flowed down his cheeks. He now knew that his sisters would prefer playing with their classmates than the little child called Kayle. Kayle closed his capsule and connected to Royal Road. He appeared in front of King George’s grave, with a large yellow egg fastened on his pink pouch. He removed the egg and hugged it tightly as he walked back to the town. "Saviour Kayle!" The spirits cried out loud and rushed to him. Ever since the initial quest, his fame had risen quickly and the spirits saw him as a messiah. Feeling that leaving Kyonin was the best choice of action, he rushed out of town before any spirits could stop him. The howls of wolves could be heard as the moonlight cast a shadow of Kayle, accompanying him on a lonely night. He was still depressed that his sisters had rejected his request. Tears of solitude flowed down his cheeks and landed on the egg, as flashbacks of memories of his sisters playing with him appeared. A few years back, his sisters had treated him like a treasure, snuggling him from time to time, playing with him every day, and reading to him bedtime stories. He blamed their clique of friends for taking his sisters away from him. However, there was nothing he could do about it. Every drop of tear caused the egg to glow a golden color. It seemed to understand his loneliness. As the egg glowed brighter and brighter, it started shaking vigorously. Kayle stopped his footsteps and raised the egg up to eye level. Cracks appeared and bright rays of light shot out of the cracks of the shell. He was blinded by the sudden flashes of bright light, and at the same time, the egg got lighter. As he recovered his vision, a golden dragon appeared in front of him, licking away his tears. It seemed to be hinting that he was no longer alone, as it was here to accompany him. A system message appeared in front of him. //Name your pet.// “Sunshine,” he whispered in a downcast voice. The golden dragon was half a meter long, from head to tail. It had small horns on its head, together with large, sky blue eyes, like a puppy. Majority of its body was filled with yellow scale with some multicolored scales as well. It had small, sharp claws on its hands and legs. The claws would currently be described as chicken claws, as it was still a hatchling. Sunshine sat on Kayle’s shoulder and started rubbing its head against his cheek. Kayle’s mood lightened as he finally had a companion. Wiping his tears of solitude away, he started walking out of the forest. He exited the forest as dawn was breaking. Rays of sunshine fell upon him, warming his body. He hugged Sunshine and walked towards the city. Before he reached the city, a strong revolting smell entered his nose. He was rather familiar with the smell, or rather, the smell was once on his clothes. It's the flowering herb that Uncle Thomas had wanted. He tailored a scarf quickly, and another miniature one for Sunshine. He walked closer and could see a few large, red flowers just by the gates. Another flashback came upon him. He remembered planting some seeds by the gates. "What happened!? Did my lavender plants turn into the smelly flowers?” Kayle wondered, not knowing that Uncle Thomas had tricked him. A group of players started running out of the gates, and he saw familiar faces. Tears started welling in his eyes as his sisters ran towards him, not knowing that their worst nightmare was in front of them. Kayle had seen each and every member in his sisters’ clique before. They stopped in front of Kayle, looking at his shoulder in surprise. A human player, identifying herself as Saraphina, approached him. "Wow, is that your pet? It's so cute! How did you get it?" "...." No replies came out of Kayle’s red swollen eyes. Saraphina turned back to address her party. A few minutes later, she turned around, and a system message appeared in front of kayle. | Estee invited you the party. | | --- | He stared at the system message in surprise, no one had noticed his identity yet. As it was a rare chance to play with his sisters, he quickly accepted the request, knowing that the party would be shocked when he entered the party. | Kayle had entered the party. | | --- | Both siblings stood motionless. "You are Kayle?" They muttered. Kayle nodded his head, as disappointment engulfed his sisters, while their friends were surprised. "Kayle, is that you?" Kayle nodded his head. "Well, let’s go then," his sister wanted to removed him from party, but it wasn't the best course of action. He followed the party, taking another path opposite the forest. Following silently, he listened to the chats and conversation between the clique of friends. Laughter from the group of adventurers echoed through the mountain range after few days of walking. Although few days had passed, Kayle still hadn't spoken a single word. When fights broke out with wild monsters, he fought alone with Sunshine. No one came to aid him. When he was injured, no one bothered to check if he was fine. No one offered to share food with him. The only companion he had was Sunshine. In fact, he overheard his sister telling her friends to ignore Kayle, on the phone, if they met their him. On the fifth day in-game, he left the party without anyone knowing when a split road appeared. "Leave party," he said, while tears of solitude flowed down once again. He was jealous of his sisters. Unlike her, he had no friends at all. He pitied himself and hated himself. He was jealous of his classmates, even if they were only 9 years old, their siblings played with them. Even with a huge level gap, the older siblings would protect the younger siblings. Walking down the rocky canyon, an arrow flew towards him. With great reflex, Sunshine shot out icicles from its mouth, deflecting the arrow. Dejected, Kayle raised his head. A group of bandits were in sight. "Well, what do we have here? A little kid with a baby dragon. Kukuku," a bandit with agreat axe exclaimed. "Hey boss, it's a dragon! Let's kill the boy and take it. Kukuku." More tears flowed down his cheeks. His eyes were watery, but he didn't care. He let out a childish scream and dashed towards the bandit. Sunshine, who had grown in size over the days, had learned basic elemental magic and started shooting mini fireballs and icicles at the archers. With emotion overflowing his concentration, he casted iaijutsu, which was deflected easily by the great axe. A large opening appeared, and a downward slash cut across Kayle’s chest, and he was sent flying. Kayle’s blood boiled when he saw his wound. Rage consumed him, and he dashed towards the bandit, slashing at him wildly with great precision and speed. Two large arcs of blood sprayed across the wall. The bandit had his head and torso disconnected, and landed on the ground. He stomped on the head, and a white light consumed it before disappearing. With a grim expression, Kayle continue rampaging, and killed every single bandit he laid his sight on. He jumped onto the mage, and with a sidestep, he dodged the fireball. Kayle quickly slashed the mage’s throat with his dagger. He then cut the mage’s limbs off before diving his sword into the mage’s heart. Next, he ran after the cleric. With a dash, he quickly shortened the distance and tripped him. With a quick slash, the cleric disappeared. Sunshine finished off the archers and warriors by itself, and flew back to Kayle, who was in pursuit of the last thief. However, Kayle fell into a pitfall. With only 10% health left, he was bleeding, causing him to continuously lose health. The thief decided to hide from Kayle’s and Sunshine’s view, and wait for him to bleed to death. Sunshine tried desperately to carry Kayle. However, it was not strong enough. He rummaged through his inventory to find a rope. However, he had none. He could only wait for death… Kayle regretted that he left the party, and had to die a horrible death. He learnt that solo play was too difficult. However, no one would play with him. He sat down in the pit hole, and pulled Sunshine closer to him, as tears fell. “GAAAAAHAHHHHH!” A loud scream echoed across the canyon. He tilted his face up, and a rope smacked right on his face. “Quick, heal him, he is bleeding!” A teenager’s voice sounded. A female appeared above the pitfall and engulfed Kayle’s body with white, warm light. Kayle clung onto the rope and hung there. 3 minutes later, Kayle was still hanging on the rope. The party figured out that Kayle had no idea how to climb the rope, and started pulling him out. The 9 year old boy with red swollen eyes, finally got out of the pitfall, and appeared before them, together with a baby dragon. “Wow, a dragon!” They exclaimed. The priest took out some smoked meat and waved it at Sunshine. With its tiny claws, Sunshine took the meat and started biting it. She also took out some donuts for Kayle. “Eat this, I hope this will help you.” Kayle accepted the donut and started chewing it slowly. Donuts… it reminded Kayle of his childhood days. After school, his sisters would bring back a donut for him. He would share with his 5 sisters, and each would take a bite, and then it would be gone. However, ever since he received his own pocket money, the donuts that his sisters bought became a part of the past. He enjoyed the moment of joy when they flashed a piece of donut. He enjoyed the time when he share the donut with his sisters. He knew that it had become a piece of important memory, and it would not happen anymore. “What is your name?” The priest spoke, bringing Kayle back from his memories. “Kayle,” he replied in a soft tone. “Are you lost? Have you taken the wrong path, and strayed from your friends? Let us bring you to a nearby village, then.” Kayle nodded his head and stood up. He followed the party back into the town. On the way, more bandits appeared, and the party begin their formation. The knight charged forward, while the rogue disappeared into thin air. The priest buffed the team, including Kayle and Sunshine, and proceeded to prepare healing spells while holding Kayle’s hand. The archer started engaging the back lines of the bandits. It seemed they let Kayle into the fight due to his age. So Kayle commanded Sunshine to use its magic while he stayed alert for danger. His bestial sense activated suddenly, and he could feel danger approaching him and the priest. He lowered his stance, and prepared to use Iaijutsu in case anyone approached. He closed his eyes and prepared. With the passive, bestial sense, he could feel that the enemy was within a 6 meter radius of him. However, he didn’t know which direction the enemy was!! Instinctively, Kayle pulled the priest away from danger with his left hand, and used Iaijutsu, as something shot off from the ground. The sword sliced across the dust with a white trajectory, and blood soon followed, splashing out. “ARGGGGHHHH!” a loud shout echoed, as the assassin was deeply cut across his chest. The priest panicked and bashed the assassin hard with her staff. The assassin got knocked back from the blow, and staggered. Using this opportunity, Kayle unsheathed his dagger and slit his throat. He died instantly from the fatal strike, and loot dropped. Another threat appeared from behind the priest. Kayle twisted his body and dashed forward. The priest was surprised as Kayle approached her with lightning speed, and his sword was raised to her neck level. She was too slow to react, and the sword dove past her. “Pssstkk” the sound of sword penetrating flesh could be heard, and soon, a dagger followed, flying in the air and striking someone behind her. She turned her head. There was a rogue with a dagger in his head like a unicorn, and a long, slightly curved sword, that had pierced through his neck. She had been saved by Kayle, any second later, and she would be forcefully logged out, denied from gameplay for 1 day. “Retreat!” A loud voice boomed across the cliff, and the bandits started disengaging. Kayle found his hand once again held tightly by the priest, as the bandits ran for their lives. The fight ended, and the party united again. “Is everyone alright?” The knight asked. Everyone nod in affirmative, and the knight spoke again, “Well, we are so lucky that they didn’t attack our backline.” “Oh, Kayle took care of the rogue and assassin,” the priest grinned. “Wow, really?” The knight replied in surprise, and patted Kayle. The group walked for an hour, before taking a lunch break while camping in a nearby cave. Kayle logged out and walked to the dining table. His sisters were already at their seats, waiting for him before tucking in. “When did you leave the party?” Asked Estee. Kayle did not reply and started eating his lunch. Although it was his favourite food, fried rice, he did not enjoy it. He quickly wolfed down his food and walked off. “What happened to Kayle?” Asked Caitlyn. Estee started describing the incident, while Kayle logged back into the game. Back in-game, Sunshine flew onto Kayle, demanding a hug. Sunshine had grown considerably after a few days in-game, and was now as tall as him. “Soon, you can fly with me riding on you!” Kayle cried out in excitement, while the party was having their lunch break. The priest approached him, and started talking to him, “Kayle, how did you get lost from your party members?” “I left them. My sisters do not want me in their party, so I left…” He replied in a downcast voice. “I’m sorry for asking...” “What is your name?” “Isabelle.” Kayle sent her a friend request, while the rest of her party members logged on. “Let’s go,” the knight announced. Everyone got up to their feet and start walking to the village close-by. Kayle walked closely beside Isabelle, as he had found someone who would talk to him. =========================================================================== Sorry for slow updates I am getting busy with school work and some problems... Next chapter will be main arc and adventure~

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> I figured I should have one of these for this story too, just in case. Things could easily get confusing otherwise.<br>Anyway, here you can put any questions or general comments that don't really fit in a chapter. Yay? </div>

I figured I should have one of these for this story too, just in case. Things could easily get confusing otherwise. Anyway, here you can put any questions or general comments that don't really fit in a chapter. Yay?

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 2.3em;">#Phantom Hand</span></span><br><br>50 years ago.<br><br>"DOOOO-EI!!!" a cry sounded out in the large stadium, and even before the official judgment was announced, cheers could be heard from some of the audience.<br><br>"DO ARI!" announced the head judge as a unanimous decision was reached by all three of the Kendo judges.<br><br>At that announcement, the cheers grew even greater. After all, my opponent was from the home team, and this was the Olympic finals.<br><br>Earlier on, I managed to score a point off of him, and now that he scored one off of me, we were tied at 1:1. Meaning that whoever scores the next point would be the next Olympic gold medalist.<br><br>"Papa! Do your best!!!" amidst the cheering, a lone voice cried out in Japanese.<br><br>It was my young daughter and the apple of my eye, Hime-chan, who had a special front row seat right next to the 'ring'.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*That's right, my little angel is here to cheer me on! I can't lose!*</span><br><br>Although it's a pity that my wife and son couldn't make it here, I'm sure their watching from home too!<br><br>The two of us went back to our starting positions and carried on to the next round.<br><br>My opponent was huge! A full head taller than me. Scoring a Men (head) strike would be very difficult against such a tall opponent.<br><br>But that also means that they won't expect it!<br><br>"KOTEEE!!"<br><br>"MEEEEN!!!"<br><br>Our simultaneous attacks clashed and missed, my Kote (wrist) strike missed the sweet spot when he lifted his arms to strike my head, and his strike missing simply because I tilted my head to the side.<br><br>Momentum threatened to force the two of us to crash into each other, and we let it happen the way Kendoka's do, with full force and all our weight behind it.<br><br>My opponent had the upper hand in this, as his greater mass lent him more force. I had almost fallen over more than once in this match when his Taiateri (body slam?) overpowered mine, and I might actaully have fallen over this time if I tried to press forwards.<br><br>But instead, I made a short (as in height) hop backwards, the extra height making it easier to reach my intended target.<br><br>"MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<br><br>With all my strength I brought my Shinai (bamboo sword) down on his head, producing a very satisfying "Smack!" sound<br><br>"MEN ARI!!"<br><br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br><br>Later that day.<br><br><br>"My Papa is the GREATEST in the WHOOOOOOOOOOLE World!!"<br><br>"That's right princess!" I said to the little angel holding my left hand, "Papa is the World Champion! Why don't we go get something to eat to celebrate!"<br><br>"PIZZA!"<br><br>It's been hours since the match ended, and between interviews and ceremonies I've yet to have a single moment alone together with my little angel.<br><br>I get tired of all the attention and just wanted some family time. Hence, I snuck us out of the place the first chance I got, and headed to a quieter part of town to have a quiet meal.<br><br>That was, perhaps, the biggest mistake of my life.<br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*BANG! BANG!</span></span><br><br><br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br><br>I woke up the next day in a hospital. The bullet missed my heart and hit me in the arm instead, but with all the blood staining my clothes, the culprit couldn't tell and dumped me in a dumpster, left me for dead.<br><br>The police recieved reports of a gunshot that night, but couldn't find the crimescene. It was only after they found the criminal himself (none other than the silver medalist I just fought) that they found us, and by then it was morning.<br><br>The effects of an unusually grimy bullet combines with a night spent in the dumpster with an open wound resulted in a serious infection in my left arm, just underneath the shoulder.<br><br>I lost my arm that day.<br><br>But that wasn't the worst part.<br><br>After all, my little angel went up to heaven and became a real angel.<br><br>I truly believed that my life was over that day.<br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br><br>40 years ago, roughly 10 years after <span style="font-style: italic;">that </span>day.<br><br><br>The doctors warned me I might feel a Phantom Arm from time to time, a completely normal thing.<br><br>And I did, almost constantly.<br><br>It hurt extremly bad. Not the Phantom Arm itself.<br><br>But the small, tiny hand that grasped my own.<br><br>It almost felt like she was haunting me. Blaming me for her life that was cut unnaturally short. Blaming me that I couldn't protect her.<br><br>It was a constant reminder of <span style="font-style: italic;">that </span>day.<br><br>And the worst part was that I welcomed the pain.<br><br>It reminded me of her, reminded me of who I used to be.<br><br>Who <span style="font-style: italic;">she </span>used to be.<br><br>The little angel that stood by that headstrong and slightly crazy man, who was always swinging a sword. Who never had time for wife and elder son, but had timefor the young girl who watched me with eyes full of love.<br><br>I was a nobody at first, just an sword-obsessed member of a local Kendo circle. Then I got scouted, and became a somebody.<br><br>Soon enough, I stood on top of the World.<br><br>And now, I'm a nobody again.<br><br>What hurts as much as losing my little angel is that I believed I would never hold a sword again. Never stand in a ring again, never fight again.<br><br>And what hurts even more than that is that I'd never hear that bright voice, cheering for me from the sidelines.<br><br>My life felt over..<br><br><br>"I'm Hoooome!" I heard a voice call out from the front door.<br><br>"Welcome back!" my wife answered back from the kitchen.<br><br>It was my son. He had grown up to be a splendid young man. In a few months time, he would be graduating from the University and getting a job.<br><br>"Dad..." said my son as he stepped into my room.<br><br>"Welcome back..."<br><br>"Dad... you've got to stop doing this..." he sighed and sat in front of me, "You have got to stop sitting around and doing <span style="font-style: italic;">nothing</span>."<br><br>I had nothing to say to that.<br><br>"What happened to the great man I knew as a kid! Just... (sigh) Sorry, I shouldn't have said that..." A short silence followed, "Listen, I know you're not one for computers or games... But.. Just try this, alright? Do it for me?"<br><br>I promised him I would.<br><br>And so I did.<br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br>The game wasn't Royal Road, of course. Virtual Reality was still a fantasy back then. The kind of stuff people would write of in novels and movies.<br><br>This was a much older game that somehow withstood the test of time in the way some indie games do, with a small cult following.<br><br>It was a game where two players would control a ragdoll to fight each other in semi-realistic combat.<br><br>The ragdolls were inhumanly strong, yet unusually fragile. A strong enough hit in the right place could shatter your ragdoll, breaking bones or ripping off heads and limbs.<br><br>One would expect that the match would end right there and then.<br><br>But no.<br><br>Masters of the game can fight on even with an arm or leg cut off, or even with their bodies sliced in half.<br><br>It was irrational, how this game inspired me.<br><br>If it can be done in a game, what's to say it can't be done in real life?<br><br>Who's to say I can't fight on with only one arm? What's stopping me from taking over the world again?<br>The answer to those questions are as follows:<br><br>"Everyone", and "No one".<br><br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br><br>30 years ago, 10 years after I began my "rehabilitation".<br><br>I began my rehabilitation with the basics. Jogging to improve my stamina, and weight training so that I could swing a sword again.<br><br>Now, 20 years after my prime, I can confidently say that I am stronger that I've ever been.<br><br>My feet fly swifter that it ever has, and my sword strikes more more quickly than most others.<br><br>Most others, because a sword was never something that was meant to be held in one hand.<br><br>But despite my limitations, I did not give up. I had risen to the top again, and now stood almost exactly where I was.<br><br>The Olympic Kendo Finals.<br><br>In Kendo, there are no special rules to cater to the handicapped, and no special tournaments for them. There was no Kendo event in the paralympics.<br><br>And I wouldn't have it any other way.<br><br>But quite frankly, I was getting <span style="font-style: italic;">tired</span>.<br><br>This match has lasted longer than it should have and has gone into "Ippon Gachi", an overtime system similar to a "Golden Goal" in soccer, where the first person to score would win.<br><br>We made pass after pass at each other, with both side getting weaker and weaker each time, and it was obvious to the both of us that the next strike would decide the match.<br><br>My opponent was the first to move, coming in for what would be his last strike, but instead of pushing forwards like most would, I sidestepped to my right.<br><br>Normally, a kendoka would almost sidestep to the left, since it needed a smaller movement, and it was easier to counter-attack from that postion, but I was a unique case. I had hoped that catching my opponent by suprise would land me my victory.<br><br>With the quickest flick of my wrist and fingers (which seems to have become my greatest weapons), I struck swiftly towards my opponent's wrist. But my shinai missed the target, and hit the handle of my opponent's shinai instead.<br><br>Normally, this wouldn't have done much, but the combination of fatigue and suprise caused the shinai to spring out of my opponents hands. If it touched to floor before he could catch it, it would be counted as a foul and I would win the match.<br><br>Was I silly to not have wanted this? To have wanted to win by my own strength, and not by technicality or by dumb luck?<br><br>It is said, that in certain circumstances, one's perception of time would come to a standstill. Where the world around you simply seemed to slow down.<br><br>Part of me was watching the shinai fall the ground in slow motion.<br><br>But most of my concentration was on the small, tiny hand that so suddenly grasped my left hand.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">: Papa! Do your best!!!:</span><br><br>I heard the voice of an angel, cheering for me from the heavens, and I couldn't help but do what she wanted.<br><br>With the last of my strength, I swung my sword upwards.<br><br>But what seemed like one stroke was in truth two.<br><br>The first stroke hit the opponent's shinai, flinging it high into the air, while the second smacked him in the head, creating a sound almost like a gunshot, the same sound that ended my career all thos years back.<br><br>Later, I was told that not even the high speed cameras that were present that day could properly capture the move. That all that the recordings showed was an afterimage. An eerie image of a single wing sprouting from my back.<br><br>In fact, of all the people in the stadium that day, I suspect only the well trained eyes of the judges could see what just happened, and I suspect that if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have won in the way I did.<br><br>"M-MEN ARI!!!"<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">:My Papa is the GREATEST in the WHOOOOOOOOOOLE World!!:</span><br><br>That was the last time I felt that small, tiny hand.<br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br>20 years ago.<br><br>The next 10 years of my life could be said to be the "true" prime of my life.<br><br>I traveled around the world, challenging anyone I could find. From martial arts masters, boxers ( not that it wasn't a kind of martial arts), to action move superstars.<br><br>It didn't matter whether we fought armed or unarmed. Didn't matter what weapon we used, or how many fought against me at a time. I brought them down with my sword, my single hand, or my own two feet.<br><br>I single-handedly challenged entire dojos and martial arts corporations, and sometimes humiliated them so badly that they had to close down.<br><br>I tried opening my own dojo, but closed it down soon after when I realized I have no passion for teaching. To this day, my sole disciple is my grand-daughter.<br><br>Ah... Yes... My grand-daughter.<br><br>For better or for worse, my son named her after his deceased little sister. And I swear, she's the splitting image of her. A reincarnation, even.<br><br>It was shortly after she was born that I opened up my dojo, and she would sit at the side and watch, just like my little angel did, and she joined the moment she was old enough to. Even after I closed the dojo I continued teaching her.<br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br>10 years ago.<br><br>By now, you could say that I've become a "has-been". Yesterday's news. Soemone the world has almost forgotten. (Though I heard that recently a Korean man has taken over the position of "Strongest Under Heaven")<br><br>Granted, it was all my fault. After my "rampage" all those years ago, nobody dared to accept my challenges anymore, let alone challenge me themselves.<br><br>And since I could no longer find any human opponents, I turned my attention to other sources.<br><br>With all the money I made from competitions and sponsers, I invested in a company who called themselves "Unicorn", who was researching Virtual Reality.<br><br>And as their biggest investor, they agreed to (and were even extremely happy to) let me help test their new system.<br><br>In that Virtual Reality I faced many opponents. People who were impossibly fast or strong, or even both. Enemies with impossibly tough armor, or simply an impossible number of enemies.<br><br>I've fought Dragons, and Werewolves. Near Immortal enemies, and creatures that defied imagination.<br><br>So you can imagine that I wouldn't be suprised when I saw a ghost in that same Virtual Reality.<br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br>This year, not so long ago.<br><br><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Connect to Royal Road?<br><br>Yes/No?</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br>Author's Notes:<br><br>Hello Again so soon!<br><br>If you've been reading the recent chapters of "Trust me, I'm an Engineer", it's pretty easy to figure out who this story is about.<br><br>In truth, Toshimitsu Takamiya was a character concept I thought of a long time ago for a fanfic, which I scrapped since I didn't like the idea of an overpowered MC.<br><br>It was only after I started writing this fanfic that I suddenly thought of a way to nerf him. So who knows? Maybe after I'm done with this one, I'll start Takamiya's story.<br><br>I've been writing this side story over the past few weeks in preperation for this weekend.<br><br>As usual, any comments and criticisms are welcome! </div>

#Phantom Hand 50 years ago. "DOOOO-EI!!!" a cry sounded out in the large stadium, and even before the official judgment was announced, cheers could be heard from some of the audience. "DO ARI!" announced the head judge as a unanimous decision was reached by all three of the Kendo judges. At that announcement, the cheers grew even greater. After all, my opponent was from the home team, and this was the Olympic finals. Earlier on, I managed to score a point off of him, and now that he scored one off of me, we were tied at 1:1. Meaning that whoever scores the next point would be the next Olympic gold medalist. "Papa! Do your best!!!" amidst the cheering, a lone voice cried out in Japanese. It was my young daughter and the apple of my eye, Hime-chan, who had a special front row seat right next to the 'ring'. *That's right, my little angel is here to cheer me on! I can't lose!* Although it's a pity that my wife and son couldn't make it here, I'm sure their watching from home too! The two of us went back to our starting positions and carried on to the next round. My opponent was huge! A full head taller than me. Scoring a Men (head) strike would be very difficult against such a tall opponent. But that also means that they won't expect it! "KOTEEE!!" "MEEEEN!!!" Our simultaneous attacks clashed and missed, my Kote (wrist) strike missed the sweet spot when he lifted his arms to strike my head, and his strike missing simply because I tilted my head to the side. Momentum threatened to force the two of us to crash into each other, and we let it happen the way Kendoka's do, with full force and all our weight behind it. My opponent had the upper hand in this, as his greater mass lent him more force. I had almost fallen over more than once in this match when his Taiateri (body slam?) overpowered mine, and I might actaully have fallen over this time if I tried to press forwards. But instead, I made a short (as in height) hop backwards, the extra height making it easier to reach my intended target. "MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" With all my strength I brought my Shinai (bamboo sword) down on his head, producing a very satisfying "Smack!" sound "MEN ARI!!" ******************************************************************************** Later that day. "My Papa is the GREATEST in the WHOOOOOOOOOOLE World!!" "That's right princess!" I said to the little angel holding my left hand, "Papa is the World Champion! Why don't we go get something to eat to celebrate!" "PIZZA!" It's been hours since the match ended, and between interviews and ceremonies I've yet to have a single moment alone together with my little angel. I get tired of all the attention and just wanted some family time. Hence, I snuck us out of the place the first chance I got, and headed to a quieter part of town to have a quiet meal. That was, perhaps, the biggest mistake of my life. *BANG! BANG! ******************************************************************************** I woke up the next day in a hospital. The bullet missed my heart and hit me in the arm instead, but with all the blood staining my clothes, the culprit couldn't tell and dumped me in a dumpster, left me for dead. The police recieved reports of a gunshot that night, but couldn't find the crimescene. It was only after they found the criminal himself (none other than the silver medalist I just fought) that they found us, and by then it was morning. The effects of an unusually grimy bullet combines with a night spent in the dumpster with an open wound resulted in a serious infection in my left arm, just underneath the shoulder. I lost my arm that day. But that wasn't the worst part. After all, my little angel went up to heaven and became a real angel. I truly believed that my life was over that day. ******************************************************************************** 40 years ago, roughly 10 years after that day. The doctors warned me I might feel a Phantom Arm from time to time, a completely normal thing. And I did, almost constantly. It hurt extremly bad. Not the Phantom Arm itself. But the small, tiny hand that grasped my own. It almost felt like she was haunting me. Blaming me for her life that was cut unnaturally short. Blaming me that I couldn't protect her. It was a constant reminder of that day. And the worst part was that I welcomed the pain. It reminded me of her, reminded me of who I used to be. Who she used to be. The little angel that stood by that headstrong and slightly crazy man, who was always swinging a sword. Who never had time for wife and elder son, but had timefor the young girl who watched me with eyes full of love. I was a nobody at first, just an sword-obsessed member of a local Kendo circle. Then I got scouted, and became a somebody. Soon enough, I stood on top of the World. And now, I'm a nobody again. What hurts as much as losing my little angel is that I believed I would never hold a sword again. Never stand in a ring again, never fight again. And what hurts even more than that is that I'd never hear that bright voice, cheering for me from the sidelines. My life felt over.. "I'm Hoooome!" I heard a voice call out from the front door. "Welcome back!" my wife answered back from the kitchen. It was my son. He had grown up to be a splendid young man. In a few months time, he would be graduating from the University and getting a job. "Dad..." said my son as he stepped into my room. "Welcome back..." "Dad... you've got to stop doing this..." he sighed and sat in front of me, "You have got to stop sitting around and doing nothing." I had nothing to say to that. "What happened to the great man I knew as a kid! Just... (sigh) Sorry, I shouldn't have said that..." A short silence followed, "Listen, I know you're not one for computers or games... But.. Just try this, alright? Do it for me?" I promised him I would. And so I did. ******************************************************************************** The game wasn't Royal Road, of course. Virtual Reality was still a fantasy back then. The kind of stuff people would write of in novels and movies. This was a much older game that somehow withstood the test of time in the way some indie games do, with a small cult following. It was a game where two players would control a ragdoll to fight each other in semi-realistic combat. The ragdolls were inhumanly strong, yet unusually fragile. A strong enough hit in the right place could shatter your ragdoll, breaking bones or ripping off heads and limbs. One would expect that the match would end right there and then. But no. Masters of the game can fight on even with an arm or leg cut off, or even with their bodies sliced in half. It was irrational, how this game inspired me. If it can be done in a game, what's to say it can't be done in real life? Who's to say I can't fight on with only one arm? What's stopping me from taking over the world again? The answer to those questions are as follows: "Everyone", and "No one". ******************************************************************************** 30 years ago, 10 years after I began my "rehabilitation". I began my rehabilitation with the basics. Jogging to improve my stamina, and weight training so that I could swing a sword again. Now, 20 years after my prime, I can confidently say that I am stronger that I've ever been. My feet fly swifter that it ever has, and my sword strikes more more quickly than most others. Most others, because a sword was never something that was meant to be held in one hand. But despite my limitations, I did not give up. I had risen to the top again, and now stood almost exactly where I was. The Olympic Kendo Finals. In Kendo, there are no special rules to cater to the handicapped, and no special tournaments for them. There was no Kendo event in the paralympics. And I wouldn't have it any other way. But quite frankly, I was getting tired. This match has lasted longer than it should have and has gone into "Ippon Gachi", an overtime system similar to a "Golden Goal" in soccer, where the first person to score would win. We made pass after pass at each other, with both side getting weaker and weaker each time, and it was obvious to the both of us that the next strike would decide the match. My opponent was the first to move, coming in for what would be his last strike, but instead of pushing forwards like most would, I sidestepped to my right. Normally, a kendoka would almost sidestep to the left, since it needed a smaller movement, and it was easier to counter-attack from that postion, but I was a unique case. I had hoped that catching my opponent by suprise would land me my victory. With the quickest flick of my wrist and fingers (which seems to have become my greatest weapons), I struck swiftly towards my opponent's wrist. But my shinai missed the target, and hit the handle of my opponent's shinai instead. Normally, this wouldn't have done much, but the combination of fatigue and suprise caused the shinai to spring out of my opponents hands. If it touched to floor before he could catch it, it would be counted as a foul and I would win the match. Was I silly to not have wanted this? To have wanted to win by my own strength, and not by technicality or by dumb luck? It is said, that in certain circumstances, one's perception of time would come to a standstill. Where the world around you simply seemed to slow down. Part of me was watching the shinai fall the ground in slow motion. But most of my concentration was on the small, tiny hand that so suddenly grasped my left hand. : Papa! Do your best!!!: I heard the voice of an angel, cheering for me from the heavens, and I couldn't help but do what she wanted. With the last of my strength, I swung my sword upwards. But what seemed like one stroke was in truth two. The first stroke hit the opponent's shinai, flinging it high into the air, while the second smacked him in the head, creating a sound almost like a gunshot, the same sound that ended my career all thos years back. Later, I was told that not even the high speed cameras that were present that day could properly capture the move. That all that the recordings showed was an afterimage. An eerie image of a single wing sprouting from my back. In fact, of all the people in the stadium that day, I suspect only the well trained eyes of the judges could see what just happened, and I suspect that if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have won in the way I did. "M-MEN ARI!!!" :My Papa is the GREATEST in the WHOOOOOOOOOOLE World!!: That was the last time I felt that small, tiny hand. ******************************************************************************** 20 years ago. The next 10 years of my life could be said to be the "true" prime of my life. I traveled around the world, challenging anyone I could find. From martial arts masters, boxers ( not that it wasn't a kind of martial arts), to action move superstars. It didn't matter whether we fought armed or unarmed. Didn't matter what weapon we used, or how many fought against me at a time. I brought them down with my sword, my single hand, or my own two feet. I single-handedly challenged entire dojos and martial arts corporations, and sometimes humiliated them so badly that they had to close down. I tried opening my own dojo, but closed it down soon after when I realized I have no passion for teaching. To this day, my sole disciple is my grand-daughter. Ah... Yes... My grand-daughter. For better or for worse, my son named her after his deceased little sister. And I swear, she's the splitting image of her. A reincarnation, even. It was shortly after she was born that I opened up my dojo, and she would sit at the side and watch, just like my little angel did, and she joined the moment she was old enough to. Even after I closed the dojo I continued teaching her. ******************************************************************************** 10 years ago. By now, you could say that I've become a "has-been". Yesterday's news. Soemone the world has almost forgotten. (Though I heard that recently a Korean man has taken over the position of "Strongest Under Heaven") Granted, it was all my fault. After my "rampage" all those years ago, nobody dared to accept my challenges anymore, let alone challenge me themselves. And since I could no longer find any human opponents, I turned my attention to other sources. With all the money I made from competitions and sponsers, I invested in a company who called themselves "Unicorn", who was researching Virtual Reality. And as their biggest investor, they agreed to (and were even extremely happy to) let me help test their new system. In that Virtual Reality I faced many opponents. People who were impossibly fast or strong, or even both. Enemies with impossibly tough armor, or simply an impossible number of enemies. I've fought Dragons, and Werewolves. Near Immortal enemies, and creatures that defied imagination. So you can imagine that I wouldn't be suprised when I saw a ghost in that same Virtual Reality. ******************************************************************************** This year, not so long ago. | Connect to Royal Road?Yes/No? | | --- | ******************************************************************************** Author's Notes: Hello Again so soon! If you've been reading the recent chapters of "Trust me, I'm an Engineer", it's pretty easy to figure out who this story is about. In truth, Toshimitsu Takamiya was a character concept I thought of a long time ago for a fanfic, which I scrapped since I didn't like the idea of an overpowered MC. It was only after I started writing this fanfic that I suddenly thought of a way to nerf him. So who knows? Maybe after I'm done with this one, I'll start Takamiya's story. I've been writing this side story over the past few weeks in preperation for this weekend. As usual, any comments and criticisms are welcome!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Warning: &nbsp;This chapter contains the p word. &nbsp;As in a reference to that part of the male anatomy of which the mention of sometimes makes people uncomfortable. &nbsp;Just thought I would give a heads up. &nbsp; <br>**************************************************************************************************** <br>After exiting the capsule Skylar looked around his room and sighed. <br>&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Back to reality again. &nbsp;He'd always liked fantasy. &nbsp;Often times he would spend a whole day reading a fantasy book all the way through. &nbsp;Losing himself in other worlds he always felt so much more alive, but no matter how good the fantasy was you always have to come back to reality in the end. <br>&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Heading down stairs he grabbed a TV dinner out of the freezer and stuck it in the microwave. &nbsp; His family didn't have meals together very often. &nbsp; Usually that was only for holidays. &nbsp; The rest of the time people ate whatever they felt like whenever they felt like it. &nbsp;Since he had started working part time at a restaurant he had started cooking for himself sometimes, but right now he didn't really feel like it. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; Someone grabbed him from the back covering his eyes. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Guess who.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Emma” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Darn it, how did you guess?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Turning around he looked at his little sister. &nbsp;She was a pretty 15 years old with good fashion, good grades and good people skills. &nbsp;Really it was too unfair. &nbsp;Although he was born before her he was convinced that somehow she had sucked up all the good genes. &nbsp;Otherwise it was hard to understand how the two of them could be related. <br>&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“One you're the only person that ever does that to me, and two it would be pretty weird if I couldn't recognize my only sister’s voice.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;She started pouting. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“You’re no fun at all.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Smiling he ruffled her hair. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Don't be like that.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Fine, but you have to let me use your capsule sometimes.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“No way! &nbsp;I just got it.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“You can't use it all the time.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“No, but I certainly plan on using it most of the time.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Please, just when you not using it. &nbsp;I promise that I'll stop playing whenever you want it.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;He tensed up slightly in frustration. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;She could just ask mom and dad to buy her one. &nbsp;She's the favorite. &nbsp;They would definitely buy it probably using her better grades as an excuse for the different treatment. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; Letting out sigh he relaxed a second later. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Probably the reason she doesn't ask is because she knows I'd be upset, but really being upset doesn't make any sense. &nbsp;Sharing a capsule wasn't practical. &nbsp; They would both eventually find quests that they wouldn't want to take breaks from. &nbsp;If later on his sister asked for more time to complete a quests would he really say no? <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;No, the smart thing to do would be for him to ask his parents to buy his sister a capsule. &nbsp;He would reason with them that because of her better grades, and because she was too young to get a part time job. &nbsp;Besides if the arguments came from him they would be a lot easier for him to swallow. &nbsp;Not a particularly logical sentiment but true none the less, and there was a certain truth to it really. &nbsp; Good grades do matter. &nbsp;Why shouldn't she be rewarded? <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Most importantly this way he'd be able to play as much as he wanted without having to say no to his cute little sister. &nbsp;Something that he didn't like to do. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Ok, you can use it for now, but you should get mom and dad to get you a capsule of your own.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“No way, that would be fair. &nbsp;You had to work hard to get yours.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; Looks like step one would be convincing his sister he thought before launched into his arguments. &nbsp; <br> <br>*************************************************************************************************** <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Skylar spent the first week in game doing quests, and talking to NPC. &nbsp;He didn't gain much real wealth or learn any special skills, but he had fun and became familiar with the town. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;From what he had read on the Internet he know that it was on the small size for a starting city, but still he found it quite impressive. &nbsp; Searching around he noticed that there were a lot of shacks for some reason. &nbsp;There were also some stores including a Weapon shop, Armor shop and Adventurer shop. &nbsp;He browsed around the the stores until the proprietor got annoyed at him for not buying anything and kicked him out. &nbsp;There was an inn, tavern and a large dining hall filled with higher level adventures that didn't have time for the questions of a newbie player. &nbsp;There were a bunch of guild buildings although the town lacked any magic guilds and strangely there wasn't a sculptor guild. &nbsp;You would think that a town run by a sculptor would have a sculptor guild. <br>&nbsp; <br>Well he didn't want to be a magic user or a sculptor anyway. &nbsp;He was leaning towards the warrior profession. &nbsp; That was the type of character that usually worked best for him in games. <br> <br>The eighth day of game play saw him delivering some vegetables to the inns kitchen. &nbsp;Even though his the bag he started out with made things take up less volume and weight less he was still struggling under the load. <br> <br>“Skylar my boy. &nbsp;Good to see you!” a voice called out to him. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Skylar looked up to see an old man dressed in tattered close. &nbsp;He was one of the many new NPCs immigrating to the area seeking to escape from monsters. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Hey Grend. &nbsp;How's it going?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Good. &nbsp;Good. &nbsp;Although I am a bit hungry.” He said giving Skylar an imploring smile. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Skylar returned a wry grin. &nbsp;Then reached into his bag, grabbed a piece of bread and gave Grend half it. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Thanks Skylar. I knew I could count on you!” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Skylar was always sharing food with him even though he never gave any quests or rewards, but he didn't really mind. &nbsp;Grend was always telling him stories of grand adventures from the history of the North. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Skylar what do you know about necromancy?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Necromancy? &nbsp;I don't really know that much about it at all.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“After what happened in the past necromancy became outlawed and reviled by everyone. &nbsp;Only recently have people begin to accept the practice again, but even now it isn’t well liked. &nbsp; Things weren't always like this. &nbsp;In the distant past there were necromancers who were respected and admired for their great deeds. &nbsp;Today I want to tell you a story about such a necromancer. &nbsp;His name was Nanic the necromancer of justice.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Justice?” He asked in surprise. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Yes justice. &nbsp;Nanic fought to protect the weak, and to punish the wicked. &nbsp;His fame was great, and he was well loved by everyone. &nbsp;It was a shame how he met an untimely end at the hands of evil.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“What happened to him?” &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“One day an evil paladin, and his army of demons appeared. &nbsp; The paladin laid waste to all who opposed him, and enslaved the people of the lands he controlled. &nbsp; When Namic heard about the foul fiend he gathered his undead army of justice and set out to vanquish him. &nbsp; For month the two armies fought a fierce battle. &nbsp;Slowly Nanic pushed back the demon horde, and on the 60th day of the conflict he met with the paladin on the field of battle. &nbsp; The two fought fiercely. &nbsp;At first it seemed like they were evenly matched, but Namic was the first to tire leading to him receiving a fatal blow. With his chest pierced by the fiends dark blade Namic used the last of his strength to curse the paladin sealing him away for all time. &nbsp;The people were so touched by Namic noble sacrifice that they built a great monument to him on the field where he died.” <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“That's an amazing story.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“It is isn't it. &nbsp;The world needs more heroes like Namic.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Well, I better go finish my delivery. &nbsp;See you latter Grend.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Goodbye Skylar. &nbsp;Always a pleasure talking to you.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;As he finished making his way to the inn Skylar thought about the story he had heard. &nbsp; The necromancer of justice. &nbsp;It was very interesting. &nbsp;The most interesting part was how unusually sympathetic Grend was towards necromancers which was a good indication that he was probably a necromancer himself. &nbsp; A necromancer telling a story about the history of necromancers. &nbsp;It seems like there might be a necromancy related quest tied up in this somehow, although Skylar had no idea what the trigger might be. &nbsp; It was something worth remembering at least. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;When he got to the inn he went into the kitchen to make his delivery. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;He approached the harried looking woman he knew to be Shanna the head chief. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Oh &nbsp;Skylarm, you brought the vegetables. &nbsp;That's great, I've been needing those. &nbsp;Set them on the counter over there.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;After he set them down she approached him. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“I've heard from &nbsp;Maria that you’re hard working. &nbsp; How would you like a part time job at the Inn? &nbsp;We've been really busy here, and we need some more people to help. &nbsp;They pay isn't much, but all you meals are free.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Honestly it didn't sound that appealing to him since he worked part time at a restaurant in real life, but by taking the job there was a chance he might get to learn the cooking skill. &nbsp;That was something that had interested him since he heard the skill gives buffs when used by players with high proficiency. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“I would love to work here.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Great, do you know how to wait tables?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“I've had some experience.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Good, go see Serica in the dining hall. &nbsp;She'll be your manager.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Finding Serica wasn't difficult. &nbsp;After he found her she brought him to the back and set him up with a uniform and notepad. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Do you know how to use that thing?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Of course I know how to use a notepad.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“You're new to the game aren't you? &nbsp;You need a skill for things like that. &nbsp;I'm a painter so I should be able to bestow it. &nbsp;That is if you are good enough to learn.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;The skill acquisition process was to simply draw an apple. Since he was a beginner and his Wisdom and Dexterity were low it was difficult for him to learn, but luckily he was good at drawing so he finally got it on his fifth try. &nbsp; <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Despite your low Dexterity and Wisdom you were able to meet the conditions for skill acquisition thanks to your drawing ability and persistence.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Illustration skill have been acquired.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Painting skill have been acquired.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Thank goodness. &nbsp;I was afraid I were going to have to send you back, and we really need the help.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Couldn't I just remember the orders?” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;She gave him a look filled with skepticism. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Her skepticism was understandable. &nbsp;Remembering orders wasn't easy especially when you are unfamiliar with the menu. &nbsp;He'd gotten fairly good at it working part time at a restaurant in real life, but still he felt much more comfortable with a notepad. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;She told him what he needed to know, assigned him some tables and let him get to it. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Navigating through the crowded dining hall he reached his first table. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Finally a waiter. &nbsp;The service here is terrible.” grouched a burly warrior. <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“You should be happy Grage. &nbsp;If the service is bad you don’t have to leave a tip, and we all know how much you hate tipping.” &nbsp; A pretty young mage said jokingly. &nbsp;Probably trying to lighten the mood. <br> <br>The warrior scowled. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“There's no reason to tip a NPC anyway.” <br> <br>I guess he must think no player would be willing to be a waiter. &nbsp;Well whatever. &nbsp;Let him think what he wants. &nbsp; <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Welcome, my name is Skylar.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;“Cut the small talk. I want a fruit drink and a steak rare.” <br> <br>“Ok” <br> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Notepad</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">obnoxious &lt;censored&gt; fruit drink and ST R</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Beginner Illustration skill increase by 1%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>&nbsp; <br> <br>Amazing, even writing is censored by the system. &nbsp;I wonder what the system would do if someone tried to forge a weapon shaped like a giant penis. &nbsp; <br> <br>“And for you miss?” <br> <br>“I'll also have fruit drink and a burger without tomato. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Notepad</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Pretty girl funny red hat fruit drink &amp; HB NO T</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>&nbsp; <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Beginner Illustration skill increase by 1%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br> <br>“And for you sir?” <br> <br>“I'll have a beer and three pieces of cherry cake.” <br> <br>It looks like someone’s taking advantage of the ability the eat whatever you want in virtual reality without getting fat. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Notepad</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Priest with mole on chine 3 SL cherry cake.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Beginner Illustration skill increase by 1%.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>&nbsp; <br>&nbsp; <br>“I'll be right back with your drinks.” <br> <br>&nbsp; &nbsp;He had been a bit nervous at first about getting a job in the game, but this wasn't really much different from real life. &nbsp;Walking back to the kitchen he was feeling pretty good about the whole thing. </div>

Warning:  This chapter contains the p word.  As in a reference to that part of the male anatomy of which the mention of sometimes makes people uncomfortable.  Just thought I would give a heads up.   **************************************************************************************************** After exiting the capsule Skylar looked around his room and sighed.      Back to reality again.  He'd always liked fantasy.  Often times he would spend a whole day reading a fantasy book all the way through.  Losing himself in other worlds he always felt so much more alive, but no matter how good the fantasy was you always have to come back to reality in the end.      Heading down stairs he grabbed a TV dinner out of the freezer and stuck it in the microwave.   His family didn't have meals together very often.   Usually that was only for holidays.   The rest of the time people ate whatever they felt like whenever they felt like it.  Since he had started working part time at a restaurant he had started cooking for himself sometimes, but right now he didn't really feel like it.       Someone grabbed him from the back covering his eyes.    “Guess who.”    “Emma”    “Darn it, how did you guess?”    Turning around he looked at his little sister.  She was a pretty 15 years old with good fashion, good grades and good people skills.  Really it was too unfair.  Although he was born before her he was convinced that somehow she had sucked up all the good genes.  Otherwise it was hard to understand how the two of them could be related.      “One you're the only person that ever does that to me, and two it would be pretty weird if I couldn't recognize my only sister’s voice.”    She started pouting.    “You’re no fun at all.”    Smiling he ruffled her hair.    “Don't be like that.”    “Fine, but you have to let me use your capsule sometimes.”    “No way!  I just got it.”    “You can't use it all the time.”    “No, but I certainly plan on using it most of the time.”    “Please, just when you not using it.  I promise that I'll stop playing whenever you want it.”    He tensed up slightly in frustration.    She could just ask mom and dad to buy her one.  She's the favorite.  They would definitely buy it probably using her better grades as an excuse for the different treatment.       Letting out sigh he relaxed a second later.    Probably the reason she doesn't ask is because she knows I'd be upset, but really being upset doesn't make any sense.  Sharing a capsule wasn't practical.   They would both eventually find quests that they wouldn't want to take breaks from.  If later on his sister asked for more time to complete a quests would he really say no?    No, the smart thing to do would be for him to ask his parents to buy his sister a capsule.  He would reason with them that because of her better grades, and because she was too young to get a part time job.  Besides if the arguments came from him they would be a lot easier for him to swallow.  Not a particularly logical sentiment but true none the less, and there was a certain truth to it really.   Good grades do matter.  Why shouldn't she be rewarded?    Most importantly this way he'd be able to play as much as he wanted without having to say no to his cute little sister.  Something that he didn't like to do.    “Ok, you can use it for now, but you should get mom and dad to get you a capsule of your own.”    “No way, that would be fair.  You had to work hard to get yours.”     Looks like step one would be convincing his sister he thought before launched into his arguments.   ***************************************************************************************************    Skylar spent the first week in game doing quests, and talking to NPC.  He didn't gain much real wealth or learn any special skills, but he had fun and became familiar with the town.      From what he had read on the Internet he know that it was on the small size for a starting city, but still he found it quite impressive.   Searching around he noticed that there were a lot of shacks for some reason.  There were also some stores including a Weapon shop, Armor shop and Adventurer shop.  He browsed around the the stores until the proprietor got annoyed at him for not buying anything and kicked him out.  There was an inn, tavern and a large dining hall filled with higher level adventures that didn't have time for the questions of a newbie player.  There were a bunch of guild buildings although the town lacked any magic guilds and strangely there wasn't a sculptor guild.  You would think that a town run by a sculptor would have a sculptor guild.   Well he didn't want to be a magic user or a sculptor anyway.  He was leaning towards the warrior profession.   That was the type of character that usually worked best for him in games. The eighth day of game play saw him delivering some vegetables to the inns kitchen.  Even though his the bag he started out with made things take up less volume and weight less he was still struggling under the load. “Skylar my boy.  Good to see you!” a voice called out to him.    Skylar looked up to see an old man dressed in tattered close.  He was one of the many new NPCs immigrating to the area seeking to escape from monsters.    “Hey Grend.  How's it going?”    “Good.  Good.  Although I am a bit hungry.” He said giving Skylar an imploring smile.    Skylar returned a wry grin.  Then reached into his bag, grabbed a piece of bread and gave Grend half it.    “Thanks Skylar. I knew I could count on you!”    Skylar was always sharing food with him even though he never gave any quests or rewards, but he didn't really mind.  Grend was always telling him stories of grand adventures from the history of the North.    “Skylar what do you know about necromancy?”    “Necromancy?  I don't really know that much about it at all.”    “After what happened in the past necromancy became outlawed and reviled by everyone.  Only recently have people begin to accept the practice again, but even now it isn’t well liked.   Things weren't always like this.  In the distant past there were necromancers who were respected and admired for their great deeds.  Today I want to tell you a story about such a necromancer.  His name was Nanic the necromancer of justice.”    “Justice?” He asked in surprise.      “Yes justice.  Nanic fought to protect the weak, and to punish the wicked.  His fame was great, and he was well loved by everyone.  It was a shame how he met an untimely end at the hands of evil.”    “What happened to him?”      “One day an evil paladin, and his army of demons appeared.   The paladin laid waste to all who opposed him, and enslaved the people of the lands he controlled.   When Namic heard about the foul fiend he gathered his undead army of justice and set out to vanquish him.   For month the two armies fought a fierce battle.  Slowly Nanic pushed back the demon horde, and on the 60th day of the conflict he met with the paladin on the field of battle.   The two fought fiercely.  At first it seemed like they were evenly matched, but Namic was the first to tire leading to him receiving a fatal blow. With his chest pierced by the fiends dark blade Namic used the last of his strength to curse the paladin sealing him away for all time.  The people were so touched by Namic noble sacrifice that they built a great monument to him on the field where he died.”    “That's an amazing story.”    “It is isn't it.  The world needs more heroes like Namic.”    “Well, I better go finish my delivery.  See you latter Grend.”    “Goodbye Skylar.  Always a pleasure talking to you.”    As he finished making his way to the inn Skylar thought about the story he had heard.   The necromancer of justice.  It was very interesting.  The most interesting part was how unusually sympathetic Grend was towards necromancers which was a good indication that he was probably a necromancer himself.   A necromancer telling a story about the history of necromancers.  It seems like there might be a necromancy related quest tied up in this somehow, although Skylar had no idea what the trigger might be.   It was something worth remembering at least.    When he got to the inn he went into the kitchen to make his delivery.      He approached the harried looking woman he knew to be Shanna the head chief.    “Oh  Skylarm, you brought the vegetables.  That's great, I've been needing those.  Set them on the counter over there.”      After he set them down she approached him.    “I've heard from  Maria that you’re hard working.   How would you like a part time job at the Inn?  We've been really busy here, and we need some more people to help.  They pay isn't much, but all you meals are free.”    Honestly it didn't sound that appealing to him since he worked part time at a restaurant in real life, but by taking the job there was a chance he might get to learn the cooking skill.  That was something that had interested him since he heard the skill gives buffs when used by players with high proficiency.    “I would love to work here.”    “Great, do you know how to wait tables?”    “I've had some experience.”    “Good, go see Serica in the dining hall.  She'll be your manager.”    Finding Serica wasn't difficult.  After he found her she brought him to the back and set him up with a uniform and notepad.    “Do you know how to use that thing?”    “Of course I know how to use a notepad.”    “You're new to the game aren't you?  You need a skill for things like that.  I'm a painter so I should be able to bestow it.  That is if you are good enough to learn.”    The skill acquisition process was to simply draw an apple. Since he was a beginner and his Wisdom and Dexterity were low it was difficult for him to learn, but luckily he was good at drawing so he finally got it on his fifth try.   | Despite your low Dexterity and Wisdom you were able to meet the conditions for skill acquisition thanks to your drawing ability and persistence. | | --- | | Illustration skill have been acquired. | | --- | | Painting skill have been acquired. | | --- |    “Thank goodness.  I was afraid I were going to have to send you back, and we really need the help.”    “Couldn't I just remember the orders?”    She gave him a look filled with skepticism.    Her skepticism was understandable.  Remembering orders wasn't easy especially when you are unfamiliar with the menu.  He'd gotten fairly good at it working part time at a restaurant in real life, but still he felt much more comfortable with a notepad.          She told him what he needed to know, assigned him some tables and let him get to it.    Navigating through the crowded dining hall he reached his first table.    “Finally a waiter.  The service here is terrible.” grouched a burly warrior.    “You should be happy Grage.  If the service is bad you don’t have to leave a tip, and we all know how much you hate tipping.”   A pretty young mage said jokingly.  Probably trying to lighten the mood. The warrior scowled.      “There's no reason to tip a NPC anyway.” I guess he must think no player would be willing to be a waiter.  Well whatever.  Let him think what he wants.      “Welcome, my name is Skylar.”    “Cut the small talk. I want a fruit drink and a steak rare.” “Ok” | Notepad | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | obnoxious <censored> fruit drink and ST R | | | | | Beginner Illustration skill increase by 1%. | | --- |   Amazing, even writing is censored by the system.  I wonder what the system would do if someone tried to forge a weapon shaped like a giant penis.   “And for you miss?” “I'll also have fruit drink and a burger without tomato. | Notepad | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Pretty girl funny red hat fruit drink & HB NO T | | | |   | Beginner Illustration skill increase by 1%. | | --- | “And for you sir?” “I'll have a beer and three pieces of cherry cake.” It looks like someone’s taking advantage of the ability the eat whatever you want in virtual reality without getting fat. | Notepad | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Priest with mole on chine 3 SL cherry cake. | | | | | Beginner Illustration skill increase by 1%. | | --- |     “I'll be right back with your drinks.”    He had been a bit nervous at first about getting a job in the game, but this wasn't really much different from real life.  Walking back to the kitchen he was feeling pretty good about the whole thing.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Nearing the end of the fourth week, Rion heard something pleasant.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">New Stat: Endurance</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Level Up: Sword Mastery [2]<br>Increases Attack Power with a sword. (+20% ATK)<br>Increases Attack Speed with a sword (+6% ATK SPD)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Endurance<br>Reduces the loss of vitality and stamina. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>After four weeks of hard work, Rion leveled up Sword Mastery to two, gained a new stat, agility became 22, stamina became 20, and most importantly, strength became 25.<br><br>Rion went back to the shack only to find that there was no one there.<br>"That damned blacksmith lied to me." The room looked like it had been abandoned for weeks.<br>Fuming, Rion glanced around to look for something to let her anger out on and noticed another door. Curious as to what was behind the door, Rion opened the door.<br>It was a door back to the outside, and there was nothing there. Dejected, Rion walked out. After one step and Rion was hit by something forceful, and collapsed.<br><br>It was as if gravity multiplied by a thousand. Only being able to move her head, Rion turned to see what hit her, and saw two NPCs fighting.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">This game has a lot of immersion.</span><br><br>The NPCs that were fighting was an NPC Rion never saw before, and the blacksmith. The blacksmith was holding the sword he was forging earlier. Both of them were heavily injured.<br>The other NPC seemed to be gaining the upper hand. The blacksmith was losing. That was, until the black sword was suddenly thrust into the NPC. It looked as if the sword had absorbed the data for the other NPC.<br><br>The blacksmith walked towards Rion.<br><br>"I'm going to modify your equipment."<br>Rion's equipped items were replaced by similar ones from the blacksmith.<br>"Try standing up now."<br>Rion was able to stand up now, although the gravity was still heavier than before and gave her a hunchback.<br>"What did you do?"<br>"I will explain, but first let me explain the situation."<br><br>"I was a normal NPC working as a blacksmith. One day, I was drafted for the Rosenheim army and went into the North. I discovered everything, that this is a game, and I am merely a product of this world. I discovered a lot on the journey. <br>I saw the code for this 'game'. Since then, I have seen the world differently. Monsters, players, NPCs. They all had health and levels. I could create things, custom classes, custom weapons, custom everything.<br>Because of that, the Goddess Freya has sent other NPCs to track me down and eliminate me. What you just saw was the reason you are like this now. The blast that hit you was a stat-deleting blast. I was able to ward off most of it, unfortunately not all. Because of it, you have zero strength and cannot add stat points into it."<br><br>Rion was shocked. No strength meant not only would trivial tasks suddenly become difficult, but being a warrior was impossible.<br><br>The blacksmith suddenly got up and squinted at the sky.<br>"There's not much time. They're coming again. As compensation for your loss, I will give you this sword and a class of your choice."<br>The blacksmith handed the black sword over to Rion. It was extremely light, and she could hold it just fine. This only strengthened her resolve."<br>"I want to be a warrior."<br>"..."<br>"What's wrong?"<br>"Because you have less than ten strength, the system won't allow me to give you the class."<br>"..."<br>"However, I can give you a modified version of it."<br>"I'm OK with that."<br>"Good. This class is different from all the others. Because it is not made by the Goddess Freya, it has no limits. What you do will heavily change how your class progresses."<br>*Ting*<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Custom Class!</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">If you accept it, the class changes as you progress. Do you want to convert now?</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br> "I accept." Rion's avatar was enveloped in light.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Character Name</td><td width="25%">Rion</td><td width="25%">Alignment</td><td width="25%">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Profession</td><td width="25%">Custom Warrior</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Title</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Reputation</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">100</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">100</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">0</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">22</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td colspan="3">20</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">10</td><td width="25%">Intellect</td><td width="25%">10</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td width="25%">0 (-5)</td><td width="25%">Leadership</td><td width="25%">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Attack</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Defense</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Magic Resistance</td><td colspan="3">None</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ Enables you to equip certain items specialized for warriors.+ Class will change with progress.<br>+ Item Identification has been enabled.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>Rion was pretty disappointed. She did not gain any of the stats usually earned from class changing, she even lost stats in Luck! However, she could change the class when she needed to if she didn't like it, and having a class at Level 1 helps tremendously.<br><br>"The sword I have given you is a recent invention of mine. Like you, the weapon will also level."<br>A weapon that levels. Something like this was unheard of. Not only could this sword surpass all other weapons, Rion would not have to buy a sword ever again!<br><br>"I must go now. I wish you luck on your journey. If we ever meet again, pretend to not know me. Everything you will need to advance your repair skill to intermediate is behind the furnace."<br>And with that, the blacksmith was gone.<br><br>Rion went back inside the shack and went directly to the furnace. She checked behind the furnace but could not find anything. She checked every nook and cranny, but to no avail.<br>He lied to me! Unless...<br>Rion put out the flames of the furnace. There was an obvious, suspicious trapdoor under the pile of ashes. Surprisingly, it opened when Rion pulled the hatch.<br><br>Woooooaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh<br>It was an underground chasm that had a seemingly endless amount of worn weapons. They must have all been the blacksmith's creations. Each one was different from the other, sometimes by miniscule details. <br>Rion looked back at her own weapon. It was much different from the others. While the worn weapons were made of mostly a white metal, hers was sleek black. Upon further inspection, it looked like the weapon was sucking in all light around it. Sunlight did not reflect.<br><br>"Identify!"<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Angst Level 0: Durability: ?<br>Damage: 5-8<br>An extremely skilled blacksmith created this weapon. It is the first of its kind. Because of the material used in this weapon, it can gain extra effects as it levels.<br>Equip: +1 STR</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>An incredibly overpowered weapon was in Rion's hands. A durability of infinity would mean that the weapon would never lose power and battle, and it never had to be cared for. But that wasn't the overpowered part.<br>A weapon that could indefinitely gain extra effects would be insane. If one of those effects were life drain, Rion was essentially unkillable in battle. It was all up to luck.<br>If each weapon was just as powerful as she hoped, Rion could sell the repaired weapons for an immense sum.<br>Although her weapon would never break, Rion's armor still would. The repair skill was still necessary. But right now, strength was more important.<br><br>Rion headed back to the Training Hall. Picking up the wooden sword was a task at this point. It took all of her strength to swing the sword. Hitting the scarecrow was a huge feat in itself. However, she was determined to not give up. Every strength point mattered now, she would be weaker than other players with zero strength.<br><br>Ten minutes later a message surprised Rion.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>There could only be one explanation for gaining a strength point this fast. The more strength you have, the harder it is the gain a point for it through unconventional means. This would mean that Rion could quickly gain back all the strength she lost. <br><br>The wooden sword was a bit easier to swing. Rion continued on hitting the scarecrow. </div>

Nearing the end of the fourth week, Rion heard something pleasant. | Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | New Stat: Endurance | | | | | Level Up: Sword Mastery [2]Increases Attack Power with a sword. (+20% ATK)Increases Attack Speed with a sword (+6% ATK SPD) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | EnduranceReduces the loss of vitality and stamina. You are prohibited from distributing stat bonus points to this stat. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After four weeks of hard work, Rion leveled up Sword Mastery to two, gained a new stat, agility became 22, stamina became 20, and most importantly, strength became 25. Rion went back to the shack only to find that there was no one there. "That damned blacksmith lied to me." The room looked like it had been abandoned for weeks. Fuming, Rion glanced around to look for something to let her anger out on and noticed another door. Curious as to what was behind the door, Rion opened the door. It was a door back to the outside, and there was nothing there. Dejected, Rion walked out. After one step and Rion was hit by something forceful, and collapsed. It was as if gravity multiplied by a thousand. Only being able to move her head, Rion turned to see what hit her, and saw two NPCs fighting. This game has a lot of immersion. The NPCs that were fighting was an NPC Rion never saw before, and the blacksmith. The blacksmith was holding the sword he was forging earlier. Both of them were heavily injured. The other NPC seemed to be gaining the upper hand. The blacksmith was losing. That was, until the black sword was suddenly thrust into the NPC. It looked as if the sword had absorbed the data for the other NPC. The blacksmith walked towards Rion. "I'm going to modify your equipment." Rion's equipped items were replaced by similar ones from the blacksmith. "Try standing up now." Rion was able to stand up now, although the gravity was still heavier than before and gave her a hunchback. "What did you do?" "I will explain, but first let me explain the situation." "I was a normal NPC working as a blacksmith. One day, I was drafted for the Rosenheim army and went into the North. I discovered everything, that this is a game, and I am merely a product of this world. I discovered a lot on the journey. I saw the code for this 'game'. Since then, I have seen the world differently. Monsters, players, NPCs. They all had health and levels. I could create things, custom classes, custom weapons, custom everything. Because of that, the Goddess Freya has sent other NPCs to track me down and eliminate me. What you just saw was the reason you are like this now. The blast that hit you was a stat-deleting blast. I was able to ward off most of it, unfortunately not all. Because of it, you have zero strength and cannot add stat points into it." Rion was shocked. No strength meant not only would trivial tasks suddenly become difficult, but being a warrior was impossible. The blacksmith suddenly got up and squinted at the sky. "There's not much time. They're coming again. As compensation for your loss, I will give you this sword and a class of your choice." The blacksmith handed the black sword over to Rion. It was extremely light, and she could hold it just fine. This only strengthened her resolve." "I want to be a warrior." "..." "What's wrong?" "Because you have less than ten strength, the system won't allow me to give you the class." "..." "However, I can give you a modified version of it." "I'm OK with that." "Good. This class is different from all the others. Because it is not made by the Goddess Freya, it has no limits. What you do will heavily change how your class progresses." *Ting* | Custom Class! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | If you accept it, the class changes as you progress. Do you want to convert now? | | | | "I accept." Rion's avatar was enveloped in light. | Character Name | Rion | Alignment | None | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Level | 1 | Profession | Custom Warrior | | Title | None | | | | Reputation | 0 | | | | Health | 100 | Mana | 100 | | Strength | 0 | Agility | 22 | | Stamina | 20 | | | | Wisdom | 10 | Intellect | 10 | | Luck | 0 (-5) | Leadership | 0 | | Attack | 0 | | | | Defense | 0 | | | | Magic Resistance | None | | | | + Enables you to equip certain items specialized for warriors.+ Class will change with progress.+ Item Identification has been enabled. | | | | Rion was pretty disappointed. She did not gain any of the stats usually earned from class changing, she even lost stats in Luck! However, she could change the class when she needed to if she didn't like it, and having a class at Level 1 helps tremendously. "The sword I have given you is a recent invention of mine. Like you, the weapon will also level." A weapon that levels. Something like this was unheard of. Not only could this sword surpass all other weapons, Rion would not have to buy a sword ever again! "I must go now. I wish you luck on your journey. If we ever meet again, pretend to not know me. Everything you will need to advance your repair skill to intermediate is behind the furnace." And with that, the blacksmith was gone. Rion went back inside the shack and went directly to the furnace. She checked behind the furnace but could not find anything. She checked every nook and cranny, but to no avail. He lied to me! Unless... Rion put out the flames of the furnace. There was an obvious, suspicious trapdoor under the pile of ashes. Surprisingly, it opened when Rion pulled the hatch. Woooooaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh It was an underground chasm that had a seemingly endless amount of worn weapons. They must have all been the blacksmith's creations. Each one was different from the other, sometimes by miniscule details. Rion looked back at her own weapon. It was much different from the others. While the worn weapons were made of mostly a white metal, hers was sleek black. Upon further inspection, it looked like the weapon was sucking in all light around it. Sunlight did not reflect. "Identify!" | Angst Level 0: Durability: ?Damage: 5-8An extremely skilled blacksmith created this weapon. It is the first of its kind. Because of the material used in this weapon, it can gain extra effects as it levels.Equip: +1 STR | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | An incredibly overpowered weapon was in Rion's hands. A durability of infinity would mean that the weapon would never lose power and battle, and it never had to be cared for. But that wasn't the overpowered part. A weapon that could indefinitely gain extra effects would be insane. If one of those effects were life drain, Rion was essentially unkillable in battle. It was all up to luck. If each weapon was just as powerful as she hoped, Rion could sell the repaired weapons for an immense sum. Although her weapon would never break, Rion's armor still would. The repair skill was still necessary. But right now, strength was more important. Rion headed back to the Training Hall. Picking up the wooden sword was a task at this point. It took all of her strength to swing the sword. Hitting the scarecrow was a huge feat in itself. However, she was determined to not give up. Every strength point mattered now, she would be weaker than other players with zero strength. Ten minutes later a message surprised Rion. | Strength increased by 1 point. (+1 STR) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | There could only be one explanation for gaining a strength point this fast. The more strength you have, the harder it is the gain a point for it through unconventional means. This would mean that Rion could quickly gain back all the strength she lost. The wooden sword was a bit easier to swing. Rion continued on hitting the scarecrow.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-size: 2.3em;">#Are you afraid of the Dark?</span><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">You have become the first discoverers of the Isran Prison!<br><br>Reward:<br>Fame has increased by 120.<br>Experience and drop rates have doubled for a week.<br><br>The first monster hunted will drop some its the best items it has.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>"What the-"<br><br>"Where are we?"<br><br>"I can't see!"<br><br>"OW! I hit my head on something!"<br><br>"Yeah! MY head!"<br><br>"Where's a light stick when you need one."<br><br>"Freya guide my blade! [Bless Weapon]!"<br><br>Within the darkness, a long, rod-like object started to create a soft blue glow. The glow got stronger and stronger until it looked like Kenobi was holding a lit fluorescent tube.<br><br>"Somebody call for a light stick?" joked Kenobi.<br><br>"Is that a motherfuckin lightsaber?" was all I could say.<br><br>"Yep! It's a motherfukin lightsaber."<br><br>"More importantly, where is this place?" Interupted Voltanis.<br><br>"The alert called it the "Isran Prison". I've never heard of such a place. I guess we're the first ones to roll this on that wheel," said Splay Mark.<br><br>"It's kinda creepy..." I said.<br><br>We were in a stone corridor just wide enough for two people to lie down head-to-toe. On one side of the corridor was a line of jail cells with skeletons lying in them. The chains that once held the prisoners hanging from the walls have rusted badly enough that they snapped, leaving the shackles still on their wrists and ankles.<br><br>Other than the skeletons, there were half-decayed corpses in rusted armor lying around on the ground outside the cells, with weapons that were even <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> rusted lying next to them. Attatched to the belts of a few of them in particular was a bunch of keys, presumably for the cells.<br><br>"You know... In a scenario like this... It's highly likely that the dead people will come back to life and try to eat our brains." I continued.<br><br>As though waiting for me to say that, the skeletons began to pick themselves up and piece themselves back together, and the dead guards began to stand up, as though waking from a long sleep.<br><br>"It's just as I- HEY! THAT'S THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOUR JOBS ARE!"<br><br>The zombies (that's what I'll call them from now on) that had keys with them began to open the jail cells to let out the skeletons that were banging their skeletal fists against the door.<br><br>"Shoot them!" Splay Mark called out to me.<br><br>"Don't have to tell me twice."<br><br>I pulled out my crossbow and took aim, but just as I was about to fire, the light swayed violently causing me to miss the shot. As my flaming bolt flew into the darkness, I realized that at similar things were happening throughout the dungeon.<br><br>"Keep the light steady!" I told Kenobi, who had stabbed the skeleton in the cell directly next to us.<br><br>"What? You want me to NOT attack?"<br><br>"Well, no, but..."<br><br>"Let me handle this, I know a friend who can help," Voltanis offered.<br><br>Voltanis placed his hands together and started whistling a tune, and when he opened his hands, an androgynous faerie with a pink glow was floating before him.<br><br>"Reporting for duty, sir!" the faerie saluted and said in a cheeky, high-pitched voice.<br><br>"I need you to fly ahead and mark out the targets so that me and Notrem can aim properly."<br><br>"Okie Dokey no problem!" the faerie flitted towards a zombie that was further away and floated just above its head, clearly marking the target for us, "Target marked!"<br><br>In addition to the one being marked by the faerie there was one more slightly behind it.<br><br>"Neat trick, friend of yours?"<br><br>"Yep, s/he owes me a small favor. And s/he's not the only one. You could say I'm a summoner in addition to being a mage."<br><br>*<span style="font-style: italic;">CRASH!</span><br><br>"Could you just shoot the damn things before they release any more skele's?" ordered Splay Mark, who had just brought his "Not-a-Sword" (from now on, I shall call it a "NaS"!) straight down on a skeleton and crushed it.<br><br>Immediately after that blow landed, he swung his NaS sideways at a zombie, but despite knocking it back, the zombie still managed to remain on its feet.<br><br>"Hey! Watch out these guys are stronger than they look!"<br><br>"What I plan to do to them, it won't matter how strong they are," I replied confidently.<br><br>I took a shot at the zombie at the back who was trying to unlock another jail cell and the bolt hit it in the face. Shortly after, it looked like some bad Ghost Rider remake with its flaming skull and burned out almost as quickly as it lit on fire.<br><br>"Fire. Bad," Voltanis quipped, "[Flare]!"<br><br>From his hands sprung forth a small, but bright, burning ball of fire that hit the other zombie, producing much the same results as before.<br><br>"Regenerating skeletons! I'll just slice them into smaller pieces!" said Kenobi, who was, quite amazingly, slicing the skeletons into halves as though his weapon was an actual lightsaber. Eventually the skeletons stopped getting back up when they got sliced into small enough pieces, or when they were crushed by Splay Mark's NaS.<br>"Target Spotted!" squeaked the faerie as it flitted further into the darkness and marked another group of zombies.<br><br>While I was taking care of those, a small horde of zombies and skeletons attacked us from behind.<br><br>"On it!" shouted Splay Mark as he used his weapon to physically block their advance, "Voltanis!"<br><br>"One moment, bigger spells take longer to cast for me," Voltanis was waving his arms around in an arcane manner, "[Stone Spears]!"<br><br>A row of spikes sprung up from the stone floor of the dungeon and impaled the front row of the incoming horde, effectively forming an impenetrable barrier. From there, it was only a matter of time as Voltanis and Kenobi slowly picked off the enemies from behind the barrier with spells (and Holy Magic), while me and Splay Mark handled the front.<br><br>"Okay! Let's see what drops we got!" said Splay Mark when we finally cleared the area, "What! These are crap!"<br><br>Despite the bonus we have from being the first discoverers, all the "best items" that dropped are rusted weapons and armor.<br><br>"Repair!"<br><br>"Identify!"<br><br>"Oh hey, the weapons are actually not bad."<br><br>Despite their appearance, low durability, and low damage, it seems that they apply [Poison] and other miscellaneous debuffs on hit. Problem is...<br><br>Archer.<br><br>Mage.<br><br><span style="font-size: 0.7em;">(Jedi)</span><br>Paladin.<br><br>Half-Naked Giant-Sword Warrior.<br><br>"I guess we can just sell them and distribute the gold..." I suggested.<br><br>"So much for being the first," Kenobi complained, "Freya! Why have you forsaken us!"<br><br>"""Because you're an Atheist."""<br><br>"Eh...Heh... Don't listen to them, Freya!"<br><br>"Come on, let's move on," Splay Mark said to us.<br><br>"Try going to Church," Voltanis suggested to Kenobi before following Plsy Mark and I.<br><br>"Freya! I'll invest more gold into the Church! Forgive me!!!"<br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br><br>Over the course of two days, we fought our way through two labryinthine levels of the prison, with the second floor above the first (I guess it means we're heading OUT of the prison?).<br><br>The faerie has proven to be indispensable. Not only does s/he mark out targets for us, but s/he also scouts ahead and reports any nearby enemies, or inform us of the general layout of the nearby area, which Voltanis draws onto a rough map for reference.<br><br>As for meals, we made do with store-bought rations, that is, until right now.<br><br>"<span style="font-style: italic;">Finally</span>, we found the stairs to the next level," said Splay Mark.<br><br>"Hold on!" squeaked the Faerie, "I sense something strong beyond these stairs!"<br><br>"The boss?" asked Kenobi.<br><br>"Maybe! There are three of them, but one is higher up than the other two," s/he replied, "Sir, my favor ends here. Our agreement does not include putting myself in danger. Goodbye!"<br><br>And with that s/he dissapeared in a puff of pink smoke.<br><br>"Can you still call it back?" I asked Voltanis.<br><br>"No, not anytime soon," he answered, "But to prepare for the boss fight, I have a treat for everyone! Come Forth! <span style="font-weight: bold;">[Heiðrún]</span>!"<br><br>"BAAA!!!!"<br><br>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop!</span><br><br>From the stairs ran (clopped? Galloped?) down a white goat with two slightly curved horns growing from its head.<br><br>"It's a goat." I said, "Are we supposed to eat it?"<br><br>"NO!" Voltanis replied, "There would be alot of angry people in Asgard if you did that. What you do is drink its milk. It will boost your stats."<br><br>Walking up to the goat, Voltanis milked the creature and produced four vessels of a translucent, gold-colored liquid, after which the goat dissapeared back up the stairs.<br><br>"This... isn't milk," Kenobi stated the obvious.<br><br>"Just drink it..."<br><br>"Here goes!" I said, and the four of us gulped the drink down.<br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">You have consumed: Necter of the Gods.<br><br>All stats increased by 30%!<br><br>Maximum Health and Mana has increased!<br><br>Health, Mana, and Stamina regeneration have increased!<br><br>You are slightly intoxicated.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>"This..." (me)<br><br>"Is..." (Kenobi)<br><br>"MEAD!!!!!!" Splay Mark!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br><br><br><img src="http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/azbm6NB_700b.jpg" border="0" alt="http%3a%2f%2fd24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net%2fpho...B_700b.jpg"><br><br><br>After that, we prepared for battle and climbed up the stairs.<br>********************************************************************************<br><br>Author's note:<br><br>Hello again!<br><br>Since the main diety in Royal Road is Freya, I will be basing the summons in my FF on Norse mythology, including the Goat that squirts Golden Milk up there.<br><br>As usual, all comments and criticisms will be welcome!<br><br>Thanks for reading! </div>

#Are you afraid of the Dark? | You have become the first discoverers of the Isran Prison!Reward:Fame has increased by 120.Experience and drop rates have doubled for a week.The first monster hunted will drop some its the best items it has. | | --- | "What the-" "Where are we?" "I can't see!" "OW! I hit my head on something!" "Yeah! MY head!" "Where's a light stick when you need one." "Freya guide my blade! [Bless Weapon]!" Within the darkness, a long, rod-like object started to create a soft blue glow. The glow got stronger and stronger until it looked like Kenobi was holding a lit fluorescent tube. "Somebody call for a light stick?" joked Kenobi. "Is that a motherfuckin lightsaber?" was all I could say. "Yep! It's a motherfukin lightsaber." "More importantly, where is this place?" Interupted Voltanis. "The alert called it the "Isran Prison". I've never heard of such a place. I guess we're the first ones to roll this on that wheel," said Splay Mark. "It's kinda creepy..." I said. We were in a stone corridor just wide enough for two people to lie down head-to-toe. On one side of the corridor was a line of jail cells with skeletons lying in them. The chains that once held the prisoners hanging from the walls have rusted badly enough that they snapped, leaving the shackles still on their wrists and ankles. Other than the skeletons, there were half-decayed corpses in rusted armor lying around on the ground outside the cells, with weapons that were even more rusted lying next to them. Attatched to the belts of a few of them in particular was a bunch of keys, presumably for the cells. "You know... In a scenario like this... It's highly likely that the dead people will come back to life and try to eat our brains." I continued. As though waiting for me to say that, the skeletons began to pick themselves up and piece themselves back together, and the dead guards began to stand up, as though waking from a long sleep. "It's just as I- HEY! THAT'S THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT YOUR JOBS ARE!" The zombies (that's what I'll call them from now on) that had keys with them began to open the jail cells to let out the skeletons that were banging their skeletal fists against the door. "Shoot them!" Splay Mark called out to me. "Don't have to tell me twice." I pulled out my crossbow and took aim, but just as I was about to fire, the light swayed violently causing me to miss the shot. As my flaming bolt flew into the darkness, I realized that at similar things were happening throughout the dungeon. "Keep the light steady!" I told Kenobi, who had stabbed the skeleton in the cell directly next to us. "What? You want me to NOT attack?" "Well, no, but..." "Let me handle this, I know a friend who can help," Voltanis offered. Voltanis placed his hands together and started whistling a tune, and when he opened his hands, an androgynous faerie with a pink glow was floating before him. "Reporting for duty, sir!" the faerie saluted and said in a cheeky, high-pitched voice. "I need you to fly ahead and mark out the targets so that me and Notrem can aim properly." "Okie Dokey no problem!" the faerie flitted towards a zombie that was further away and floated just above its head, clearly marking the target for us, "Target marked!" In addition to the one being marked by the faerie there was one more slightly behind it. "Neat trick, friend of yours?" "Yep, s/he owes me a small favor. And s/he's not the only one. You could say I'm a summoner in addition to being a mage." *CRASH! "Could you just shoot the damn things before they release any more skele's?" ordered Splay Mark, who had just brought his "Not-a-Sword" (from now on, I shall call it a "NaS"!) straight down on a skeleton and crushed it. Immediately after that blow landed, he swung his NaS sideways at a zombie, but despite knocking it back, the zombie still managed to remain on its feet. "Hey! Watch out these guys are stronger than they look!" "What I plan to do to them, it won't matter how strong they are," I replied confidently. I took a shot at the zombie at the back who was trying to unlock another jail cell and the bolt hit it in the face. Shortly after, it looked like some bad Ghost Rider remake with its flaming skull and burned out almost as quickly as it lit on fire. "Fire. Bad," Voltanis quipped, "[Flare]!" From his hands sprung forth a small, but bright, burning ball of fire that hit the other zombie, producing much the same results as before. "Regenerating skeletons! I'll just slice them into smaller pieces!" said Kenobi, who was, quite amazingly, slicing the skeletons into halves as though his weapon was an actual lightsaber. Eventually the skeletons stopped getting back up when they got sliced into small enough pieces, or when they were crushed by Splay Mark's NaS. "Target Spotted!" squeaked the faerie as it flitted further into the darkness and marked another group of zombies. While I was taking care of those, a small horde of zombies and skeletons attacked us from behind. "On it!" shouted Splay Mark as he used his weapon to physically block their advance, "Voltanis!" "One moment, bigger spells take longer to cast for me," Voltanis was waving his arms around in an arcane manner, "[Stone Spears]!" A row of spikes sprung up from the stone floor of the dungeon and impaled the front row of the incoming horde, effectively forming an impenetrable barrier. From there, it was only a matter of time as Voltanis and Kenobi slowly picked off the enemies from behind the barrier with spells (and Holy Magic), while me and Splay Mark handled the front. "Okay! Let's see what drops we got!" said Splay Mark when we finally cleared the area, "What! These are crap!" Despite the bonus we have from being the first discoverers, all the "best items" that dropped are rusted weapons and armor. "Repair!" "Identify!" "Oh hey, the weapons are actually not bad." Despite their appearance, low durability, and low damage, it seems that they apply [Poison] and other miscellaneous debuffs on hit. Problem is... Archer. Mage. (Jedi) Paladin. Half-Naked Giant-Sword Warrior. "I guess we can just sell them and distribute the gold..." I suggested. "So much for being the first," Kenobi complained, "Freya! Why have you forsaken us!" """Because you're an Atheist.""" "Eh...Heh... Don't listen to them, Freya!" "Come on, let's move on," Splay Mark said to us. "Try going to Church," Voltanis suggested to Kenobi before following Plsy Mark and I. "Freya! I'll invest more gold into the Church! Forgive me!!!" ******************************************************************************** Over the course of two days, we fought our way through two labryinthine levels of the prison, with the second floor above the first (I guess it means we're heading OUT of the prison?). The faerie has proven to be indispensable. Not only does s/he mark out targets for us, but s/he also scouts ahead and reports any nearby enemies, or inform us of the general layout of the nearby area, which Voltanis draws onto a rough map for reference. As for meals, we made do with store-bought rations, that is, until right now. "Finally, we found the stairs to the next level," said Splay Mark. "Hold on!" squeaked the Faerie, "I sense something strong beyond these stairs!" "The boss?" asked Kenobi. "Maybe! There are three of them, but one is higher up than the other two," s/he replied, "Sir, my favor ends here. Our agreement does not include putting myself in danger. Goodbye!" And with that s/he dissapeared in a puff of pink smoke. "Can you still call it back?" I asked Voltanis. "No, not anytime soon," he answered, "But to prepare for the boss fight, I have a treat for everyone! Come Forth! [Heiðrún]!" "BAAA!!!!" *Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! Clop! From the stairs ran (clopped? Galloped?) down a white goat with two slightly curved horns growing from its head. "It's a goat." I said, "Are we supposed to eat it?" "NO!" Voltanis replied, "There would be alot of angry people in Asgard if you did that. What you do is drink its milk. It will boost your stats." Walking up to the goat, Voltanis milked the creature and produced four vessels of a translucent, gold-colored liquid, after which the goat dissapeared back up the stairs. "This... isn't milk," Kenobi stated the obvious. "Just drink it..." "Here goes!" I said, and the four of us gulped the drink down. | You have consumed: Necter of the Gods.All stats increased by 30%!Maximum Health and Mana has increased!Health, Mana, and Stamina regeneration have increased!You are slightly intoxicated. | | --- | "This..." (me) "Is..." (Kenobi) "MEAD!!!!!!" Splay Mark!!!!!!!!!!!!!  After that, we prepared for battle and climbed up the stairs. ******************************************************************************** Author's note: Hello again! Since the main diety in Royal Road is Freya, I will be basing the summons in my FF on Norse mythology, including the Goat that squirts Golden Milk up there. As usual, all comments and criticisms will be welcome! Thanks for reading!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 26<br><br> Mortimer spent the day thinking about how he would kill the next ghost, and about Master Valarao’s training. Of course, he should have been thinking about school and the finals he had in a little over a week, but he wasn’t. All he had to do was not flub all his finals and he would be fine. He’d even applied for a school now, the same one Angela was planning to go to. Obviously this had nothing to do with him <del>spying on</del> overhearing a conversation between Angela and Solara about going there. It was a good school.<br><br> The first problem, that of the ghost, was dependent a lot on how strong the zombies actually were. He had been very surprised when the showed up, so he hadn’t really put up much struggle. Mortimer assumed they would be individually weak since so many had shown up. He could probably deal with them if he handled it properly.<br><br> In terms of Master Valarao’s training, he just had to treat it like he now treated ghosts. Obviously, he would have to use magic to complete it. No, that wasn’t actually the solution, but he would have to try something and hope it worked. Of course, it could also be a path to actual failure. He was pretty confident he was right though.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Mortimer got home, and started to take care of the problems in the most reasonable order. First, he had to spar with Angela, one more time. He had to go all out this time. Not that he had been holding back before, but if he didn’t give this time all of his effort, his plan could never work.<br><br> Mortimer actually did fairly well. He was fast enough to get inside Angela’s guard sometimes, but she still always managed to get a hit on him. His footwork couldn’t make a difference in her reach. On the ninth match, however, Mortimer managed to get a point. He managed a roll under her guard, and got a strike on her midsection. Not terribly good, but enough for a point. When he tried it again, even with different timing, she easily caught him. It appeared he really couldn’t win.<br><br> After the sparring session, Mortimer went to talk to Master Valarao. “I can’t win with the current rules.”<br><br> “Oh? You can’t win? Giving up?”<br><br> “I can’t win with the current rules, so if I have to continue with them, I have no choice but to give up.”<br><br> “You know, I can’t have a student who will just give up. Are you sure?” Master Valarao looked disappointed.<br><br> “Yes, I give up unless the rules will change.”<br><br> “Well then, you are no longer my student,” Master Valarao said. “You think you could win with different rules?”<br><br> “Maybe not… but without rules, I probably could.”<br><br> Master Valarao smiled, “Interesting… I have an offer for you kid. There is something else I can teach you, but you can’t back out if you agree. Also, if you accept, you can’t spar with your cousin ever again.”<br><br> “Would I be able to win?”<br><br> “I guess that depends on how you define winning. You’d never win in a tournament, except against people who weren’t very good. However… by the simplest definition of winning, it would actually be up to you. However, nothing would stop you from winning if you were good enough.”<br><br> “Then, I want to learn it.”<br><br> “Great. You’re sure? It will hurt, especially if you do poorly.”<br><br> “Yes. I want to learn it.”<br><br> “Good. Then first, you can’t spar with anyone. Ever. It won’t go well. This doesn’t mean I forbid you from fighting, just that you can’t ever have a friendly match again. Also… we can’t train here. We’ll have to do it in virtual reality… for safety. I’ll upload the data for the simulation to your console.”<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Inside the simulation was basically Royal Road. If Royal Road consisted of one room and just two people. Perhaps it was better to say, it was a very realistic sparring simulation.<br><br> “Now then Mortimer, in here we are in exactly the same physical shape, so the only difference between us will be our training. Now, prepare to defend yourself. I’ll show you some things.”<br><br> Each of them picked up a sharp dagger. There was no need for training daggers here, since they would not die. Although… that was not entirely accurate.<br><br> Mortimer quickly learned why Master Valarao said it would hurt. In the simulation, he could actually cut Mortimer. If it didn’t kill him, it was a cut across his wrist to disable him, and then he was dead. Of course, that wasn’t the only weapon he had at his disposal. His left hand was unoccupied, and was just as deadly as the hand with a dagger.<br><br> First, they went over some ways to beat someone with superior reach. Catching the blade (not recommended). Slashing at their wrist, or catching it with your other hand was a good option. If they were a bit slower, you could move in and kick their ankle or knee, usually with enough force to break it. There were also some other methods.<br><br> Of course, none of these would be allowed in a tournament. Permanent bodily injuries were very frowned upon, as well as the “rules” of combat.<br><br> Fortunately??? for Mortimer, the injuries weren’t permanent here. Of course, that didn’t stop them from feeling very real, as well as “killing” him. He would wake up a few seconds later, since there was no need for a penalty in this space.<br><br> Mortimer learned, or at least witnessed, a whole new style of fighting. What he had learned before was still applicable, but it was much more effective with the new techniques. Mortimer didn’t do too badly, he even managed a cut on Master Valarao’s shirt once. Of course, the shirt was loose, and thus it was really just a miss. Plus, there was the very real feeling counterattack that he felt for a brief moment before blacking out again.<br><br> Mortimer spent a very long, exhausting time in training, and he had only learned a very small amount. However, the eight hours he had experienced were only two hours in the real world. It could have been more, but four times speed was the current safe limit for time acceleration in Virtual Reality.<br><br> Just before exiting the simulation, Master Valarao told him, “We’re also going to have to work on some basic training outside of this simulation. Can’t have you getting soft.”<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus was glad that he couldn’t feel the muscles on his real body. He almost wanted his real body to die so the pain would go away, but he knew that wasn’t a reasonable escape. Instead, he did the next best thing. Royal Road would ignore that muscle pain while he was playing. Although it would alert players of any injuries their real body had, and monitor their health to some point, muscular problems were ignored unless it was caused by poor positioning in the capsule.<br> Inside Royal Road, Quietus woke up in the morgue. For some reason, he felt a lot more comfortable there than in the church. He didn’t have any particular feelings against religion, so he wasn’t sure why that was.<br><br> Quietus waved goodbye to Alva, who just looked at him and shook his head. “Crazy foreigners.”<br><br> Before heading back into the dungeon, he went out and gathered herbs for health, stamina and mana potions. He also got some herbs for poisons, but they would likely be useless in the Moaning Mines. His herb gathering and Alchemy levels were nearing intermediate, but they would have to wait for more training.<br><br> In the Moaning Mines, Quietus took care of any traps that had reset on his route. Then, he encountered either no ghosts at all, or groups of five. This gave him some practice for fighting the zombies… at least theoretically. He assumed the zombies would have more vulnerable points and… not float. At least he could make the ghosts solid.<br><br> It didn’t take many groups of enemies before he found the room containing The Lonely Doctor. Quietus started the battle off with a soul bind. However, this time when the rumbling happened, he prepared for what he thought the tactic would be. He picked what he thought was the right timing, and used his Backslide skill. Then, he was outside of a ring of zombies, some of them still crawling up out of the ground.<br><br> The zombies then took a defensive formation around The Lonely Doctor. Quietus assumed that if he had any ranged capabilities that would harm them, they would have different tactics. Quietus tested out their formation with a series of quick attacks on one zombie.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Critical Hit!</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> As he had suspected, they had most of the same weak points as normal humans. They were also weak. He killed the zombie in that location, but the others were rushing at him so he had to quickly retreat again. The zombies went back to their places once he got about halfway across the room, and another zombie came out of the ground and took the place of the one who had been defeated.<br><br> Quietus tried a new tactic. He might as well use what he had theoretically learned. He was pretty sure, based on his past experiences, that it would work.<br><br> Quietus went in and slashed at the zombie’s hands and feet. Since he was just testing, he quickly retreated again, although he took a hit because he wasn’t focusing on his defense. The zombie didn’t seem to be much worse off for having injured limbs. The next time, Quietus attacked the elbows. He just hoped that zombies were at least partly powered by their bodies, and not just magic. As he observed his handiwork, he thought he was right. The zombies arms hung limply from the elbow down.<br><br> As he went in for the next zombie, they started approaching him earlier. He had to use his Backslide ability after a Snakebite for just one attack. He took some time to recover mana, but the group as a whole started to move towards him if he stayed outside of their range for long.<br><br> Quietus drank a mana potion, and set to work. He slashed at anything he could to disable the zombies without killing them, using Snakebite to speed up his attacks. He took some hits because the zombies were congregating more together, but he had a few potions to help with that. Then, there were only a bunch of zombies who couldn’t stand up or properly attack. They still moved better than most things could have in their situation, but The Lonely Doctor was open for attack. He looked rather confused at the state of his zombies, and apparently could not summon more. <br><br> For the last part of the fight, Quietus just avoided zombies flapping their limbs at his legs, and occasionally biting, while fighting The Lonely Doctor, who wasn’t really that strong of a ghost on his own. Then, he got the final blow, and The Lonely Doctor shrieked and died. The zombies all fell… more limp.<br><br> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>The Lonely Doctor has been bound!<br><br>You have learned:<br>Animation<br>Use this ability on a corpse to create a zombie. Its life is fleeting, but it will be restored to a better state for the duration of the spell. Can only be used on relatively weak monsters.<br>Mana cost: 50<br>Duration: 300 seconds<br>Maximum Number of Zombies: 3</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>As it died, a group of ten ghosts entered the room. Quietus quickly ran around and chugged most of his remaining potions, except some mana potions. These ghosts were starting to come in unmanageable groups. Quietus decided it was a good time to test his new spell, after he soul bound the ghosts. He didn’t want slow, stupid, vulnerable zombies if they couldn’t hit the enemy.<br><br> Quietus reanimated some of the zombies who were on the ground. He hoped they would be useful. The three zombies were quickly swarmed by five ghosts, but in the time it took them to kill the zombies, who had regained the ability to walk and actually attack, he managed to kill one of the other group. He drank another mana potion, and repeated the process.<br><br> Just as he ran out of bodies to use, since the zombies who were actually slain crumbled to dust and Quietus didn’t know where to get more, there were only six ghosts left. Surely a challenge, but Quietus was up for it.<br><br> Even a few minutes later, when he was standing alone with himself and his 10% hit points, he believed he was up for it. He’d won. Of course, the ghosts were all lower level than him, and he was out of potions, but that didn’t matter. Now he just had to find the last named ghost in this dungeon.<br><br>End Chapter 26<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1255&amp;p=7367#p7367"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1255&amp;p=7367#p7367&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Next Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1303"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1303&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 26 Mortimer spent the day thinking about how he would kill the next ghost, and about Master Valarao’s training. Of course, he should have been thinking about school and the finals he had in a little over a week, but he wasn’t. All he had to do was not flub all his finals and he would be fine. He’d even applied for a school now, the same one Angela was planning to go to. Obviously this had nothing to do with him ~~spying on~~ overhearing a conversation between Angela and Solara about going there. It was a good school. The first problem, that of the ghost, was dependent a lot on how strong the zombies actually were. He had been very surprised when the showed up, so he hadn’t really put up much struggle. Mortimer assumed they would be individually weak since so many had shown up. He could probably deal with them if he handled it properly. In terms of Master Valarao’s training, he just had to treat it like he now treated ghosts. Obviously, he would have to use magic to complete it. No, that wasn’t actually the solution, but he would have to try something and hope it worked. Of course, it could also be a path to actual failure. He was pretty confident he was right though. -------------------------- Mortimer got home, and started to take care of the problems in the most reasonable order. First, he had to spar with Angela, one more time. He had to go all out this time. Not that he had been holding back before, but if he didn’t give this time all of his effort, his plan could never work. Mortimer actually did fairly well. He was fast enough to get inside Angela’s guard sometimes, but she still always managed to get a hit on him. His footwork couldn’t make a difference in her reach. On the ninth match, however, Mortimer managed to get a point. He managed a roll under her guard, and got a strike on her midsection. Not terribly good, but enough for a point. When he tried it again, even with different timing, she easily caught him. It appeared he really couldn’t win. After the sparring session, Mortimer went to talk to Master Valarao. “I can’t win with the current rules.” “Oh? You can’t win? Giving up?” “I can’t win with the current rules, so if I have to continue with them, I have no choice but to give up.” “You know, I can’t have a student who will just give up. Are you sure?” Master Valarao looked disappointed. “Yes, I give up unless the rules will change.” “Well then, you are no longer my student,” Master Valarao said. “You think you could win with different rules?” “Maybe not… but without rules, I probably could.” Master Valarao smiled, “Interesting… I have an offer for you kid. There is something else I can teach you, but you can’t back out if you agree. Also, if you accept, you can’t spar with your cousin ever again.” “Would I be able to win?” “I guess that depends on how you define winning. You’d never win in a tournament, except against people who weren’t very good. However… by the simplest definition of winning, it would actually be up to you. However, nothing would stop you from winning if you were good enough.” “Then, I want to learn it.” “Great. You’re sure? It will hurt, especially if you do poorly.” “Yes. I want to learn it.” “Good. Then first, you can’t spar with anyone. Ever. It won’t go well. This doesn’t mean I forbid you from fighting, just that you can’t ever have a friendly match again. Also… we can’t train here. We’ll have to do it in virtual reality… for safety. I’ll upload the data for the simulation to your console.” -------------------------- Inside the simulation was basically Royal Road. If Royal Road consisted of one room and just two people. Perhaps it was better to say, it was a very realistic sparring simulation. “Now then Mortimer, in here we are in exactly the same physical shape, so the only difference between us will be our training. Now, prepare to defend yourself. I’ll show you some things.” Each of them picked up a sharp dagger. There was no need for training daggers here, since they would not die. Although… that was not entirely accurate. Mortimer quickly learned why Master Valarao said it would hurt. In the simulation, he could actually cut Mortimer. If it didn’t kill him, it was a cut across his wrist to disable him, and then he was dead. Of course, that wasn’t the only weapon he had at his disposal. His left hand was unoccupied, and was just as deadly as the hand with a dagger. First, they went over some ways to beat someone with superior reach. Catching the blade (not recommended). Slashing at their wrist, or catching it with your other hand was a good option. If they were a bit slower, you could move in and kick their ankle or knee, usually with enough force to break it. There were also some other methods. Of course, none of these would be allowed in a tournament. Permanent bodily injuries were very frowned upon, as well as the “rules” of combat. Fortunately??? for Mortimer, the injuries weren’t permanent here. Of course, that didn’t stop them from feeling very real, as well as “killing” him. He would wake up a few seconds later, since there was no need for a penalty in this space. Mortimer learned, or at least witnessed, a whole new style of fighting. What he had learned before was still applicable, but it was much more effective with the new techniques. Mortimer didn’t do too badly, he even managed a cut on Master Valarao’s shirt once. Of course, the shirt was loose, and thus it was really just a miss. Plus, there was the very real feeling counterattack that he felt for a brief moment before blacking out again. Mortimer spent a very long, exhausting time in training, and he had only learned a very small amount. However, the eight hours he had experienced were only two hours in the real world. It could have been more, but four times speed was the current safe limit for time acceleration in Virtual Reality. Just before exiting the simulation, Master Valarao told him, “We’re also going to have to work on some basic training outside of this simulation. Can’t have you getting soft.” -------------------------- Quietus was glad that he couldn’t feel the muscles on his real body. He almost wanted his real body to die so the pain would go away, but he knew that wasn’t a reasonable escape. Instead, he did the next best thing. Royal Road would ignore that muscle pain while he was playing. Although it would alert players of any injuries their real body had, and monitor their health to some point, muscular problems were ignored unless it was caused by poor positioning in the capsule. Inside Royal Road, Quietus woke up in the morgue. For some reason, he felt a lot more comfortable there than in the church. He didn’t have any particular feelings against religion, so he wasn’t sure why that was. Quietus waved goodbye to Alva, who just looked at him and shook his head. “Crazy foreigners.” Before heading back into the dungeon, he went out and gathered herbs for health, stamina and mana potions. He also got some herbs for poisons, but they would likely be useless in the Moaning Mines. His herb gathering and Alchemy levels were nearing intermediate, but they would have to wait for more training. In the Moaning Mines, Quietus took care of any traps that had reset on his route. Then, he encountered either no ghosts at all, or groups of five. This gave him some practice for fighting the zombies… at least theoretically. He assumed the zombies would have more vulnerable points and… not float. At least he could make the ghosts solid. It didn’t take many groups of enemies before he found the room containing The Lonely Doctor. Quietus started the battle off with a soul bind. However, this time when the rumbling happened, he prepared for what he thought the tactic would be. He picked what he thought was the right timing, and used his Backslide skill. Then, he was outside of a ring of zombies, some of them still crawling up out of the ground. The zombies then took a defensive formation around The Lonely Doctor. Quietus assumed that if he had any ranged capabilities that would harm them, they would have different tactics. Quietus tested out their formation with a series of quick attacks on one zombie. | Critical Hit! | | --- | As he had suspected, they had most of the same weak points as normal humans. They were also weak. He killed the zombie in that location, but the others were rushing at him so he had to quickly retreat again. The zombies went back to their places once he got about halfway across the room, and another zombie came out of the ground and took the place of the one who had been defeated. Quietus tried a new tactic. He might as well use what he had theoretically learned. He was pretty sure, based on his past experiences, that it would work. Quietus went in and slashed at the zombie’s hands and feet. Since he was just testing, he quickly retreated again, although he took a hit because he wasn’t focusing on his defense. The zombie didn’t seem to be much worse off for having injured limbs. The next time, Quietus attacked the elbows. He just hoped that zombies were at least partly powered by their bodies, and not just magic. As he observed his handiwork, he thought he was right. The zombies arms hung limply from the elbow down. As he went in for the next zombie, they started approaching him earlier. He had to use his Backslide ability after a Snakebite for just one attack. He took some time to recover mana, but the group as a whole started to move towards him if he stayed outside of their range for long. Quietus drank a mana potion, and set to work. He slashed at anything he could to disable the zombies without killing them, using Snakebite to speed up his attacks. He took some hits because the zombies were congregating more together, but he had a few potions to help with that. Then, there were only a bunch of zombies who couldn’t stand up or properly attack. They still moved better than most things could have in their situation, but The Lonely Doctor was open for attack. He looked rather confused at the state of his zombies, and apparently could not summon more. For the last part of the fight, Quietus just avoided zombies flapping their limbs at his legs, and occasionally biting, while fighting The Lonely Doctor, who wasn’t really that strong of a ghost on his own. Then, he got the final blow, and The Lonely Doctor shrieked and died. The zombies all fell… more limp. | The Lonely Doctor has been bound!You have learned:AnimationUse this ability on a corpse to create a zombie. Its life is fleeting, but it will be restored to a better state for the duration of the spell. Can only be used on relatively weak monsters.Mana cost: 50Duration: 300 secondsMaximum Number of Zombies: 3 | | --- | As it died, a group of ten ghosts entered the room. Quietus quickly ran around and chugged most of his remaining potions, except some mana potions. These ghosts were starting to come in unmanageable groups. Quietus decided it was a good time to test his new spell, after he soul bound the ghosts. He didn’t want slow, stupid, vulnerable zombies if they couldn’t hit the enemy. Quietus reanimated some of the zombies who were on the ground. He hoped they would be useful. The three zombies were quickly swarmed by five ghosts, but in the time it took them to kill the zombies, who had regained the ability to walk and actually attack, he managed to kill one of the other group. He drank another mana potion, and repeated the process. Just as he ran out of bodies to use, since the zombies who were actually slain crumbled to dust and Quietus didn’t know where to get more, there were only six ghosts left. Surely a challenge, but Quietus was up for it. Even a few minutes later, when he was standing alone with himself and his 10% hit points, he believed he was up for it. He’d won. Of course, the ghosts were all lower level than him, and he was out of potions, but that didn’t matter. Now he just had to find the last named ghost in this dungeon. End Chapter 26 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1255&p=7367#p7367">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1255&p=7367#p7367</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1303">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1303</a><!-- l -->

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Part 2 <br> <br><span style="font-style: italic;">The children lined up in a row in front of the altar. They were a few years older now. Their surroundings had also changed dramatically. <br> <br>After being “rescued” from the ghostly town infested with undead, they had been taken in officially by the church and received training to further their individual abilities. <br> <br>They stood now, in front of the key members of the church. Ready to accept the finality the fruits of their labours. <br> <br>One by one they walked on to a platform in front of the altar, embedded with the powers of a divine gem, to be receive the blessing of revelation from the high priest. <br> <br>One by one, they got off the altar, showing expressions of relief and joy. These expressions of course, could only be seen amongst themselves. After all the horrific experiences they had suffered the children had gained the appearance of an emotionless shell. <br> <br>This of course was not true. They still had emotions. They just learn how to hide them from others. Only those who were close to them were able to read their subtle expressions. Getting close to them was no easy feat either. <br> <br>However, to those who were close to them, their loyalty ran thicker than blood. <br> <br>One by one, they got on the alter and received the “truth” of their existence. The blessing of revelation had the ability to reveal the hidden potential of people. It had a high chance of failure and would only activate on those worthy of knowing their “truth”. However, those that had passed it were blessed with high positions. <br> <br>One by one, the children accepted and passed the test. <br> <br>One by one, they gained classes of high prestige, among them were Saints, Saint Knight and elite White Knights. <br> <br>The audience stirred. It was the first time in 80 years that they had seen so many people past the test consecutively. &nbsp; <br> <br>One by one, they progressed until there was only one left. <br> <br> It was a young boy. Dark hair hung messily over his eyes as he strolled in front of the high priest. <br> <br>The other children watched with curiosity. The boy was one of them. He had survived the same hardships they had and just like the rest of them obtained powers they normally wouldn’t be able to possess. <br> <br>Outwardly, their stares appeared blank and emotionless. However, on the inside they were filled with anticipation. The very notion that the boy would not pass the test was something they hadn’t even considered. &nbsp;They were expecting great things from him. Of course he would not betray their expectations. <br> <br>The boy stood in front of the high priest. The high priest uttered the incantation for the blessing and… <br> <br>Nothing happened for a moment. <br> <br>And then a flash of white light erupted from the platform. The source of it: the boy. <br> <br>A powerful holy aura surged from him, flooding the room with soothing waves of power. It rapidly condensed and gathered around him becoming more and more blindly bright. &nbsp; <br> <br>Then it exploded brilliantly forming the outline of an owl, the symbol of the church, and vanished. <br> <br>The high priest trembled with excitement. The other key members of the church had similar expressions of shock. <br> <br>Then, in a solemn voice, the high priest answered the question running through the minds of everyone present. <br> <br>“So… You have finally appeared… Our Divine Saint…”</span> <br>&nbsp; <br><div style="text-align: center;">***</div> <br> <br>“Hi! Please accept this gift!” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>Ferrex was bored. When he was bored he had a bad habit of doing strange things to entertain himself. <br> <br>It had been about a day and a half since Godou had disappeared to do whatever foreigners do when then disappear. Unlike the natives to Versailles, foreigners like Godou were freedmen sent by Gaea, the Holy Seer. <br> <br>“Are you part of the church? Where did you come from?” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>It had been 8 or 9 years since the first foreigners started appearing on Versailles. According to Lexus, foreigners, or users and players as they called themselves, had first started appearing in the central continents and went around exploring and adventuring multiplying in numbers at an alarming pace. <br> <br>“Are you waiting here for someone?” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>Due to the power of the Holy Seer, players were able to resurrect a few days after being killed. However, their ability to manifest in this world seemed imperfect as they often disappeared every few days to recharge their souls or so Ferrex believed. <br> <br>“Do you need something to be delivered?” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>Ferrex understood and accepted the fact that Godou couldn’t always be around, but he was bored… It seemed rather cruel of Godou to just leave him by himself in an unfamiliar town for so long. <br> <br>Although Ferrex could survive and adapt to new environments well due to the training he had since childhood, he really didn’t know how to get close to people easily. He didn’t have a habit of talking to strangers either unless they were introduced by someone he trusted. &nbsp; <br> <br>“Here’s some money! Bless me!” <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>As such, he was completely clueless as to how to reaction in his current situation. Ferrex was currently surrounded by a group of low level players in the town square, all of whom seemed dead set on trying to wring every last bit of information he had about the monster army he had reported with Godou. <br> <br>It had started the morning after Godou had disappeared. People were curious as to why the monster army wasn’t spotted sooner and had heard that the ones who alerted the mayor were wearing clothes from a church. Naturally, that description led to them finding Ferrex. <br> <br>Initially, he had told them all they need to know but as soon as he finished telling them someone else would come up and ask for the same thing causing him to repeat himself. Some of them even came back and started giving cheap gifts and showering him with flattery. <br> <br>(Now really, these guys obviously have some ulterior motive for doing this, but why are they trying to talk to me and not some high ranking official? ) <br> <br>Little did he know that from the eyes of the newbie players Ferrex appeared to a some sort of special event quest giver because he had been waiting in the same area in the town square for almost 2 days. <br> <br>After wasting half a day’s worth of energy responding to these advances, Ferrex had just decided to ignore them all. Gradually, some of the players left looking disappointed. However new people appeared out of nowhere joined crowd as well so there was no real difference. &nbsp; &nbsp; <br> <br>“Have you ever…” <br> <br>(Sigh… This is annoying.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 0.9em;">Godou hurry up and come back!)</span> <br> <br><span style="font-size: 0.9em;">&nbsp;In the corner of his eye, Ferrex could see some players wearing high level equipment watching the crowd around him with amusement.</span> <br> <br>Speaking of which more high level players seemed to have arrived in town, as well as some Kallamore Knights. Ferrex had heard rumours about why they were there but he didn’t know if they were true or not. <br> <br>(Wait… were those town guards he was seeing hiding grins as they glanced over in his direction? Don’t just leave me here! Help!) <br> <br>Although such trivial thoughts appeared in his mind, Ferrex kept his facial expressions as loose and blank as possible. Hiding his true thoughts was a useful skill he had picked up quite a while back. <br> <br>“…” <br> <br>Silently, he endured the pestering of the crowd as he waited for Godou to reappear. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;">***</div> <br> <br>Godou logged on to find himself in the same place he was when he logged off. Namely, in front of the church of Freya. It seemed to be noon. <br> <br>Ding! <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Defend Naidiriv <br>A monster army has been spotted close by and appears to be making its way towards Naidiriv. Due to mysterious disappearances of the scouts in Naidiriv, the presence of this army was not detected until a few days previously. Scouts have been sent out to track the progress of the army. The church of Freya has offered to lead this defence army. All those who are interested are to gather in the town square by nightfall today. <br> <br>Difficulty: Unknown <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Must be at the town square before the main party leaves. <br> <br>Rewards: <br>To be determined by your contribution in defending Naidiriv</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br>A quest notification popped up as soon as he logged on. <br> <br>(Good looks like I made it in time to help out. Now all that’s left is to look for Ferrex…) <br> <br>After reading the quest information, Godou closed the pop up box¬ and looked around. The streets of Naidiriv were positively packed. Where did all these people come from? <br> <br>Godou had arrived at Naidiriv at night so he had expected there to be more people around when he logged back in. However, he hadn’t expected there to be so much. Looking at it, wasn’t there at least 20 times more people on the streets? <br> <br>Godou made his way to the town square following the philosophy that Ferrex would be somewhere around there. However he immediately disregarded this as he saw the state of the town square. <br> <br>Finding Ferrex in a crowd like this was going to be hard. Everywhere Godou looked he there were merchants and other shop keepers selling wares and crowds of people around them. &nbsp;Then again, considering Ferrex’s personality it didn’t seem like he would be the type of person who would stay in a crowded area like this. <br> <br>Coming to that conclusion, Godou decided to look in the less crowded areas like the back streets and alley ways. After knowing him for so long, Godou understood that Ferrex was someone who didn’t mingle too well with strangers. &nbsp; <br> <br>That being said, Naidiriv sure seemed to have a lot of back streets. Godou had been looking in several of these backstreets for over an hour now to no avail. He tried whispering to him as well but there was no response so Godou didn’t think Ferrex had heard him. <br> <br>On a side note, Naidiriv seemed to be a really environmentally friendly town. At about every 10 metres a tree had been planted. But, it’s not like this world faces the RL problems of global warming right? Ozone depletion shouldn’t be a problem because there’s no modern technology to populate the atmosphere so was there any real purpose in having these trees here? &nbsp;Considering the fact that this was a town that was constantly under attack from monsters was it really okay to have so much flammable material distributed around the town? <br> <br>Godou pondered on such trivial thoughts, as he started walking around the block to find the next back street. As he was just about to turn the corner when he saw a blur as something charged around the corner just before he did at an incredible speed before– CRASH! <br> <br>“Woah!” <br> <br>“Waa!” <br> <br>The force of the collision knocked him off his feet. He looked up to see what he had crashed into. It was a girl. She had shoulder length dark purple hair, the kind that could only have been obtained through character customisation and a reasonably cute face (though Godou couldn’t be sure if this was her original appearance or not). Godou noted that she was wearing light armour and a grey scarf. She also seemed to be panting slightly. &nbsp; &nbsp; <br> <br>“Oww Sorry…” <br> <br>“Nah I’m fine…” <br> <br>“More importantly, hide me!” <br> <br>“Eh?” <br> <br>The girl got up and looked around, seemingly frantic. Godou could hear the rumbling of footsteps the sounds of excited chattering. He was about to ask the girl a question but stoped when he saw what she was doing. The girl was staring at the branch of a tree directly above them, a look of concentration on her face. <br> <br>Then she did something which would have been impossible for a “normal” human to do in reality. The girl jumped 10 metres in the air in a single leap and grabbed onto the branch, swinging herself on top of it. <br> <br>(What the–)&nbsp; <br> <br>Godou was startled at this but not overly shocked. After all the ridiculous things he witnessed, simply jumping high wasn’t really that impressive, indeed, it was almost nothing on the level of absurdity of being able to drop a lump of fire from the sky at will or recovering from fatal wounds in the matter of hours. <br>After all, this is a game where having superpowers and being able to use magic is common place. So perhaps this was the effect of having an extremely high Agility stat? <br> <br>Noticing Godou’s stare, the girl placed her one finger in front of her lips returning his glaze pleadingly in the universal gesture for silence. Godou barely had any time to nod in return as a ragtag crowd of people came across the corner. They seemed to be carrying a flag that said “Grey Phantom Fan Club”. <br> <br>“Come back! Add me as your friend!” <br> <br>“Grey Phantom I have been ordered to drag you into my guild no matter what!” <br> <br>“Come back! Let me shake your hand!” <br> <br>(Seriously, whether it’s the virtual or the real world, you find weirdos everywhere. ) <br> <br>Such a thought ran through Godou’s mind as he stared at the group. Every single person in the mob seemed to have agility based class and wore the fanatic expressions of otakus at an anime convention. Now I see why that girl seemed do desperate to hide. Being chased by this kind of mob would scare anyone. <br> <br>“Damn where did is he?” <br> <br>“His tracks have vanished again. As expected of the Grey Phantom.” <br> <br>“Hey you in the white cloak, did you see someone wearing grey run past here?” <br> <br>“Oh… ah they went that way.” <br> <br>Godou pointed in the direction of the town square. The crowd quickly charged in that direction, roaring at the top of their lungs. After making sure that they had left the girl dropped down from the tree, landing on all fours like a cat before straightening up again. Godou noticed that she had changed from her light armour to more ragged looking clothes. <br> <br>“Thanks, this should keep them off by tracks until the defence quest starts.” <br> <br>“Oh, right… your welcome uhm… Grey Phantom-san” <br> <br>“Ah! Don’t call me that! My name’s Reta. Sheesh, I bought this scarf because I thought looked cute and before I knew it I got labelled such a weird name.” <br> <br>“I am Godou… nice to meet you Reta?” <br> <br>At some point Godou had noted that he had stopped using honorifics on people’s names. It was probably due to the fact that none of the NPC’s used them and the fact that the words of people who spoke languages that didn’t use honorifics were translated without honorifics. <br> <br>“Yeah… Now this should take them off my trail until a leave town” <br> <br>Whilst saying this Reta removed her grey scarf and placed in inside her inventory. <br> <br>“But man that was exhausting! They’ve been chasing me since morning.” <br> <br>“What a scary fan club. But why are you running away from that group in the first place? Wouldn’t be better for you to just stay and listen to their requests?” <br> <br>“I started out with that mentality and from that experience I have learnt my lesson. Once you’ve don’t something for someone everyone else wants the same thing as well! And the crowd just keeps growing and growing! I just happened to get swarmed by those people when I walked into town because they recognised my battle gear. Normally I change out before entering town so that no one would recognise me but I forgot this time!” <br> <br>“Ah right! My bad…” <br>&nbsp; <br>Godou backed off slightly as Reta started rattling on like a machinegun to vent out her stress. <br> <br>“So are you some sort of celebrity or something? Speaking of which why are people calling you such a video game like name?” <br> <br>“Kinda… Well, unlike all the other Kingdoms which are full of guild wars, scammers and con artists, Kallamore is a place where people have to cooperate to survive. After a few battles, you pretty much will have met all of the strong players defending your area even if you don’t know their names. In fact the actual names of these players aren’t really that well know so players tend to give each other nicknames or call-signs for easier reference.” <br> <br>“So your call-sign is Grey Phantom huh…” <br> <br>“Yeah, but don’t call me that! Anyway enough about me, I’m assuming you’re also planning to participate in the defence army quest like everyone else here.” <br> <br>“Yeah, speaking of which where did all these people come from? Was Naidiriv always this packed?” <br> <br>“When was the last time you logged online?” <br> <br>“Uhm… About 8 hours in reality.” <br> <br>“So you missed the news huh. Apparently this town, Naidiriv caught news of a monster army heading their way about a day or so ago and sent scouts to investigate. The truth is, this monster army is probably made up of the remnants of at least two other monster armies that another defence army was fighting. And to cut a long story short, the scouts sent to investigate met up with the other defence army along the way and we came to help.” <br> <br>“So basically, people from the other defence army are coming into town to join the new defence army.” <br> <br>“Yep that sums it up. I’ll warn you now, those monsters are not to be underestimated. They joined up with weaker monsters and used them as scouts to make up think that they’re composed of weaklings and them ambushed us when we were off guard. If we didn’t have that squad of Kallamore Knight’s with us then we would have been annihilated.” <br> <br>Godou recalled what he knew about the Kallamore knights. It was said that a single Kallamore Knight had the power to solo high level boss monsters that normally took an entire part of players to handle. If one had enough public Kallamore contribution points, they would be able to hire Kallamore Knights to fight for them. <br> <br>“Hey! Did you get that sword from completing the basic training? Also you’re equipment seems low level but most of them exclusive to religious orders. They probably give bonuses as well.” <br> <br>Reta’s energetic voice broke Godou from his thoughts. <br> <br>“Huh? Really? I never checked. I started this game recently and a lot of stuff happened.” <br> <br>“What you mean you never checked?” <br> <br>Reta seemed to be looking at him with an expression that said “Is this guy for real?” <br> <br>“Have you ever played any online games before?” <br> <br>“Not really.” <br> <br>“Okay I guess I’ll teach you as thanks for helping me. The first thing you should do when you get an item is use the identification skill on it or find someone with the skill to do it for you.” <br> <br>“Is that really necessary though? If you just equip the item and look at your status window you can find out what is does.” <br> <br>“Nope don’t do that.” <br> <br>An instant refusal came in response to Godou’s makeshift method of checking items. <br> <br>“So items have properties that don’t show up in the status window and others have severe debuffs and are cursed so that they can’t be removed. If you have the identification skill, I suggest you use it on all you equipment now” <br> <br>So there was such a terrifying possibility. Godou thanked his luck for not having run into any such items before. Immediately he followed Reta’s advice and identified his current equipment. He failed a few times but in the end he was able to successfully identify all of them. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td width="25%">Enchanted Travelling Cloak of Freya <br>The standard issue hooded cloak for travelling members of the order of Freya. Made with practicality and effectiveness in mind. <br> <br>Durability: <br>83/90 <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Member of the church of Freya OR <br>Recognised by the church of Freya <br> <br>Bonuses: <br>+ 5% Magic resistance <br>+ Increased resistance against Heat and Cold <br>Conceals the identity of the wearer when the hood is worn <br>Due to the special properties of the material from which this cloak was made, it cannot be stained.</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Hard Iron Sword <br>Awarded to those who completed the Basic Training Program. This widely used long sword is better than basic type weapons that are available in a blacksmith’s workshop. <br> <br>Durability: 50/54 <br> <br>Damage: 10-14 <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Strength 40+ <br>Stamina 35+ <br> <br>Bonuses: <br>+ 10 Strength</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Hardened Leather Bracer <br>Bracers made from Hardened Leather which offer better defences than similar bracers sold in shops. <br> <br>Durability: <br>20/30 <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Level 15 <br> <br>Bonuses: <br>+ 10 Defence <br>+ 3 Strength</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Hardened Leather Boots <br>Boots made from Hardened Leather which offer better defences than similar bracers sold in shops. <br> <br>Durability: <br>24/30 <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Level 15 <br> <br>Bonuses: <br>+ 10 Defence <br>+ 3 Agility</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Enchanted Cloth Tunic <br>An enchanted tunic given to the trainees of the Church of Freya. It has a minor enchantment embedded in it. <br> <br>Durability: <br>20/25 <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Member of the church of Freya OR <br>Unofficial trainee of the church of Freya <br> <br>Bonuses: <br>+ 5 Defence <br>+ 3% Magic resistance</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Enchanted Cloth Leggings <br>Enchanted leggings given to the trainees of the Church of Freya. It has a minor enchantment embedded in it. <br> <br>Durability: <br>23/25 <br> <br>Restrictions: <br>Member of the church of Freya OR <br>Unofficial trainee of the church of Freya <br> <br>Bonuses: <br>+ 5 Defence <br>+ 2% Magic resistance</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br> <br>“Thanks for your advice” <br> <br>“No problem, it’s actually pretty uncommon to find some else who had finished the basic training though. A lot of the higher level players haven’t even heard of it.” <br> <br>“Does that mean you’ve completed it as well?” <br> <br>“Yup, I didn’t go hardcore with it so it took me quite a while to finish it. Oh yeah! In some towns the training halls also offer a Beginner training course as well. If you manage to complete that then the instructor basically gives you a blank cheque for the reward. It’s a lot harder than the basic training though, it took me three tries to pass it. Apparently there’s a training centre after that as well but I don’t think anyone’s found one yet.” <br> <br>“Hitting scarecrows isn’t the end of it huh…” <br> <br>Godou shuttered as he remembered the mental fatigue he had suffered because of the relentless “Church of Freya style” basic training. <br> <br>“So anyway where are we going? Are you looking for something?” <br> <br>During the course of the conversation Godou had been continuing to walk around to look for Ferrex. Reta had followed him for some unknown reason. <br> <br>“Yeah I’m looking for my friend.” <br> <br>“Need help? What do they look like?” <br> <br>“Nevermind. It’s almost nightfall so he should appear in the town square sooner or later.” <br> <br>After saying that, Godou and Reta made their way to the town square. As they arrived Reta was suddenly called over by a group of high level players. Seeing them, Reta parted ways with Godou after adding him on her friends list saying: <br> <br>“See ya! Until we meet again!” <br> <br>----------- <br>As per request a female character has been introduced. Reta was originally going to appear later on but I guess it makes more sense to introduce her now. <br>I had a writer’s block on how to introduce Reta so I used the most clichéd method I could think of… <br>Warning: A lot of info dumping in the next two parts. <br> <br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&amp;t=2590" target="_blank">Table of Contents</a></td></tr><tr><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&amp;t=1324" target="_blank">Previous</a></td><td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=96" target="_blank">Exit</a></td><td width="25%"><a href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&amp;t=1352" target="_blank">Next</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> </div>

Part 2 The children lined up in a row in front of the altar. They were a few years older now. Their surroundings had also changed dramatically. After being “rescued” from the ghostly town infested with undead, they had been taken in officially by the church and received training to further their individual abilities. They stood now, in front of the key members of the church. Ready to accept the finality the fruits of their labours. One by one they walked on to a platform in front of the altar, embedded with the powers of a divine gem, to be receive the blessing of revelation from the high priest. One by one, they got off the altar, showing expressions of relief and joy. These expressions of course, could only be seen amongst themselves. After all the horrific experiences they had suffered the children had gained the appearance of an emotionless shell. This of course was not true. They still had emotions. They just learn how to hide them from others. Only those who were close to them were able to read their subtle expressions. Getting close to them was no easy feat either. However, to those who were close to them, their loyalty ran thicker than blood. One by one, they got on the alter and received the “truth” of their existence. The blessing of revelation had the ability to reveal the hidden potential of people. It had a high chance of failure and would only activate on those worthy of knowing their “truth”. However, those that had passed it were blessed with high positions. One by one, the children accepted and passed the test. One by one, they gained classes of high prestige, among them were Saints, Saint Knight and elite White Knights. The audience stirred. It was the first time in 80 years that they had seen so many people past the test consecutively.   One by one, they progressed until there was only one left. It was a young boy. Dark hair hung messily over his eyes as he strolled in front of the high priest. The other children watched with curiosity. The boy was one of them. He had survived the same hardships they had and just like the rest of them obtained powers they normally wouldn’t be able to possess. Outwardly, their stares appeared blank and emotionless. However, on the inside they were filled with anticipation. The very notion that the boy would not pass the test was something they hadn’t even considered.  They were expecting great things from him. Of course he would not betray their expectations. The boy stood in front of the high priest. The high priest uttered the incantation for the blessing and… Nothing happened for a moment. And then a flash of white light erupted from the platform. The source of it: the boy. A powerful holy aura surged from him, flooding the room with soothing waves of power. It rapidly condensed and gathered around him becoming more and more blindly bright.   Then it exploded brilliantly forming the outline of an owl, the symbol of the church, and vanished. The high priest trembled with excitement. The other key members of the church had similar expressions of shock. Then, in a solemn voice, the high priest answered the question running through the minds of everyone present. “So… You have finally appeared… Our Divine Saint…”   *** “Hi! Please accept this gift!” “…” Ferrex was bored. When he was bored he had a bad habit of doing strange things to entertain himself. It had been about a day and a half since Godou had disappeared to do whatever foreigners do when then disappear. Unlike the natives to Versailles, foreigners like Godou were freedmen sent by Gaea, the Holy Seer. “Are you part of the church? Where did you come from?” “…” It had been 8 or 9 years since the first foreigners started appearing on Versailles. According to Lexus, foreigners, or users and players as they called themselves, had first started appearing in the central continents and went around exploring and adventuring multiplying in numbers at an alarming pace. “Are you waiting here for someone?” “…” Due to the power of the Holy Seer, players were able to resurrect a few days after being killed. However, their ability to manifest in this world seemed imperfect as they often disappeared every few days to recharge their souls or so Ferrex believed. “Do you need something to be delivered?” “…” Ferrex understood and accepted the fact that Godou couldn’t always be around, but he was bored… It seemed rather cruel of Godou to just leave him by himself in an unfamiliar town for so long. Although Ferrex could survive and adapt to new environments well due to the training he had since childhood, he really didn’t know how to get close to people easily. He didn’t have a habit of talking to strangers either unless they were introduced by someone he trusted.   “Here’s some money! Bless me!” “…” As such, he was completely clueless as to how to reaction in his current situation. Ferrex was currently surrounded by a group of low level players in the town square, all of whom seemed dead set on trying to wring every last bit of information he had about the monster army he had reported with Godou. It had started the morning after Godou had disappeared. People were curious as to why the monster army wasn’t spotted sooner and had heard that the ones who alerted the mayor were wearing clothes from a church. Naturally, that description led to them finding Ferrex. Initially, he had told them all they need to know but as soon as he finished telling them someone else would come up and ask for the same thing causing him to repeat himself. Some of them even came back and started giving cheap gifts and showering him with flattery. (Now really, these guys obviously have some ulterior motive for doing this, but why are they trying to talk to me and not some high ranking official? ) Little did he know that from the eyes of the newbie players Ferrex appeared to a some sort of special event quest giver because he had been waiting in the same area in the town square for almost 2 days. After wasting half a day’s worth of energy responding to these advances, Ferrex had just decided to ignore them all. Gradually, some of the players left looking disappointed. However new people appeared out of nowhere joined crowd as well so there was no real difference.     “Have you ever…” (Sigh… This is annoying. Godou hurry up and come back!)  In the corner of his eye, Ferrex could see some players wearing high level equipment watching the crowd around him with amusement. Speaking of which more high level players seemed to have arrived in town, as well as some Kallamore Knights. Ferrex had heard rumours about why they were there but he didn’t know if they were true or not. (Wait… were those town guards he was seeing hiding grins as they glanced over in his direction? Don’t just leave me here! Help!) Although such trivial thoughts appeared in his mind, Ferrex kept his facial expressions as loose and blank as possible. Hiding his true thoughts was a useful skill he had picked up quite a while back. “…” Silently, he endured the pestering of the crowd as he waited for Godou to reappear. *** Godou logged on to find himself in the same place he was when he logged off. Namely, in front of the church of Freya. It seemed to be noon. Ding! | Defend Naidiriv A monster army has been spotted close by and appears to be making its way towards Naidiriv. Due to mysterious disappearances of the scouts in Naidiriv, the presence of this army was not detected until a few days previously. Scouts have been sent out to track the progress of the army. The church of Freya has offered to lead this defence army. All those who are interested are to gather in the town square by nightfall today. Difficulty: Unknown Restrictions: Must be at the town square before the main party leaves. Rewards: To be determined by your contribution in defending Naidiriv | | --- | A quest notification popped up as soon as he logged on. (Good looks like I made it in time to help out. Now all that’s left is to look for Ferrex…) After reading the quest information, Godou closed the pop up box¬ and looked around. The streets of Naidiriv were positively packed. Where did all these people come from? Godou had arrived at Naidiriv at night so he had expected there to be more people around when he logged back in. However, he hadn’t expected there to be so much. Looking at it, wasn’t there at least 20 times more people on the streets? Godou made his way to the town square following the philosophy that Ferrex would be somewhere around there. However he immediately disregarded this as he saw the state of the town square. Finding Ferrex in a crowd like this was going to be hard. Everywhere Godou looked he there were merchants and other shop keepers selling wares and crowds of people around them.  Then again, considering Ferrex’s personality it didn’t seem like he would be the type of person who would stay in a crowded area like this. Coming to that conclusion, Godou decided to look in the less crowded areas like the back streets and alley ways. After knowing him for so long, Godou understood that Ferrex was someone who didn’t mingle too well with strangers.   That being said, Naidiriv sure seemed to have a lot of back streets. Godou had been looking in several of these backstreets for over an hour now to no avail. He tried whispering to him as well but there was no response so Godou didn’t think Ferrex had heard him. On a side note, Naidiriv seemed to be a really environmentally friendly town. At about every 10 metres a tree had been planted. But, it’s not like this world faces the RL problems of global warming right? Ozone depletion shouldn’t be a problem because there’s no modern technology to populate the atmosphere so was there any real purpose in having these trees here?  Considering the fact that this was a town that was constantly under attack from monsters was it really okay to have so much flammable material distributed around the town? Godou pondered on such trivial thoughts, as he started walking around the block to find the next back street. As he was just about to turn the corner when he saw a blur as something charged around the corner just before he did at an incredible speed before– CRASH! “Woah!” “Waa!” The force of the collision knocked him off his feet. He looked up to see what he had crashed into. It was a girl. She had shoulder length dark purple hair, the kind that could only have been obtained through character customisation and a reasonably cute face (though Godou couldn’t be sure if this was her original appearance or not). Godou noted that she was wearing light armour and a grey scarf. She also seemed to be panting slightly.     “Oww Sorry…” “Nah I’m fine…” “More importantly, hide me!” “Eh?” The girl got up and looked around, seemingly frantic. Godou could hear the rumbling of footsteps the sounds of excited chattering. He was about to ask the girl a question but stoped when he saw what she was doing. The girl was staring at the branch of a tree directly above them, a look of concentration on her face. Then she did something which would have been impossible for a “normal” human to do in reality. The girl jumped 10 metres in the air in a single leap and grabbed onto the branch, swinging herself on top of it. (What the–)  Godou was startled at this but not overly shocked. After all the ridiculous things he witnessed, simply jumping high wasn’t really that impressive, indeed, it was almost nothing on the level of absurdity of being able to drop a lump of fire from the sky at will or recovering from fatal wounds in the matter of hours. After all, this is a game where having superpowers and being able to use magic is common place. So perhaps this was the effect of having an extremely high Agility stat? Noticing Godou’s stare, the girl placed her one finger in front of her lips returning his glaze pleadingly in the universal gesture for silence. Godou barely had any time to nod in return as a ragtag crowd of people came across the corner. They seemed to be carrying a flag that said “Grey Phantom Fan Club”. “Come back! Add me as your friend!” “Grey Phantom I have been ordered to drag you into my guild no matter what!” “Come back! Let me shake your hand!” (Seriously, whether it’s the virtual or the real world, you find weirdos everywhere. ) Such a thought ran through Godou’s mind as he stared at the group. Every single person in the mob seemed to have agility based class and wore the fanatic expressions of otakus at an anime convention. Now I see why that girl seemed do desperate to hide. Being chased by this kind of mob would scare anyone. “Damn where did is he?” “His tracks have vanished again. As expected of the Grey Phantom.” “Hey you in the white cloak, did you see someone wearing grey run past here?” “Oh… ah they went that way.” Godou pointed in the direction of the town square. The crowd quickly charged in that direction, roaring at the top of their lungs. After making sure that they had left the girl dropped down from the tree, landing on all fours like a cat before straightening up again. Godou noticed that she had changed from her light armour to more ragged looking clothes. “Thanks, this should keep them off by tracks until the defence quest starts.” “Oh, right… your welcome uhm… Grey Phantom-san” “Ah! Don’t call me that! My name’s Reta. Sheesh, I bought this scarf because I thought looked cute and before I knew it I got labelled such a weird name.” “I am Godou… nice to meet you Reta?” At some point Godou had noted that he had stopped using honorifics on people’s names. It was probably due to the fact that none of the NPC’s used them and the fact that the words of people who spoke languages that didn’t use honorifics were translated without honorifics. “Yeah… Now this should take them off my trail until a leave town” Whilst saying this Reta removed her grey scarf and placed in inside her inventory. “But man that was exhausting! They’ve been chasing me since morning.” “What a scary fan club. But why are you running away from that group in the first place? Wouldn’t be better for you to just stay and listen to their requests?” “I started out with that mentality and from that experience I have learnt my lesson. Once you’ve don’t something for someone everyone else wants the same thing as well! And the crowd just keeps growing and growing! I just happened to get swarmed by those people when I walked into town because they recognised my battle gear. Normally I change out before entering town so that no one would recognise me but I forgot this time!” “Ah right! My bad…”   Godou backed off slightly as Reta started rattling on like a machinegun to vent out her stress. “So are you some sort of celebrity or something? Speaking of which why are people calling you such a video game like name?” “Kinda… Well, unlike all the other Kingdoms which are full of guild wars, scammers and con artists, Kallamore is a place where people have to cooperate to survive. After a few battles, you pretty much will have met all of the strong players defending your area even if you don’t know their names. In fact the actual names of these players aren’t really that well know so players tend to give each other nicknames or call-signs for easier reference.” “So your call-sign is Grey Phantom huh…” “Yeah, but don’t call me that! Anyway enough about me, I’m assuming you’re also planning to participate in the defence army quest like everyone else here.” “Yeah, speaking of which where did all these people come from? Was Naidiriv always this packed?” “When was the last time you logged online?” “Uhm… About 8 hours in reality.” “So you missed the news huh. Apparently this town, Naidiriv caught news of a monster army heading their way about a day or so ago and sent scouts to investigate. The truth is, this monster army is probably made up of the remnants of at least two other monster armies that another defence army was fighting. And to cut a long story short, the scouts sent to investigate met up with the other defence army along the way and we came to help.” “So basically, people from the other defence army are coming into town to join the new defence army.” “Yep that sums it up. I’ll warn you now, those monsters are not to be underestimated. They joined up with weaker monsters and used them as scouts to make up think that they’re composed of weaklings and them ambushed us when we were off guard. If we didn’t have that squad of Kallamore Knight’s with us then we would have been annihilated.” Godou recalled what he knew about the Kallamore knights. It was said that a single Kallamore Knight had the power to solo high level boss monsters that normally took an entire part of players to handle. If one had enough public Kallamore contribution points, they would be able to hire Kallamore Knights to fight for them. “Hey! Did you get that sword from completing the basic training? Also you’re equipment seems low level but most of them exclusive to religious orders. They probably give bonuses as well.” Reta’s energetic voice broke Godou from his thoughts. “Huh? Really? I never checked. I started this game recently and a lot of stuff happened.” “What you mean you never checked?” Reta seemed to be looking at him with an expression that said “Is this guy for real?” “Have you ever played any online games before?” “Not really.” “Okay I guess I’ll teach you as thanks for helping me. The first thing you should do when you get an item is use the identification skill on it or find someone with the skill to do it for you.” “Is that really necessary though? If you just equip the item and look at your status window you can find out what is does.” “Nope don’t do that.” An instant refusal came in response to Godou’s makeshift method of checking items. “So items have properties that don’t show up in the status window and others have severe debuffs and are cursed so that they can’t be removed. If you have the identification skill, I suggest you use it on all you equipment now” So there was such a terrifying possibility. Godou thanked his luck for not having run into any such items before. Immediately he followed Reta’s advice and identified his current equipment. He failed a few times but in the end he was able to successfully identify all of them. | Enchanted Travelling Cloak of Freya The standard issue hooded cloak for travelling members of the order of Freya. Made with practicality and effectiveness in mind. Durability: 83/90 Restrictions: Member of the church of Freya OR Recognised by the church of Freya Bonuses: + 5% Magic resistance + Increased resistance against Heat and Cold Conceals the identity of the wearer when the hood is worn Due to the special properties of the material from which this cloak was made, it cannot be stained. | | --- | | Hard Iron Sword Awarded to those who completed the Basic Training Program. This widely used long sword is better than basic type weapons that are available in a blacksmith’s workshop. Durability: 50/54 Damage: 10-14 Restrictions: Strength 40+ Stamina 35+ Bonuses: + 10 Strength | | Hardened Leather Bracer Bracers made from Hardened Leather which offer better defences than similar bracers sold in shops. Durability: 20/30 Restrictions: Level 15 Bonuses: + 10 Defence + 3 Strength | | Hardened Leather Boots Boots made from Hardened Leather which offer better defences than similar bracers sold in shops. Durability: 24/30 Restrictions: Level 15 Bonuses: + 10 Defence + 3 Agility | | Enchanted Cloth Tunic An enchanted tunic given to the trainees of the Church of Freya. It has a minor enchantment embedded in it. Durability: 20/25 Restrictions: Member of the church of Freya OR Unofficial trainee of the church of Freya Bonuses: + 5 Defence + 3% Magic resistance | | Enchanted Cloth Leggings Enchanted leggings given to the trainees of the Church of Freya. It has a minor enchantment embedded in it. Durability: 23/25 Restrictions: Member of the church of Freya OR Unofficial trainee of the church of Freya Bonuses: + 5 Defence + 2% Magic resistance | “Thanks for your advice” “No problem, it’s actually pretty uncommon to find some else who had finished the basic training though. A lot of the higher level players haven’t even heard of it.” “Does that mean you’ve completed it as well?” “Yup, I didn’t go hardcore with it so it took me quite a while to finish it. Oh yeah! In some towns the training halls also offer a Beginner training course as well. If you manage to complete that then the instructor basically gives you a blank cheque for the reward. It’s a lot harder than the basic training though, it took me three tries to pass it. Apparently there’s a training centre after that as well but I don’t think anyone’s found one yet.” “Hitting scarecrows isn’t the end of it huh…” Godou shuttered as he remembered the mental fatigue he had suffered because of the relentless “Church of Freya style” basic training. “So anyway where are we going? Are you looking for something?” During the course of the conversation Godou had been continuing to walk around to look for Ferrex. Reta had followed him for some unknown reason. “Yeah I’m looking for my friend.” “Need help? What do they look like?” “Nevermind. It’s almost nightfall so he should appear in the town square sooner or later.” After saying that, Godou and Reta made their way to the town square. As they arrived Reta was suddenly called over by a group of high level players. Seeing them, Reta parted ways with Godou after adding him on her friends list saying: “See ya! Until we meet again!” ----------- As per request a female character has been introduced. Reta was originally going to appear later on but I guess it makes more sense to introduce her now. I had a writer’s block on how to introduce Reta so I used the most clichéd method I could think of… Warning: A lot of info dumping in the next two parts. | [Table of Contents](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=2590) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Previous](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=1324) | [Exit](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=96) | | [Next](http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=1352) |

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">#The Last of Them</span><br><br>"Yaaaaawn!" as we were looking for the last bandit, a loud yawn could be heard from one of the tents.<br><br>And out came the biggest gods-be-damned Grounian bandit I've seen so far (or any bandit, for that matter).<br><br>Remember Two-Sword Mantis?<br><br>This guy was even taller than him, and had muscles that bulged like the Hulk.<br><br>He still had a sleepy look as he walked past us.<br><br>"Morning fellas..." he muttered at us.<br><br>...<br><br>...<br><br>...<br><br>"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS!!! WHERE THE HELL IS EVERYONE ELSE?!!?!?"<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Ah, it's awake.*</span><br><br>"WAIT A MINUTE! IT'S YOU AGAIN!"<br><br>"Hello.... Again...." replied Takamiya.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*And Takamiya's back to normal.*</span><br><br>"TRAINING HALL INSTRUCTER OF GROUN CHALLENGES O-"<br><br>"Declined..."<br><br>"WHY THE HELL!!!"<br><br>"I already... beat... you before..."<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*He beat such an amazing person?*</span><br><br>"Instead... Notrem... Will fight you."<br><br>"... Come again?"<br><br>"HAH HAH! You think this small man can defeat a level 100 warrior!"<br><br>"Weren't you... Level 200?"<br><br>"MY LEVEL DROPPED BY A HUNDRED BECAUSE I LOST TO YOU!"<br><br>"Wait wait wait..." I interupted, "First off, I'm almost out of arrows..."<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">:They're supposed to be your quest rewards, but you can use these if you want.:</span><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Long Arm of the Law:<br><br>Durability: 67/67<br>Damage: 15-17<br><br>A crossbow issued to Soldiers &amp; Guards who have completed certain military courses.<br><br>Equip:<br>+10 DEX<br>+10 STR<br>+30% Damage vs Criminals<br>+30% Damage vs Quest Targets<br><br>Limits:<br>Level 30<br>DEX 40+<br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Steel Arrow:<br><br>Durability: 1/1<br><br>Regular bolts fitted with steel heads<br><br>Equip:<br>+20% Damage<br><br>Limits:<br>Must have a crossbow equiped.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br>...<br><br>...<br><br>...<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*You need to learn better timing..*</span><br><br><br>"So... Now that you have those, you think you can defeat me?"<br><br>A dark shadow loomed from behind me.<br><br>"Eh-heh....... LUNGE!" I leaped away as quickly as I could, just in time to avoid what would have been a nasty Bear Hug.<br><br>"You're not getting away!" growled the bandit as he chased me.<br><br>I fumbled with my unfamiliar weapon momentarily before I realized there was a slider at the front (like a pump-action shotgun) that will draw the crossbow when pulled.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*THIS IS TERRIBLY SLOW!*</span><br><br>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Thwop!</span><br><br>The fired bolt hit him in the center of his forehead, but did nothing to slow him down.<br><br>"Stop running!"<br><br>"How 'bout "NO"!"<br><br>Reloading.... (Damn, this thing is slow)<br><br>Fire!<br><br>"Snap Shot!"<br><br>Using Snap Shot, I fired two bolts in rapid succession, both of which hit him in the throat.<br><br>"Stop tickling me!" even with a total of 80% bonus damage from the crossbow and the bolt, the damage I'm doing is still minimal.<br><br>"I'm not trying to!" I yelled at him, "HEY! Help me out here!"<br><br>"No..." Takamiya replied.<br><br>"FUCK YOU!"<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Alright, think! This isn't the first time you've fought an unreasonably strong opponent! And this one's even slower than the Wolf-Queen!*</span><br><br>In truth, with his speed, there was no way he could possibly catch up to me, but chased me out of typical Grounian stubbornness.<br><br>Pausing for a moment to get a better aim, I fired a single shot at one of his feet, pinning it to the ground.<br><br>The strength of a level 100 warrior is not to be messed with, as the bolt snapped in an instant, but the short moment that his foot stuck to the ground was enough to cause him to trip and fall face first into the dirt.<br><br>And you know what they say, the bigger they are...<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*CRASH!!</span></span><br><br>The harder they fall.<br><br>Not hard enough, as it seems, since he got up almost immediately.<br><br>"I will get you for that!" he yelled as he resumed chasing me.<br><br>"Lunge!" I quickly leaped behind one of the many tents in the camp.<br><br>"Stop jumping around like a kangaroo!" he complained, "BODY SLAM!"<br><br>After triggering the skill, he charged at full speed towards the tent I was hiding behind of.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*A skill like that is probably similar to "Lunge", in the way that you can't change direction after using it.*</span><br><br>I immediately leapt out of the way as the bandit crashed into the tent. When I looked back, I realized that he had somehow managed to get covered by the thick canvas of the tent, and currently looked like someone wearing a bad ghost costume.<br><br>"Snap shot!"<br><br>Using my skill, I bypassed the time needed to reload and fired instantly at the bandit's face, successfully pining the canvas to his face.<br><br>"GAAAAH!" screamed the instructer, "WHERE ARE YOU!"<br><br>The canvas ghost spun around and tried to find me.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Is he too dumb to even remove the canvas...?*<br></span><br>"... Over he-"<br><br>"BODY SLAM!"<br><br>"Woah!" I sidestepped just in time to dodge the sudden attack, and his attack carried him almost to the entrance before he stopped.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*His senses are sharp, at least, and he's quick to react.*</span><br><br>Seeing him near the entrance gave me an idea.<br><br>While he was still busy spinning around and trying to find me, I quietly placed myself at my desired position and shot a bolt at him.<br><br>*<span style="font-style: italic;">Thud!</span><br><br>"THERE YOU ARE!" he derived my position from the direction the bolt came from, "BODY SLAM!"<br><br>But I was already out of the way long before the skill triggered, and as before, his skill carried him much further than his intended target.<br><br>Causing him to crash into the watchtower.<br><br>And the watchtower to topple and crash onto him.<br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*CRASH!!</span></span><br><br><br>Buried under what seemed to be several tons of wood, the huge figure of the boss couold no longer be seen, but he could still barely be heard.<br><br>"YOU THINK YOU HAVE TRAPPED ME!" a voice shouted from within the rubble, "I'LL BE OUT IN NO TIME!"<br><br>I retrieved my block of flint from my inventory and tossed it high into the air.<br><br>"You won't be out fast enough," I said as I took aim with my crossbow, "SHOWER!"<br><br>As I fired the steel bolt upwards, it glowed for a moment and split into three bolts (as the skill leveled up once while I was fighting the horde) and each one struck against the flint block, creating a shower of sparks. Of the three, two of them managed to get set on fire and, when they landed on the rubble pile, set it on fire as well.<br><br>I calmly turned around and walked towards the closest tent.<br><br>"What... are... you doing...?" asked Takamiya.<br><br>...<br><br>...<br><br>"Adding fuel to the fire."<br>(ba-dum-tish)<br><br><br><br>Countless tents and one more watchtower later, I finally recieved the "Quest Completed" notification.<br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Quest Complete!<br><br>Beyond the grave<br><br>You have cleared the bandit camp and helped a restless spirit rest in peace.<br><br><br>Rewards:<br>Long Arm of the Law x 1 (Recieved during Quest)Steel Bolts x 100 (Recieved during Quest)<br>Fame +50<br>Fame within Undead faction +100</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Your "Fighting Spirit" stat has improved!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Your "Stubbornness" skill has improved!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Level Up!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Level Up!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Level Up!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Level Up!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Level Up!</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br><br>"So what 'ye plan to do now?" Taylor asked Takamiya after we recounted what happened back at the camp.<br><br>"Groun.... Head back... to finish what... I started..."<br><br>"That bad, huh? Well, thanks for the pelt anyways."<br><br>"And thanks for helping me take care of the bandits," I said to him.<br><br>"No... problem... Bandits are my... fault anyway..."<br><br>After a short farewell, Taylor and I continued our journey towards Rhesta, while Takamiya headed in the opposite direction, towards Groun.<br><br>"Now that I think about it, I never asked him what happened back in Groun."<br><br>"Hn... More importantly, about that <span style="font-style: italic;">thing</span> you asked me to do yesterday..."<br><br>"OH! Is it done already???"<br><br>"Ta-dah!"<br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Wolf-Queen's Virtuosity:<br><br>Durability: 70/70<br>Defense: 15<br><br>A pair of gloves made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.<br><br>It's softness makes it easier to move in and the black pads on the palm and fingers improve the wearer's grip.<br><br>Equip:<br>+23 STR<br>+31 DEX<br>+10 CHA<br>+10% Attack Speed<br>-10% Stamina Drain from attacking<br>Harder to get disarmed<br><br>Limits:<br>Level 35<br>DEX 70+<br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Wolf-Queen's Dance:<br><br>Durability: 75/75<br>Defense: 15<br><br>A pair of moccasins made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.<br><br>It's softness makes it easier to move in and the black pads on it's sole improve traction without sacrificing mobility.<br><br>Equip:<br>+25 STR<br>+29 DEX<br>+5 CHA<br>+10% Move Speed<br>-10% Stamina Drain from moving<br><br>Limits:<br>Level 36<br>DEX 70+<br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Wolf-Queen's Heart:<br><br>Durability: 80/80<br>Defense: 35<br><br>A tunic made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.<br><br>Made with a soft fur inner lining, this garment helps protect from the cold and is comfortable to the touch. The black straps that run diagonally down the front lend it a more sophisticated look.<br><br>Equip:<br>+30 STR<br>+10 DEX<br>+10 CON<br>+15 CHA<br>+10% Cold resist<br><br>Limits:<br>Level 38<br>DEX 70+<br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Wolf-Queen's Devotion:<br><br>Durability: 80/80<br>Defense: 34<br><br>A pair of pants made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.<br><br>Made with a soft fur inner lining, this garment helps protect from the cold and is comfortable to the touch.<br><br>Equip:<br>+20 STR<br>+20 DEX<br>+5 CON<br>+10 CHA<br>+10% Cold resist<br><br>Limits:<br>Level 38<br>DEX 70+<br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">Wolf-Queen's Acuity:<br><br>Durability: 75/75<br>Defense: 24<br><br>A mantle made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.<br><br>Made from a single large piece of pelt, this matle can easily cover the wearer and protect him from the elements. The hood was designed to keep out sand, dust and glare so that the wearer has perfect vision<br><br>Equip:<br>+10 INT<br>+50 MP<br>+20% Cold resist<br>Accuracy is increased<br>"Vision" skill is increased by +2<br>Slightly increased critical damage<br>Increased arrow/bolt traveling speed<br>Not affected by certain weather conditions if hood is up<br><br>Limits:<br>Level 40<br>DEX 70+<br>STR 60+</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">You have completed the "Wolf-Queen's Mercy" set!<br><br>As long as this set is equiped, you gain:<br><br>50% Light Affinity<br>50% Dark Affinity<br>40% Fire resist</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br><br><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Oh... MY..... GOD!*</span><br><br>THESE ARE AMAZING!<br><br>Even though I'll outlevel the defense rating eventually (and I'm one to believe that a high defense rating isn't needed for archer classes), the other stats can easily last me way past level hundred!<br><br>If that blacksmith back in Serabourg made armor of this quality with the bones, I can see why he managed to get famous overnight!<br><br>I guess these are S-class materials for you.<br><br>Although some of these stats don't really make sense.<br><br>Why would it give me Light and Dark affinity at the same time? And how could a fur suit protect me from fire?<br><br>Well, it's just an added bonus I guess.<br><br>"OOooH! It turned out great! Thanks Taylor!" I said as I equiped the items, "How much do I owe you?"<br><br>"They look great on you! As for the price, it's gonna cost you <span style="font-weight: bold;">[CENSORED]</span> gold."<br><br><br>skdjfstvbkjrdgvgksjgvbykreagbcgkvjsfhth<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*That's expensive....*</span><br><br><br>"Well, it's worth the money I guess," I sighed and handed him the fee.<br><br>"Pleasure doing bussi- ... Eh..?" Taylor halted mid-sentence as he suddenly looked towards the sky.<br><br>"What's wrong?"<br><br>"No, I thought I just saw the sky darken for a moment, but it doesn't look like it's going to rain again."<br><br>"Probably your imagination guess."<br><br>"... Yeah... I guess."<br><br><br><br>Only it wasn't.<br><br><br>********************************************************************************<br><br>Author's Notes:<br><br>Hello everybody!<br><br>This weeks chapter is finally complete. A few hours later than usual, but still on time.<br><br>Managed to think of a boss fight at the last moment, I guess I couldn't avoid putting one in after all. Even though I had to cut short the second part, I guess it turned out alright.<br><br>As usual, all comments and criticisms are welcome.<br><br>Thanks for reading! </div>

#The Last of Them "Yaaaaawn!" as we were looking for the last bandit, a loud yawn could be heard from one of the tents. And out came the biggest gods-be-damned Grounian bandit I've seen so far (or any bandit, for that matter). Remember Two-Sword Mantis? This guy was even taller than him, and had muscles that bulged like the Hulk. He still had a sleepy look as he walked past us. "Morning fellas..." he muttered at us. ... ... ... "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS!!! WHERE THE HELL IS EVERYONE ELSE?!!?!?" *Ah, it's awake.* "WAIT A MINUTE! IT'S YOU AGAIN!" "Hello.... Again...." replied Takamiya. *And Takamiya's back to normal.* "TRAINING HALL INSTRUCTER OF GROUN CHALLENGES O-" "Declined..." "WHY THE HELL!!!" "I already... beat... you before..." *He beat such an amazing person?* "Instead... Notrem... Will fight you." "... Come again?" "HAH HAH! You think this small man can defeat a level 100 warrior!" "Weren't you... Level 200?" "MY LEVEL DROPPED BY A HUNDRED BECAUSE I LOST TO YOU!" "Wait wait wait..." I interupted, "First off, I'm almost out of arrows..." :They're supposed to be your quest rewards, but you can use these if you want.: | Long Arm of the Law:Durability: 67/67Damage: 15-17A crossbow issued to Soldiers & Guards who have completed certain military courses.Equip:+10 DEX+10 STR+30% Damage vs Criminals+30% Damage vs Quest TargetsLimits:Level 30DEX 40+STR 60+ | | --- | | Steel Arrow:Durability: 1/1Regular bolts fitted with steel headsEquip:+20% DamageLimits:Must have a crossbow equiped. | | --- | ... ... ... *You need to learn better timing..* "So... Now that you have those, you think you can defeat me?" A dark shadow loomed from behind me. "Eh-heh....... LUNGE!" I leaped away as quickly as I could, just in time to avoid what would have been a nasty Bear Hug. "You're not getting away!" growled the bandit as he chased me. I fumbled with my unfamiliar weapon momentarily before I realized there was a slider at the front (like a pump-action shotgun) that will draw the crossbow when pulled. *THIS IS TERRIBLY SLOW!* *Thwop! The fired bolt hit him in the center of his forehead, but did nothing to slow him down. "Stop running!" "How 'bout "NO"!" Reloading.... (Damn, this thing is slow) Fire! "Snap Shot!" Using Snap Shot, I fired two bolts in rapid succession, both of which hit him in the throat. "Stop tickling me!" even with a total of 80% bonus damage from the crossbow and the bolt, the damage I'm doing is still minimal. "I'm not trying to!" I yelled at him, "HEY! Help me out here!" "No..." Takamiya replied. "FUCK YOU!" *Alright, think! This isn't the first time you've fought an unreasonably strong opponent! And this one's even slower than the Wolf-Queen!* In truth, with his speed, there was no way he could possibly catch up to me, but chased me out of typical Grounian stubbornness. Pausing for a moment to get a better aim, I fired a single shot at one of his feet, pinning it to the ground. The strength of a level 100 warrior is not to be messed with, as the bolt snapped in an instant, but the short moment that his foot stuck to the ground was enough to cause him to trip and fall face first into the dirt. And you know what they say, the bigger they are... *CRASH!! The harder they fall. Not hard enough, as it seems, since he got up almost immediately. "I will get you for that!" he yelled as he resumed chasing me. "Lunge!" I quickly leaped behind one of the many tents in the camp. "Stop jumping around like a kangaroo!" he complained, "BODY SLAM!" After triggering the skill, he charged at full speed towards the tent I was hiding behind of. *A skill like that is probably similar to "Lunge", in the way that you can't change direction after using it.* I immediately leapt out of the way as the bandit crashed into the tent. When I looked back, I realized that he had somehow managed to get covered by the thick canvas of the tent, and currently looked like someone wearing a bad ghost costume. "Snap shot!" Using my skill, I bypassed the time needed to reload and fired instantly at the bandit's face, successfully pining the canvas to his face. "GAAAAH!" screamed the instructer, "WHERE ARE YOU!" The canvas ghost spun around and tried to find me. *Is he too dumb to even remove the canvas...?* "... Over he-" "BODY SLAM!" "Woah!" I sidestepped just in time to dodge the sudden attack, and his attack carried him almost to the entrance before he stopped. *His senses are sharp, at least, and he's quick to react.* Seeing him near the entrance gave me an idea. While he was still busy spinning around and trying to find me, I quietly placed myself at my desired position and shot a bolt at him. *Thud! "THERE YOU ARE!" he derived my position from the direction the bolt came from, "BODY SLAM!" But I was already out of the way long before the skill triggered, and as before, his skill carried him much further than his intended target. Causing him to crash into the watchtower. And the watchtower to topple and crash onto him. *CRASH!! Buried under what seemed to be several tons of wood, the huge figure of the boss couold no longer be seen, but he could still barely be heard. "YOU THINK YOU HAVE TRAPPED ME!" a voice shouted from within the rubble, "I'LL BE OUT IN NO TIME!" I retrieved my block of flint from my inventory and tossed it high into the air. "You won't be out fast enough," I said as I took aim with my crossbow, "SHOWER!" As I fired the steel bolt upwards, it glowed for a moment and split into three bolts (as the skill leveled up once while I was fighting the horde) and each one struck against the flint block, creating a shower of sparks. Of the three, two of them managed to get set on fire and, when they landed on the rubble pile, set it on fire as well. I calmly turned around and walked towards the closest tent. "What... are... you doing...?" asked Takamiya. ... ... "Adding fuel to the fire." (ba-dum-tish) Countless tents and one more watchtower later, I finally recieved the "Quest Completed" notification. | Quest Complete!Beyond the graveYou have cleared the bandit camp and helped a restless spirit rest in peace.Rewards:Long Arm of the Law x 1 (Recieved during Quest)Steel Bolts x 100 (Recieved during Quest)Fame +50Fame within Undead faction +100 | | --- | | Your "Fighting Spirit" stat has improved! | | --- | | Your "Stubbornness" skill has improved! | | --- | | Level Up! | | --- | | Level Up! | | --- | | Level Up! | | --- | | Level Up! | | --- | | Level Up! | | --- | ******************************************************************************** "So what 'ye plan to do now?" Taylor asked Takamiya after we recounted what happened back at the camp. "Groun.... Head back... to finish what... I started..." "That bad, huh? Well, thanks for the pelt anyways." "And thanks for helping me take care of the bandits," I said to him. "No... problem... Bandits are my... fault anyway..." After a short farewell, Taylor and I continued our journey towards Rhesta, while Takamiya headed in the opposite direction, towards Groun. "Now that I think about it, I never asked him what happened back in Groun." "Hn... More importantly, about that thing you asked me to do yesterday..." "OH! Is it done already???" "Ta-dah!" | Wolf-Queen's Virtuosity:Durability: 70/70Defense: 15A pair of gloves made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.It's softness makes it easier to move in and the black pads on the palm and fingers improve the wearer's grip.Equip:+23 STR+31 DEX+10 CHA+10% Attack Speed-10% Stamina Drain from attackingHarder to get disarmedLimits:Level 35DEX 70+STR 60+ | | --- | | Wolf-Queen's Dance:Durability: 75/75Defense: 15A pair of moccasins made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.It's softness makes it easier to move in and the black pads on it's sole improve traction without sacrificing mobility.Equip:+25 STR+29 DEX+5 CHA+10% Move Speed-10% Stamina Drain from movingLimits:Level 36DEX 70+STR 60+ | | --- | | Wolf-Queen's Heart:Durability: 80/80Defense: 35A tunic made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.Made with a soft fur inner lining, this garment helps protect from the cold and is comfortable to the touch. The black straps that run diagonally down the front lend it a more sophisticated look.Equip:+30 STR+10 DEX+10 CON+15 CHA+10% Cold resistLimits:Level 38DEX 70+STR 60+ | | --- | | Wolf-Queen's Devotion:Durability: 80/80Defense: 34A pair of pants made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.Made with a soft fur inner lining, this garment helps protect from the cold and is comfortable to the touch.Equip:+20 STR+20 DEX+5 CON+10 CHA+10% Cold resistLimits:Level 38DEX 70+STR 60+ | | --- | | Wolf-Queen's Acuity:Durability: 75/75Defense: 24A mantle made from the skin and fur of the Wolf-Queen. It's striking white color is hard to miss, and the material seems impossible to stain.Made from a single large piece of pelt, this matle can easily cover the wearer and protect him from the elements. The hood was designed to keep out sand, dust and glare so that the wearer has perfect visionEquip:+10 INT+50 MP+20% Cold resistAccuracy is increased"Vision" skill is increased by +2Slightly increased critical damageIncreased arrow/bolt traveling speedNot affected by certain weather conditions if hood is upLimits:Level 40DEX 70+STR 60+ | | --- | | You have completed the "Wolf-Queen's Mercy" set!As long as this set is equiped, you gain:50% Light Affinity50% Dark Affinity40% Fire resist | | --- | *Oh... MY..... GOD!* THESE ARE AMAZING! Even though I'll outlevel the defense rating eventually (and I'm one to believe that a high defense rating isn't needed for archer classes), the other stats can easily last me way past level hundred! If that blacksmith back in Serabourg made armor of this quality with the bones, I can see why he managed to get famous overnight! I guess these are S-class materials for you. Although some of these stats don't really make sense. Why would it give me Light and Dark affinity at the same time? And how could a fur suit protect me from fire? Well, it's just an added bonus I guess. "OOooH! It turned out great! Thanks Taylor!" I said as I equiped the items, "How much do I owe you?" "They look great on you! As for the price, it's gonna cost you [CENSORED] gold." skdjfstvbkjrdgvgksjgvbykreagbcgkvjsfhth *That's expensive....* "Well, it's worth the money I guess," I sighed and handed him the fee. "Pleasure doing bussi- ... Eh..?" Taylor halted mid-sentence as he suddenly looked towards the sky. "What's wrong?" "No, I thought I just saw the sky darken for a moment, but it doesn't look like it's going to rain again." "Probably your imagination guess." "... Yeah... I guess." Only it wasn't. ******************************************************************************** Author's Notes: Hello everybody! This weeks chapter is finally complete. A few hours later than usual, but still on time. Managed to think of a boss fight at the last moment, I guess I couldn't avoid putting one in after all. Even though I had to cut short the second part, I guess it turned out alright. As usual, all comments and criticisms are welcome. Thanks for reading!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span><br><br>Leaving a pile of cut up body parts that were once vicious hunters of the night behind them, the party soon arrived at a part of the dungeon which split into a forked road, which seemed to leave them feeling rather perplexed.<br><br>Well, considering that they were in a drunken stupor (save for Wisp, who seemed a lot more sober than usual, much to his terror), this shouldn’t come as a surprise.<br><br>“There seems to be more of them down there.” Lance mused, sniffing the air. He (?) gave Wisp a tiny shove. “Go and scout ahead.”<br><br>“And you can somehow smell them from a distance?” Wisp felt utterly out of his depth. Rather than the usual hunting style where someone would pull a large mob of monsters to a prepared location, the party simply dashed from mob to mob and ran the monsters over where they stood. It was inefficient, but there were far fewer monsters to deal with per wave and they were hence dispatched with greater haste. The result was that it wasn’t really a hunt, it was a lynching. <br><br>Lance didn’t quite answer that question and shrugged. “Just a hunch.”<br><br>Wisp simply shrugged after thinking this through and gestured forward. “Well, it’s your nose. Just lead on.” He didn’t want to bother with their antics for the moment.<br><br>“But don’t you have a keen sense of smell comparable to that of a sommeli -“ A karpoi that poked his head out of his pocket began to speak.<br><br>“Shut up.” And the discussion came to an abrupt close. It soon transpired that Lance was right, and a group of werewolves were just ahead. A shiver seemed to run down the werewolves’ back as they heard the rumbling from the distance. A cloud of dust gathered in size as it drew nearer and nearer…<br><br>*Vrrrr-?!*<br><br>Before the werewolves could express their concern they were soon run over by said cloud of dust, leaving a pile of loot where they once stood. And a man walked leisurely by a few moments later, carefully picking up and sorting the drops.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">**</span><br><br>Sharon found her way to the centre of the dungeon, where she knew the white one had been rumoured to be dwelling at. Oddly the dungeon seemed to be a lot emptier than normal, and she didn’t get into as much trouble as she had anticipated. The few werewolves she came across were dispatched with due haste with a well placed swing of her hammer, but if she had taken her time to carefully observe them first, she would have noticed that they seemed afraid of something. <br><br>Well, the werewolves that lived had more reasons these days to be scared. And I was not only referring to our drunken trio that was just meandering through and fro the dungeon…<br>She heard snarling as she approached the boss chamber. The beast must clearly be inside. She surreptitiously made her way inside, careful not to make a sound. It was quite the feat considering that she was dressed in a suit of armor with a whacking great hammer equipped. Fortunately, the beast seemed awfully occupied with something from the looks of it. Well, so much the better.<br><br>Sharon found a conveniently situated stalagmite and crouched behind it, out of sight. The beast was far stronger than what she had come across. She suspected that it was a stronger variety of werewolf. It was smart, too, and would quickly escape if it felt that it was disadvantaged in any way. She had returned in frustration many times, the beast having eluded capture or death.<br><br>She raised her helmet, and made all final preparations. She tensed, feeling more ready than she would ever have before. This time for sure.<br><br>She leapt out from behind the stalagmite with a war cry, and was greeted with a surprising sight. As expected, the beast was there. But it seems that it had a guest.<br><br>A white tiger stood there, its powerful jaws around the stricken lycanthrope’s throat. As she watched in horror, it bit down, crushing its windpipe and snapping its neck. Its stripes were unusually a bloody red against the coat of white.<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">***</span><br><br><div class="spoiler"><div class="smalltext" style="margin-bottom:2px"><b>Spoiler</b> : <input type="button" value="Show" class="spoilerButton"></div><div class="spoilerContent"><div style="display: none;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disclaimer: This is not an abused keyboard you see over the because this mini-laptop was so damn slow and I want to make a point being not dead and bashing at it with the vigorous strength of a young man nearing the prime of his life. <br><br>Second disclaimer: All the werewolves have been sent for counselling. Thank you for your concern.<br><br>Third disclaimer: My PR doesn’t know about this. Hoping to work with him soon in about 3 weeks!!<br><br>Fourth disclaimer: This peek is not the final version. In fact, this is a very rough sketch for me to work from and the next chapter will not be released until my exams are finished and I come back from my vacation on 18th December, where I hope to have a good store of chapters ready by then (need to gain momentum 1st). Please look forward to it!<br></span></div></div></div> </div>

* Leaving a pile of cut up body parts that were once vicious hunters of the night behind them, the party soon arrived at a part of the dungeon which split into a forked road, which seemed to leave them feeling rather perplexed. Well, considering that they were in a drunken stupor (save for Wisp, who seemed a lot more sober than usual, much to his terror), this shouldn’t come as a surprise. “There seems to be more of them down there.” Lance mused, sniffing the air. He (?) gave Wisp a tiny shove. “Go and scout ahead.” “And you can somehow smell them from a distance?” Wisp felt utterly out of his depth. Rather than the usual hunting style where someone would pull a large mob of monsters to a prepared location, the party simply dashed from mob to mob and ran the monsters over where they stood. It was inefficient, but there were far fewer monsters to deal with per wave and they were hence dispatched with greater haste. The result was that it wasn’t really a hunt, it was a lynching. Lance didn’t quite answer that question and shrugged. “Just a hunch.” Wisp simply shrugged after thinking this through and gestured forward. “Well, it’s your nose. Just lead on.” He didn’t want to bother with their antics for the moment. “But don’t you have a keen sense of smell comparable to that of a sommeli -“ A karpoi that poked his head out of his pocket began to speak. “Shut up.” And the discussion came to an abrupt close. It soon transpired that Lance was right, and a group of werewolves were just ahead. A shiver seemed to run down the werewolves’ back as they heard the rumbling from the distance. A cloud of dust gathered in size as it drew nearer and nearer… *Vrrrr-?!* Before the werewolves could express their concern they were soon run over by said cloud of dust, leaving a pile of loot where they once stood. And a man walked leisurely by a few moments later, carefully picking up and sorting the drops. ** Sharon found her way to the centre of the dungeon, where she knew the white one had been rumoured to be dwelling at. Oddly the dungeon seemed to be a lot emptier than normal, and she didn’t get into as much trouble as she had anticipated. The few werewolves she came across were dispatched with due haste with a well placed swing of her hammer, but if she had taken her time to carefully observe them first, she would have noticed that they seemed afraid of something. Well, the werewolves that lived had more reasons these days to be scared. And I was not only referring to our drunken trio that was just meandering through and fro the dungeon… She heard snarling as she approached the boss chamber. The beast must clearly be inside. She surreptitiously made her way inside, careful not to make a sound. It was quite the feat considering that she was dressed in a suit of armor with a whacking great hammer equipped. Fortunately, the beast seemed awfully occupied with something from the looks of it. Well, so much the better. Sharon found a conveniently situated stalagmite and crouched behind it, out of sight. The beast was far stronger than what she had come across. She suspected that it was a stronger variety of werewolf. It was smart, too, and would quickly escape if it felt that it was disadvantaged in any way. She had returned in frustration many times, the beast having eluded capture or death. She raised her helmet, and made all final preparations. She tensed, feeling more ready than she would ever have before. This time for sure. She leapt out from behind the stalagmite with a war cry, and was greeted with a surprising sight. As expected, the beast was there. But it seems that it had a guest. A white tiger stood there, its powerful jaws around the stricken lycanthrope’s throat. As she watched in horror, it bit down, crushing its windpipe and snapping its neck. Its stripes were unusually a bloody red against the coat of white. *** **Spoiler** : Disclaimer: This is not an abused keyboard you see over the because this mini-laptop was so damn slow and I want to make a point being not dead and bashing at it with the vigorous strength of a young man nearing the prime of his life. Second disclaimer: All the werewolves have been sent for counselling. Thank you for your concern. Third disclaimer: My PR doesn’t know about this. Hoping to work with him soon in about 3 weeks!! Fourth disclaimer: This peek is not the final version. In fact, this is a very rough sketch for me to work from and the next chapter will not be released until my exams are finished and I come back from my vacation on 18th December, where I hope to have a good store of chapters ready by then (need to gain momentum 1st). Please look forward to it!

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> ~Sounds~<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*thoughts*</span><br><br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;">+++++</div><br><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chapter 06: Tutelage </span><br><br><br>After the sun set, Neuron had gained two strength, one dexterity, and even two in endurance.<br>That was because he fell down a lot, because of the thread being too weak, but it didn`t bother Neuron, because like this he could train everything, he even took back what he had thought about endurance, all because of what Kyle had said to him. He translated it to, If you work out now, you don`t have to do it later, and also what could he do, trapped inside town, for 3 more weeks.<br>And his Bow mastery was even close to level three. <br>When he went to upgrade more clothes another system message appeared<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mana Connection has leveled up: Beginner Lv6</span><br>The thread has gotten stronger<br>It now costs 40 Mana per meter<br>When the thread is reeled back, the excessive Mana will be stored for 5min</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>And because of him working out so much he gained a new stat: Sustenance<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sustenance </span><br>You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited from<br>distributing stat points to this stat.<br>It rises depending on the users action<br></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After the sunset he went to his personal edge, took out the clothes and began to sew, Brairan seeing that went over and looked dumbfounded on what Neuron was doing, he patched up clothes, but that wasn`t the odd thing, it was how he did it. He used scraps of colors that didn`t even match and sewed them on the part of the knees for trousers, and on the elbows for shirts, but it didn`t stop there, he sewed those all over the clothes, making them look like a fool`s motley<br><br>“So what are you doing?” he asked with interest<br><br>“Well the Tailor framed me, I have to patch all those clothes to get the Tailoring skill, and if I don`t complete them this week, I’ll never be able to learn it, but he didn`t say how I should patch them up” the last part was said with a huge grin on his face<br><br>Every other person, would just have thought of this smile us upper creepy and thus distancing themselves from the boy, but not Brairan, he joined in at the smile, then sat down near him telling Neuron which scrap he should use next, both of them having a lot of fun, well they were kindred spirits after all.<br><br>“It being like this he worked through the night and somehow even finishing most of all the clothes Neuron had to patch, without the socks of course.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Completed</span><br>179/200<br></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>But at daybreak the demeanor of Brairan suddenly changed<br><br>“Get up you runt, now show me what you can do!, Three rounds around the ground, gogogo!”<br><br>When Neuron didn`t want to stand up, Brairan took out an arrow and began hitting Neuron till he got up and started running.<br><br>Neuron not knowing what’s going on, because they were on such good terms throughout the night, jumped up and run around the ground groaning and swearing<br><br>But the instructor was only doing it to help Neuron, throughout the night he figured out his behavior. Neuron always needed a motivation, it didn`t matter if you where harsh with him, or if he was doing it for revenge, he always needed extremes to put his body and mind to the limit, but when a time like this comes, he was capable of completing monstrous tasks.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Sorry boy, but this is the only way I can teach you, I hoped it won`t go like this, but with your character you`ll only complete the basic training if you have enough drive even if that’s only your hate for me.* </span><br><br>------<br><br>While they were “working”, Brairan offered Neuron a quest, which he took<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> New Quest: Tutelage </span><br><br>You have agreed to follow Brairans orders, at daytime,<br>till you complete the beginner archery training<br><br>Rewards:<br>Unknown<br></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Neuron accepted, but only because he thought of him being a nice old man, but at daybreak everything changed.<br><br>After the day has ended, Neuron was completely exhausted, Brairan let him do sets of shooting arrows, then sprinting to gather them. Each time he missed, Brairan would hit him hard with an arrow, and as penalty, he had to sprint around the yard ones. But there was also a bright side, he didn`t have to eat Barley Bread, because Brairan provided food.<br><br>As soon as the night began Brairan changed his attitude, sitting near Neuron waiting that he pulls out the sewing utensils, but Neuron was too tired and went to sleep.<br><br>Standing up, Brairan whipped the dust from his trousers and said while covering Neuron with a blanket. “Sorry boy, but I have to do this, the world outside the city is a scary place.”<br><br>Luckily for him Neuron wasn`t fast asleep and thus heard that, if not he would have written a new enemy on his ever-growing list.<br><br>The next day:<br><br>Now Neuron was trying to run around the ground with a giant boulder tightly bound to his back with his Mana thread. His task for the day: to never let the boulder touch the ground. Each touch would imply a penalty, which he didn`t want to get.<br><br>When he shouldered the boulder a message appeared<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> You are overloaded, your movement speed is decreased by 30%<br>your stamina will drain faster. </span></li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*How am I going to run around like this?* </span><br><br>Then he began to run, well ponderous would be more accurate when…<br><br>“Ooooouch!”<br><br>Neuron spun around a few times and then landed on his back, waving his hands and feet like a bug, that was turned upside down.<br><br>At this he heard huge laughter, when he looked around he saw Brairan and Warnton both lying on their backs holding their stomachs, “Look at that, just like a bug” Khuahahaha<br><br>Cursing Neuron tried to get up, but couldn`t, because of the heavy weight on his back, the only thing he achieved was more and louder laughter.<br><br>“Kuhahaha, someone haka help him, kuhaha I can`t hold kekeke any more kuahaha”, because of them both laughing Neuron didn`t know who said it, but that didn’t matter because no one got up to help him, because they were enjoying the show too much, to actually do it.<br><br>At this he only swore some more<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">New skill: Swear</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Swear: Passive</span><br>The censoring will be disabled for you<br>The object of your swear will understand every word!<br>To use with caution!<br>If the target is underage you`ll gain Infamy depending on what you say<br>Their Reason will lover depending on the ingenuity of what you say <br>Possibility of aggro rises</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Oh shit I shouldn`t have cursed so much*</span><br><br>“Oh come on, you shouldn`t say something like this” was the only reaction of Brairan, Warnton was simply laughing more.<br><br>When he finally got up accompanied by streaks of laughter he noticed an arrow laying by his side, “Who the hell shot this arrow at me?!”<br><br>“Guilty” said Brairan while holding up his and as if he was in school and questioned by the teacher.<br><br>He continued “Now resume your round, but this time Warnton will shoot at you, but don`t worry he isn`t as an accurate shooter as I am, and the arrows are dull, so it will just hurt, and not costing you any health points, that means, if you aren`t hit one the head Kuahaha”<br>“So why did you shoot the first arrow, without even warning me?!”<br><br>“Well I wanted some fun, and the hell it was worth it!” he said, while beginning to laugh again.<br><br>“Just you spinning around would have been great, but then you fell and topped all of my expectations, hilarious!”<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Can`t ….swear….have….to endure.* </span><br><br>“Oh come on just continue swearing like before, I love your imagination, and your always using new combinations kekeke, I’ve actually learned something from you” Brairan said<br><br>With this he continued his round, but this time he kept his attention towards Warnton that promptly started shooting at him.<br><br>“That’s quite fun” exclaimed Warnton towards Brairan<br><br>“Well for me it isn`t!” cried out Neuron while ducking.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*Fortunately he can`t hit me when I`m far away, his aim is crap, but what, when I am about to finish the lap and come near him, he practically doesn’t have to aim at that point*</span><br><br>Because worrying doesn`t help In this situation, and thinking that, he also got confused, letting himself getting hit on the leg. <br><br>“Ouch!”<br><br>“I hit him!”<br><br>“Good work”<br><br>Now Neuron had to turn towards the front, dodging some arrows on the way, when he finally was 20m away Warnton stopped shooting, but took out an arrow and hit him on his behind shouting<br><br>“Faster, common, even my Grandma is faster with her trolley!”<br><br>“Yeah I bet” grunted Neuron<br><br>He had to repeat this 5 more times, till he laid on the floor, completely exhausted, he didn`t care for the arrows, that landed all around him.<br><br>“Ok, stop now!, it’s time to gather the arrows” Said Brairan, while clapping in his hands<br><br>The day before, Neuron showed them hiss current skills, and they were really interested about “Mana connection”, because they never heard of that skill, and thus they had Neuron do quite some experiments. <br>The result was, he now knew exactly how he could use the thread skill. One thing was, the storage of excessive mana in another bar for 5min, now he finally knew how to make use of it.<br><br>They also found out, that if Neuron made a connection towards many objects at the same time, he had to concentrate hard, with which he wanted to make the thread, if not upon activation all objects would be linked with him.<br><br><br>“Oh come on, I`m not some compass for missed arrows” he said while beginning to work, of course, Brairan had him touch all the arrows they shot at him beforehand, so he had to only go<br>through the field creating thread after thread, But while reeling the arrows back he had a problem, because they didn`t stop, before every cm of the mana thread was back inside his body, and thus he had to catch all arrows with both his hands, missing a few, which hit his Bellybutton really hard.<br><br>Doing this he even gained a new skill:<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> New skill: Ambidextrous: Passive </span><br>Enables you to equip weapons with your off hand, without penalty<br>Slightly increases attack speed with two weapons<br>Slightly increases Attack damage with two weapons</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After collecting all the arrows he had to shoot those arrows at the target, but simply shooting wasn’t enough for Brairan so they both tried their utmost to disturb his concentration and aiming, they whistled or blew air inside his ears, or used some arrows to whack him in critical situations, the task being to hit the target. With each arrow that missed, he had to run one more lap with that heavy boulder, while Warnton could shoot at him.<br><br><br>Like this half of the day passed and Neuron was utterly exhausted<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">*This can`t go on like this, I have to get back at that damn Tailor, but i`m too exhausted to do anything*</span><br><br>With that in mind he approached Brairan<br><br>“Sorry, but could we postpone our training for this week?”<br><br>“Why”<br><br>“Well I have things to do, and clothes to fix”<br><br>“Oh so you do, but can`t you fix them in like a day and then we can continue with the training?”<br><br>“Not really” <br><br>“Well then tell me what is it you have to do?”<br><br>Neuron pondered a while what he should say<br><br>“Well I have something I can only do at night”<br><br>“Ah, so you’re doing also some shady business, come on tell me I won`t be mad, I promise”<br><br>“Ok, I want to frame the tailor”<br><br>“How?”<br><br>“Secret”<br><br>He said with an apologetic grin<br><br>“Hey Warnton did you hear that he wants to get revenge on the Tailor?<br><br>“What Tailor?” came the only reply from him<br><br>“That one down this street, right?” Brairan asked, aiming the last part at Neuron<br><br>“Yeah”<br><br>“Ah, that one, do your worst, I hate this dude, every time he sees me, he talks aloud, saying, how I fit in this town, being the only weapon smith and having nothing to do”, Warnton said in disgust<br><br>“Well, then, could you tell me why you’re the only one?” asked Neuron<br><br>“Well I`m not the only smith, the other being a dwarf, Freya knows how he ended up here, but he never makes a weapon only everyday tools. Could be some oath but no one knows.” He explained. “And due to this city not being so big, they only employ a small army, if you can even call it like that, being composed of 100 soldiers.” At that he paused for a moment<br><br>“I sometimes have to make weapons for them, but they hardly train and so I don`t have to repair or forge new weapons, thus my business is stagnating and I don`t have any work”<br><br>“Don`t worry, your business will flourish soon enough” Said Neuron with a knowing look on his face<br><br>“But aren`t you happy about this, like this you can enjoy your hobby” came the reply from Brairan<br><br>“Hobby?” asked Neuron<br><br>“Well this dude is a weapon maniac, he can use any weapon, but only with the bow he has his problems Keahaha”<br><br>“Oh shut it”<br><br>While they began to argue witch weapon is the most difficult to master Neuron left them alone and walked towards his edge, sitting down, he took out the garments and began upgrading them<br><br>While working he suddenly gained another new skill<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>The skill <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Garment investigation </span> has been added to your Tailoring Skill<br>You can see, where garments are worn out <br>This applies to everything, a tailor can make</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When Neuron looked at the clothes that had to go through his upgrading, he saw parts of them glowing in reddish light, but that didn`t matter to him right now, because he patched them everywhere<br><br>When the sun went down he finally had only 20 more to upgrade<br><br>Before that happened Neuron took all the scraps he didn`t use, because they where to plain, or kept aside because they were of dark colors, and used them to make himself a mantle, it wasn`t made from one color, but from different dark colors, like the armies camouflage uniform<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Scrap mantle </span><br>Defense: 0 Durability: 10/10<br><br>Because this mantle was made only out of scraps, its defense is nonexistent, and the durability is low<br>This mantle was made by an unskilled tailor with stealth in mind.<br>Because of its unique pattern, you are likelier to hide in shadows<br><br>Properties:<br>Merges you with the shadows, making you harder to notice</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When he tried it on, the mantle touched the ground, so he could also cover his feet, and of course, he added a hood, to cover his face.<br><br>And so a dark hooded figure left the archery, soon lost inside the shadows.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;">End chapter 06</div> </div>

~Sounds~ *thoughts* +++++ Chapter 06: Tutelage After the sun set, Neuron had gained two strength, one dexterity, and even two in endurance. That was because he fell down a lot, because of the thread being too weak, but it didn`t bother Neuron, because like this he could train everything, he even took back what he had thought about endurance, all because of what Kyle had said to him. He translated it to, If you work out now, you don`t have to do it later, and also what could he do, trapped inside town, for 3 more weeks. And his Bow mastery was even close to level three. When he went to upgrade more clothes another system message appeared | * Mana Connection has leveled up: Beginner Lv6The thread has gotten strongerIt now costs 40 Mana per meterWhen the thread is reeled back, the excessive Mana will be stored for 5min | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | And because of him working out so much he gained a new stat: Sustenance | * Sustenance You are likely to use less stamina in action. You are prohibited fromdistributing stat points to this stat.It rises depending on the users action | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After the sunset he went to his personal edge, took out the clothes and began to sew, Brairan seeing that went over and looked dumbfounded on what Neuron was doing, he patched up clothes, but that wasn`t the odd thing, it was how he did it. He used scraps of colors that didn`t even match and sewed them on the part of the knees for trousers, and on the elbows for shirts, but it didn`t stop there, he sewed those all over the clothes, making them look like a fool`s motley “So what are you doing?” he asked with interest “Well the Tailor framed me, I have to patch all those clothes to get the Tailoring skill, and if I don`t complete them this week, I’ll never be able to learn it, but he didn`t say how I should patch them up” the last part was said with a huge grin on his face Every other person, would just have thought of this smile us upper creepy and thus distancing themselves from the boy, but not Brairan, he joined in at the smile, then sat down near him telling Neuron which scrap he should use next, both of them having a lot of fun, well they were kindred spirits after all. “It being like this he worked through the night and somehow even finishing most of all the clothes Neuron had to patch, without the socks of course. | * Completed179/200 | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | But at daybreak the demeanor of Brairan suddenly changed “Get up you runt, now show me what you can do!, Three rounds around the ground, gogogo!” When Neuron didn`t want to stand up, Brairan took out an arrow and began hitting Neuron till he got up and started running. Neuron not knowing what’s going on, because they were on such good terms throughout the night, jumped up and run around the ground groaning and swearing But the instructor was only doing it to help Neuron, throughout the night he figured out his behavior. Neuron always needed a motivation, it didn`t matter if you where harsh with him, or if he was doing it for revenge, he always needed extremes to put his body and mind to the limit, but when a time like this comes, he was capable of completing monstrous tasks. *Sorry boy, but this is the only way I can teach you, I hoped it won`t go like this, but with your character you`ll only complete the basic training if you have enough drive even if that’s only your hate for me.* ------ While they were “working”, Brairan offered Neuron a quest, which he took | * New Quest: Tutelage You have agreed to follow Brairans orders, at daytime,till you complete the beginner archery trainingRewards:Unknown | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Neuron accepted, but only because he thought of him being a nice old man, but at daybreak everything changed. After the day has ended, Neuron was completely exhausted, Brairan let him do sets of shooting arrows, then sprinting to gather them. Each time he missed, Brairan would hit him hard with an arrow, and as penalty, he had to sprint around the yard ones. But there was also a bright side, he didn`t have to eat Barley Bread, because Brairan provided food. As soon as the night began Brairan changed his attitude, sitting near Neuron waiting that he pulls out the sewing utensils, but Neuron was too tired and went to sleep. Standing up, Brairan whipped the dust from his trousers and said while covering Neuron with a blanket. “Sorry boy, but I have to do this, the world outside the city is a scary place.” Luckily for him Neuron wasn`t fast asleep and thus heard that, if not he would have written a new enemy on his ever-growing list. The next day: Now Neuron was trying to run around the ground with a giant boulder tightly bound to his back with his Mana thread. His task for the day: to never let the boulder touch the ground. Each touch would imply a penalty, which he didn`t want to get. When he shouldered the boulder a message appeared | * You are overloaded, your movement speed is decreased by 30%your stamina will drain faster. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *How am I going to run around like this?* Then he began to run, well ponderous would be more accurate when… “Ooooouch!” Neuron spun around a few times and then landed on his back, waving his hands and feet like a bug, that was turned upside down. At this he heard huge laughter, when he looked around he saw Brairan and Warnton both lying on their backs holding their stomachs, “Look at that, just like a bug” Khuahahaha Cursing Neuron tried to get up, but couldn`t, because of the heavy weight on his back, the only thing he achieved was more and louder laughter. “Kuhahaha, someone haka help him, kuhaha I can`t hold kekeke any more kuahaha”, because of them both laughing Neuron didn`t know who said it, but that didn’t matter because no one got up to help him, because they were enjoying the show too much, to actually do it. At this he only swore some more | New skill: Swear | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | * Swear: PassiveThe censoring will be disabled for youThe object of your swear will understand every word!To use with caution!If the target is underage you`ll gain Infamy depending on what you sayTheir Reason will lover depending on the ingenuity of what you say Possibility of aggro rises | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | *Oh shit I shouldn`t have cursed so much* “Oh come on, you shouldn`t say something like this” was the only reaction of Brairan, Warnton was simply laughing more. When he finally got up accompanied by streaks of laughter he noticed an arrow laying by his side, “Who the hell shot this arrow at me?!” “Guilty” said Brairan while holding up his and as if he was in school and questioned by the teacher. He continued “Now resume your round, but this time Warnton will shoot at you, but don`t worry he isn`t as an accurate shooter as I am, and the arrows are dull, so it will just hurt, and not costing you any health points, that means, if you aren`t hit one the head Kuahaha” “So why did you shoot the first arrow, without even warning me?!” “Well I wanted some fun, and the hell it was worth it!” he said, while beginning to laugh again. “Just you spinning around would have been great, but then you fell and topped all of my expectations, hilarious!” *Can`t ….swear….have….to endure.* “Oh come on just continue swearing like before, I love your imagination, and your always using new combinations kekeke, I’ve actually learned something from you” Brairan said With this he continued his round, but this time he kept his attention towards Warnton that promptly started shooting at him. “That’s quite fun” exclaimed Warnton towards Brairan “Well for me it isn`t!” cried out Neuron while ducking. *Fortunately he can`t hit me when I`m far away, his aim is crap, but what, when I am about to finish the lap and come near him, he practically doesn’t have to aim at that point* Because worrying doesn`t help In this situation, and thinking that, he also got confused, letting himself getting hit on the leg. “Ouch!” “I hit him!” “Good work” Now Neuron had to turn towards the front, dodging some arrows on the way, when he finally was 20m away Warnton stopped shooting, but took out an arrow and hit him on his behind shouting “Faster, common, even my Grandma is faster with her trolley!” “Yeah I bet” grunted Neuron He had to repeat this 5 more times, till he laid on the floor, completely exhausted, he didn`t care for the arrows, that landed all around him. “Ok, stop now!, it’s time to gather the arrows” Said Brairan, while clapping in his hands The day before, Neuron showed them hiss current skills, and they were really interested about “Mana connection”, because they never heard of that skill, and thus they had Neuron do quite some experiments. The result was, he now knew exactly how he could use the thread skill. One thing was, the storage of excessive mana in another bar for 5min, now he finally knew how to make use of it. They also found out, that if Neuron made a connection towards many objects at the same time, he had to concentrate hard, with which he wanted to make the thread, if not upon activation all objects would be linked with him. “Oh come on, I`m not some compass for missed arrows” he said while beginning to work, of course, Brairan had him touch all the arrows they shot at him beforehand, so he had to only go through the field creating thread after thread, But while reeling the arrows back he had a problem, because they didn`t stop, before every cm of the mana thread was back inside his body, and thus he had to catch all arrows with both his hands, missing a few, which hit his Bellybutton really hard. Doing this he even gained a new skill: | * New skill: Ambidextrous: Passive Enables you to equip weapons with your off hand, without penaltySlightly increases attack speed with two weaponsSlightly increases Attack damage with two weapons | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | After collecting all the arrows he had to shoot those arrows at the target, but simply shooting wasn’t enough for Brairan so they both tried their utmost to disturb his concentration and aiming, they whistled or blew air inside his ears, or used some arrows to whack him in critical situations, the task being to hit the target. With each arrow that missed, he had to run one more lap with that heavy boulder, while Warnton could shoot at him. Like this half of the day passed and Neuron was utterly exhausted *This can`t go on like this, I have to get back at that damn Tailor, but i`m too exhausted to do anything* With that in mind he approached Brairan “Sorry, but could we postpone our training for this week?” “Why” “Well I have things to do, and clothes to fix” “Oh so you do, but can`t you fix them in like a day and then we can continue with the training?” “Not really” “Well then tell me what is it you have to do?” Neuron pondered a while what he should say “Well I have something I can only do at night” “Ah, so you’re doing also some shady business, come on tell me I won`t be mad, I promise” “Ok, I want to frame the tailor” “How?” “Secret” He said with an apologetic grin “Hey Warnton did you hear that he wants to get revenge on the Tailor? “What Tailor?” came the only reply from him “That one down this street, right?” Brairan asked, aiming the last part at Neuron “Yeah” “Ah, that one, do your worst, I hate this dude, every time he sees me, he talks aloud, saying, how I fit in this town, being the only weapon smith and having nothing to do”, Warnton said in disgust “Well, then, could you tell me why you’re the only one?” asked Neuron “Well I`m not the only smith, the other being a dwarf, Freya knows how he ended up here, but he never makes a weapon only everyday tools. Could be some oath but no one knows.” He explained. “And due to this city not being so big, they only employ a small army, if you can even call it like that, being composed of 100 soldiers.” At that he paused for a moment “I sometimes have to make weapons for them, but they hardly train and so I don`t have to repair or forge new weapons, thus my business is stagnating and I don`t have any work” “Don`t worry, your business will flourish soon enough” Said Neuron with a knowing look on his face “But aren`t you happy about this, like this you can enjoy your hobby” came the reply from Brairan “Hobby?” asked Neuron “Well this dude is a weapon maniac, he can use any weapon, but only with the bow he has his problems Keahaha” “Oh shut it” While they began to argue witch weapon is the most difficult to master Neuron left them alone and walked towards his edge, sitting down, he took out the garments and began upgrading them While working he suddenly gained another new skill | * The skill Garment investigation has been added to your Tailoring SkillYou can see, where garments are worn out This applies to everything, a tailor can make | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | When Neuron looked at the clothes that had to go through his upgrading, he saw parts of them glowing in reddish light, but that didn`t matter to him right now, because he patched them everywhere When the sun went down he finally had only 20 more to upgrade Before that happened Neuron took all the scraps he didn`t use, because they where to plain, or kept aside because they were of dark colors, and used them to make himself a mantle, it wasn`t made from one color, but from different dark colors, like the armies camouflage uniform | * Scrap mantle Defense: 0 Durability: 10/10Because this mantle was made only out of scraps, its defense is nonexistent, and the durability is lowThis mantle was made by an unskilled tailor with stealth in mind.Because of its unique pattern, you are likelier to hide in shadowsProperties:Merges you with the shadows, making you harder to notice | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | When he tried it on, the mantle touched the ground, so he could also cover his feet, and of course, he added a hood, to cover his face. And so a dark hooded figure left the archery, soon lost inside the shadows. End chapter 06

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 3 : The Master of Etna Forest<br><br>Unicorn Corp. Headquarters was located at the edge of the city, it was in a huge skyscrapers with a small square in front of the building, many foreigners were taking a break at the square while talking merrily with each other, Erica was sitting on one of the beautiful ornaments benches while holding a lunch box, she just finished her work and about to ate her lunch when a man walked towards her. <br><br>“Miss Erica, its rare to see you at the main office, are you here for work or to see your mother.”Said the man smiled at her. <br><br>The man was around his fourty, wearing an expensive suit, a sharp black eyes, short black hair, white skin. <br><br>“Director Han Seo Kim, I just finished my work, are you on break too?” <br><br>It was also rare for Erica to saw director Han Seo Kim, usually she came to main office just to finished some documents and then went straight back home, she only saw director Han Seo Kim at annual shareholders meeting or at a party. <br><br>“Just call me director Kim, I am here because I heard that you were eating lunch here from your mother.” <br><br>“Then?”<br><br>Erica thought that there must be a reason why director Kim came to see her. <br><br>“Well, I heard that you have been playing Royal Road since the official release, I <br>just want to hear your opinion about it.”<br><br>It had been two months since the official release of Royal Road, everywhere people were talking about Royal Road, news, magazine, newspaper, talk show`s everyday they were talking about Royal Road, now there was no one who didn’t know about Royal Road <br><br>“I think, its fine.”She said it plainly.<br><br>Director Kim frowned and said “Is that all, I mean how about the quest, hunting monsters, and others, what do you think about then.” <br><br>Erica didn’t know what to say about that, for 2 months or 8 months game time, she only read books in the Babel tower, to begin with she didn’t have any interest in quest, hunting, or anything in particular, she played Royal Road because she had nothing to do in the real world. And thanks to Babel Tower she had a lot of books to read.<br><br>“.... It have a lot of books to read.”<br><br>Director Kim didn’t know how to react to her answer, usually people would feel excited when they played Royal Road and began talking about their adventures. <br><br>He knew that some genius people were usually had a difficult personality, they tend to do something that the normal people thought as an abnormal behavior or strange thing, but he never thought that Erica was one of them. <br><br>“So... how about you tell what did you do for this 2 months?”<br><br>“Reading.”<br><br>“Is that all, nothing else?”<br><br>“Yes.”She nodded<br><br>He couldn’t believe that she spent her 8 months game time for only reading, <br>Ah, so this is her difficult personality, the only thing she have interest is in books. <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">(Haa ....well I guess it’s better than that guy personality.)</span> <br><br>“Miss Erica, may I ask something strange.” <br><br>He was actually reluctant to ask this, but it was for her sake.<br><br>“Did you have any friends?”He asked with a serious face.<br><br>Erica thought about it for a bit, someone she could call a friend... , no, there was no one she could call a friend, since she was little she never really talked or played with the other kids or her classmates, she spent all of her time to read, but that was only till recently, till she met a girl on her way to school.<br><br>Anna Wintersand that was the girl name that Erica met, since that day whenever she went to school Anna always asked her to ate lunch together, she also exchanged her cell phone number with her, so yes she had a friend or so she thought, she didn’t really know if Anna could be categorize as friend or not, because she never had any friends before.<br><br>“I guess.”<br><br>“She plays Royal Road right?”<br><br>Anna told her that she had gotten her own capsule last month, so yes she played Royal Road.<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>“Good, then asked her if you can join her party, if you join her maybe you can <br>find something that more interesting than reading a book. Ah I should go now, the break time is almost over, I will ask you again about your opinion, have a good day.”He walked into the building.<br><br>After eating her lunch, Erica didn’t go back to her office but went straight home, on her way back she thought about her conversation with director Kim, to find something that more interesting than reading a book, she thought it might be interesting.<br><br>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Connect to Royal Road.<br>Yes/No<br><br>“Welcome back my lady.”<br><br>When Aria appeared Babel had flying near the location where she had logout before, it seemed that he had been waiting for her <br><br>“What’s wrong?”She asked.<br><br>“I just want to inform you that the barrier magic had been casted over the tower.”<br><br>A few days ago Babel told Aria that he had been preparing a large magic circle that would be used as a barrier to conceal the tower, it seemed that he had finished the magic circle.<br><br>“Is that all?”<br><br>She didn’t believe that he was waiting for her just for that, the barrier wasn’t an immediate need, because of the nature of the forest and the monsters there shouldn’t be anyone that dared to go into the forest, at least for now, so there must be something else that he hadn’t told her. <br><br>“Yes my lady, the master of the Etna forest want to have an audience with you.”<br><br>The master of the Etna forest was a title that was given to the strongest monster in the Etna forest, because of it’s strength, it was became the ruler of the forest. <br>Not only in Erna forest, in various place in the continent, there were many masters that rule over the mountains, forests, seas, deserts, and many other place, they weren’t a boss monsters, they stood above them, basically they were the boss of boss monsters.<br><br>Aria never thought that the master would want an audience with her, since she had come to this forest, she never went outside the tower, she always read books, so she had no idea why the master which she had never met want an audience.<br><br>“Where is it?”<br><br>“She is waiting for you in the throne room.”<br><br>Aria was about to teleport herself into her chamber when Babel asked her if he could follow her because he had a bad feeling about this, she nodded and the familiar sound like a bell rang.<br><br>“Ting!”<br><br>Babel has joined your party<br><br>“Ting”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You gained a servant</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Total servant : 1<br><br>+ Babel Status Window now available.<br>+ Babel.Skill/Magic Window now available.<br>+ New servant skills available<br>+ New skills available.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Open Babel Status Window?<br>Yes/No<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Status Window</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Name</td><td width="25%">Babel</td><td width="25%">Title</td><td width="25%">N/A</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Race</td><td width="25%">Ancient Book</td><td width="25%">Alignement</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Main Class</td><td colspan="3">Book of Knowledge and Wisdom</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Level</td><td width="25%">1</td><td width="25%">Fame</td><td width="25%">65.600</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health</td><td width="25%">140</td><td width="25%">Mana</td><td width="25%">117.200</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Health Regeneration/Sec</td><td width="25%">0,2/Sec</td><td width="25%">Mana Regeneration/Sec</td><td width="25%">17,8/Sec</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Strength</td><td width="25%">4</td><td width="25%">Agility</td><td width="25%">55</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wisdom</td><td width="25%">780</td><td width="25%">Intelligence</td><td width="25%">780</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Stamina</td><td width="25%">15</td><td width="25%">Vitality</td><td width="25%">12</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Luck</td><td colspan="3">40</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Unused SP</td><td colspan="3">0</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Resistance</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Fire</td><td width="25%">80%</td><td width="25%">Water</td><td width="25%">80%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Wind</td><td width="25%">80%</td><td width="25%">Earth</td><td width="25%">80%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Lightning</td><td width="25%">80%</td><td width="25%">Neutral</td><td width="25%">80%</td></tr><tr><td width="25%">Holy</td><td width="25%">80%</td><td width="25%">Dark</td><td width="25%">80%</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Race : Ancient Book</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>+5000 Mana.</li><br><li>+ 200 Int and Wis.</li><br><li>+30% All Magic Resistances.</li><br><li>Unable to use any combat related skills.</li><br><li>Unable to use any equipment.</li><br><li>Enables to learn and use ancient magic.</li></ul><br></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Main Class : Book of Knowledge and Wisdom</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><ul><br><li>+ 500% mana and mana Regeneration.</li><br><li>+ 300% Int and Wis.</li><br><li>+ 50% All Magic Resistancea..</li><br><li>- 50% mana cost for magic skill.</li><br><li>- 75% spell casting.</li><br><li>- 75% skills and magics cool down.</li><br><li>All magics mastery can reach to Grand Master level.</li><br><li>All skills s mastery started at Master level.</li><br><li>+ 5 Additional stats to Int and Wis every level up.</li><br><li>Enable to learn unlimited number of magics</li><br><li>Enable you to learn any magics of any classes.</li><br><li>Soul bind to Goddess Aria.</li><br><li>Enables to equip a certain accessories specialized for the class.</li><br><li>Enables to learn secret skills based on the class.</li></ul><br></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Show Babel Skill/Magic Window?<br>Yes/No<br><br>‘Yes.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Babel Connection (Passive) (Special Skill)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Babel can change it’s contents into the contents of another book, as long as that book was stored inside Babel Tower.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Mastery (Passive) (Master : 0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ Increases the effect of magic by 360 %.<br>+ Increases speed of chanting a spell by 150 %. <br>+ Can cast 9 different magic at once.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Flying Magic (Active) (Master : 0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You can fly by manipulate wind element around your body, you can fly as long as you want till you cancel the spell or run out of mana.<br><br>Mana cost : 260/40 minutes. <br>Cool down : 8s/cancel.<br>Tier : 4</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Fireball (Active) (Master : 0%)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You create a ball of fire to attack your enemy (Inflict burn status).<br><br>Mana cost : 20/fireball. <br>Cool down : 3s.<br>Max fireball : 9.<br>Tier : 1</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Soul Connection (Passive) (Special Skill)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You can communicate with your master and her/his other servants and familiars, and can know their location through the soul bind thet connect your soul together.<br><br>Max range : Unlimited</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>“Ting!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You learned 2 new skills</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ Soul Connection.<br>+ Life Fusion.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Soul Connection (Passive) (Special Skill)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You cas communicate with your servants and familiars, and can know their location trough the soul bind that connect your soul together.<br><br>Max range : Unlimited</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Life Fusion (Passive) (Special Skill)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You will automatically combine and share the same health and mana with Babel if he is near you. <br><br>Max range : 500m</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Aria was puzzled with Babel status and skills, why his level was only level one and he only had a few skills and magics, wasn’t he supposed to be much more powerful than this, he had lived for more than a millennia, how could his level was one. <br><br>Babel was apologizing to Aria because he didn’t report his condition, he explained that all of his power and skills/magics was gone after he used that magic that move her realm (I will name this magic Dimension Teleportation, so from now on I will use that name), as a side effect he lost all of his power and most of his skills and magics were gone.<br><br>Aria nodded her head as a sign of understanding, she thought that there was no way that he would be fine after using a magic which even goddess Aria must pay a price for using it for the second time. <br><br>Aria walked through the teleportation circle and appeared in her chamber, she walked through the hallway that connected her chamber and the throne room, inside the throne room a woman about 20 years old, she had a beautiful face with a dark green long hair, dark green eyes and white skin, she was also wearing dark green robe, everything about this woman were dark greens except her white skin.<br><br>Aria sat down on the throne and asked “You are the master of Etna forest?”<br><br>“My name is Nedia, I am the master of the Etna forest.” Replied the women<br><br>“So Nedia, What can I do for you today?”<br><br>“Today I am here to welcome you as on of the forest dwellers of Etna forest... and to challange you.” <br><br>Nedia tone wasn’t that of mocking or taunting Aria, her eyes were filled with fighting spirit, and was ready to fight anytime, Aria could tell from her expression that she was purely just want to fight with Aria.<br><br>“Why did you want to challange me?”<br><br>Aria didn’t understand why Nedia who was obviously stronger than her, want to fight with her who was a level 1 player.<br><br>“To decide who was the master of the Etna forest, I know who you are since the day you came to this forest, I had felt your aura from my lair, we the masters are the strongest being on their respective territory, if there was someone stronger than us lived in the same territory, we must decide who is the strongest. You have lived in this forest for 8 months now, so you are now officially one of the forest dwellers, and now we must fight to decide who was the master of Etna forest.”<br><br>A fighting spirit which was emitting from her body was insanely strong, a fighting spirit usually couldn’t be seen by naked eyes, but right now Erica could see it clearly, a dark green aura was coming out of her body, and it was even getting stronger and stronger, if it wasn’t for her divinity stats that was very high, she would have died hundreds of times already. <br><br>“Ting!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Quest : Challange of the strongest</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You have been challenged for the title of The Master of Etna Forest by Nedia. Challenge cannot be refused.<br><br>Difficulty Level : Unknown<br><br>Quest Requirements :<br>Nedia acknowledge you are on par or stronger than her.<br><br>Quest Status : Ongoing<br><br>Failure : <br>Lose your region.<br>Banned from entering Etna Forest forever.<br><br>Quest Rewards<br>Title : The Master of Etna Forest.<br>???</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br> <br>Aria actually wanted to refuse this quest immediately, she didn’t care who was the strongest or who would become ruler of Etna forest, but when she read that she couldn’t refuse it, she couldn’t do anything about it but to accept the quest.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">(Haa... my first quest was also an insane just like my class, how can I fight a master class monster on level 1, maybe I should really consider to delete this character and make a new one.)</span><br><br>“Well then, we can’t fight here, let’s go to my lair, there were a lot of space there.”<br><br>Nedia created a teleportation circle on the floor and stepped inside it, Aria followed her and stepped inside the circle.<br><br>Aria now was in a dark room, her eyes couldn’t see well in this dark room so she activate her True Eyes skill, whenever she activate this skill her eyes turned to golden, now she could see clearly, this roon seemed to be a room in a cave, the wall was a dark brown stone cave, there were not to many objects in here, only a simple wooden table and a chair with a few shelves of book on the corner of the room, there was no lamp or candle in here, she wonder how could Nedia lived in a dark place like this.<br><br>She walked toward the exit and found Nedia was waiting for her at the open plain about 300m from the enterance to the cave, she walke towards the center of the plain where Nedia was waiting.<br><br>With her True Eyes skill was still active, she now could see clearly Nedia stats.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Nedia</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Level : 980<br>Race : True Ancient Dragon.<br>Aligment : Origin of Darkness.<br><br>Hp : 1.156.445.<br>Mana : 1.275.337.<br><br>Strong : <br>+ 50% All Magic Resistance, <br>+ Infinite stamina, <br>+ immune to all negative stats. <br><br>Weakness : <br>+ Divine related combat skills <br>+ Divine based magics,<br><br>Abilities/Skills/Magics : <br>+ Transformation. <br>+ True Ancient Dragon type combat skills and magics.<br>+ Can use all elemental magic<br>+ Special skills of Origin of Darkness <br>+ Special magics of Origin of Darkness</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Aria stopped walking, her couldn’t move a muscle when she saw Nedia stats, she had read that a master class monster strength was depend on their territory, a boss monster class strength was usually about twice the strength of a normal monster in their territory, so a master class boss monster strength was also usually twice the strength of the boss monster class, if the average normal monsters in Etna forest were around level 550, the boss level should be also around level 740-750, so a master class boss monster in Etna forest was supposed to be around level 920-930, but it seemed Nedia was an exception. <br><br>“My lady, it seems that you must release your seal to defeat her, her power could be said rivalling to that of a god.”<br><br>Aria didn’t really sure that she could defeat Nedia even if she unseal the power of Goddess Aria, she never fought against monsters before and this one was not a normal monster, it was a dragon.<br><br>After she calmed down, she started walking towards Nedia. <br><br>“Are you ready?”Nedia asked with a bright smile on her face.<br><br>It seemed that she was really happy to fight against Aria.<br><br>“Can I ask you for your real reason why do you want to fight with me?” <br><br>Aria had been thinking about this since Nedia challenge her, no matter what she thought, there must be another reason why Nedia challenged her, she already had a guess why Nedia wanted to challenge her, but Aria wanted to hear the real reason from herself. <br><br>“You know, I have been living for about a millennia now, I have been fighting many people and races, including the dragon race, but nobody could defeat me, I have been searching for someone that could defeat me, I searched for a long time till I got tired of it, I then made a liar and settled down in this forest while waiting for someone that could defeat me, and now I have found that person. But don’t misunderstand this, I didn’t lie to you about the reason of challenging you, I just have my own reason why I want to fight you.” <br><br>Aria shook her head in disbelief, her guessed was right on the mark, she had guessed this when she heard that Nedia said that she felt her aura since the day she came to this forest, the only thing that she did on that day was making equipments using her Divine Aura skill, so Nedia must had sensed that aura, and when she saw Nedia abnormal levels and weakness, she was sure that no one could defeat her and Nedia was looking for someone with a divine power to had a fight.<br><br>“Are you ready now?” She looked impatient. <br><br>Well Aria didn’t have any choice but to fight.<br><br>“Unseal.”Aria said with a low tone.<br><br>Suddenly her silver hair changed to golden hair, and her body now surrounded by a golden aura, <br><br>Nedia who was seeing this smiled even brighter than before. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time, she actually had gave up looking for someone with a divine power a long time ago, but 8 months ago, she felt it, a divine power and even more it was on her territory, she never thought that her old wish for a battle with someone with divine power could be fulfill.<br><br>“Well then I will go first.”<br><br>Suddenly a punch appeared in front Aria face, but before the punch could touch Aria, Nedia was already fall to the ground even though Aria didn’t move an inch from her place.<br><br>“How did you do that? I only know that you controlled your divine aura to block my punch, but I didn’t know how did you throw me so easily like that.” <br>Nedia was surprised when she found herself on the ground, sbe had fought many races with their unique combat techniques, but she never saw this one before, she thought that she had seen every combat technique that was existing in this world. But it seemed she was wrong.<br><br>“....”<br><br>Well, what Aria did wasn’t really a combat technique from this Royal Road, she was using Jujitsu and Aikido to throw Nedia, using a small movement and a little strength as much as possible to deflect or nullified her opponent attack, and used that attack power and speed to amplified her own attack power, Aria used this technique and her Divine Aura manipulation to manipulate the punch power and speed to throw Nedia. <br><br>When she was in her second year in middle school there was a class of self-defense where martial arts instructor came to teach the girls how to protect themselves, using Jujitsu and Aikido the girls could fight with an opponent that was much more stronger or bigger than themselves, the girls learned about it for a year, and in that one year she managed to master both of it.<br><br>Nedia stood up and started to attack again, this time it was more powerful and faster than the first attack, but no matter how powerful and faster Nedia punch was, with True Eyes skill Aria could see clearly Nedia movement, Aria could predict where Nedia punch would hit her, and use her divine aura to nullified the punch and throw her, Nedia tried to punch Aria for a few more time, but the result was the same as before, she then stood up again, but this time she didn’t attack Aria, it seemed that she understood that attacking her with hand to hand combat was a useless thing.<br><br>This time Nedia summoned a dark green sword that emitting a dark aura, and slashed at Aria, but too bad it was the same as before, Aria didn’t move from her spot and Nedia was thrown away into the air. <br><br>Nedia was amazed by Aria technique, she never thought that even using a weapon the result would be the same, she laughed and looked very happy, it had been a very long time since she fought with an opponent that she couldn’t defeat so easily. <br><br>“Now then, let’s fight seriously from now on.”<br><br>Nedia eyes started to change into an eyes that only a predator could have, an eyes filled with bloodlust and fighting spirit, the dark green aura that was surrounding her body began to increased it’s intensity and moved violently. She took a stance, ready to attack anytime. Aria who saw her change, got more serious, she make her divine aura more stronger.<br><br>Nedia moved instantly to Aria left side, and slashed at Aria left upper body, this time Aria concentrated more divine aura at her left hand and deflect Nedia sword, she almost failed to deflect the sword because Nedia attack power and speed were on a completely different dimension than her previous attack, Aria couldn’t handle the impact and was backing away a few steps, Nedia who saw an opening started to slashed at her again, this time Aria used her right hand to deflect Nedia sword, but because she was still in an awkward position after backing away, she couldn’t deflect the sword properly and it hit her right hand directly, she was blown away by the impact, thanks to her divine aura that coated her entire body, she only lost half of her health, if she didn’t coat her entire body with divine aura, then she would have been died by now, Aria tried to stand up, but her body wouldn’t listen to her.<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">(Ugh... what an insane power and speed, my right hand is broken and my body won’t move, I guess I don’t have much choice now, lets try that.)</span><br><br>Aria infused her own body with a divine aura and began imagining her body structures. veins, flesh, blood, muscles, bones and every inch of her body, and she infused her entire body structure with her divine aura, then she manipulated and recreated her own body structures with the divine aura which was now inside her body.<br><br>“Ting!” <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You infused and recreated your entire body with Divine Aura</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ 300 All stats. <br>+ 5.000 Divinity<br>+ You learned a new skill “Divine Body”.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div> <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Divine Body (Passive) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You body have become a divine body that will make your entire body much more stronger and faster, no ordinary weapon can hurt you and you have full contol over your body. <br><br>+ Infinite Stamina<br>+ Instant Restoration. (Restore any part of body that was broken, destroyed, etc, but didn’t recover any health. <br>+ Full Body Control (Can change your appearance, weight body structure) <br>+ Auto Divine Protection.<br>+ Auto Divine Barrier <br>+ Auto Revive (Can revive 7 times in a week). <br>+ No Iron based wepon can hurt you.<br>+ You can Generate Unlimited stats.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After she got the skill, her body could move again and her right hand had returned to normal, she then stood up and looked at Nedia, she wondered why Nedia didn’t attack her, <br><br>Nedia just stayed there without moving, she looked at Aria and then said. “Now its your turn to attack.”<br><br>Aria know that she won’t be able to defeat Negia if she didn’t attack back, but Jujitsu and Aikido only had a few techniques to attack, most of the techniques were for self-defense without to much harming the opponent, even if her attack was a success, she didn’t think that she could do much damage to Nedia, their difference in level was too high.<br><br>The only way was to use divine magic, she now understood how to use divine magic after infusing her divine aura into her body, to use a divine magic first she must used a basic magic, but the problem was she never learned any kind of magic, when she was in Babel tower she only read normal books, and she never read any skill books or magic books, <br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">(What should I do now?)</span><br><br>Wben she was thinking about what to do she saw Babel was flying around her. then remembered that Babel had a useful skill at a time like this.<br><br>She grabbed Babel which was flying near her and said “Babel Connection, connect to basic fire magic skill book.” <br><br>“As your wish my lady.” <br><br>The bright golden color which was usually on the cover now had turned into red. <br><br>Aria wasn’t planning to read the entire book, she only needed one basic magic as a catalyst to use divine magic, and with True Eyes ability to read 100 time faster than normal reading speed, she only needed to open the book for a second to learned one basic magic. <br><br>“Ting!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Magic Mastery (Passive) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ Increases the effect of magic by 700 %.<br>+ Increases speed of chanting a spell by 350 %. <br>+ Can cast 20 different magic at once.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Fireball (Active) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You create a ball of fire to attack your enemy (Inflict burn status).<br><br>Mana cost : 2/fireball. <br>Cool down : 0,5s.<br>Max fireball : 20.<br>Tier : 1.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Aria instantly casted a fireball on her right hand, she began infusing her mana as much as possible till the firebsll resched it’s limit, the fireball size had reached over 12m in diameter, she then compressed it’s size until it was only about 20cm, and the fireball color had turned into a dark red ball. <br><br>“Ting!” <br><br>You learned a magic “Dark Red Fireball” <br><br>Do you want to save it?<br>Yes/No<br><br>“Yes”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Dark Red Fireball (Active) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">This magic was the commpression of a fireball which had been infused with a large amount of mana. It’s an advance type of fireball.<br><br>Mana cost : 200/fireball. <br>Cool down : 0,5s.<br>Max fireball : 20 .<br>Tier : 7.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>After infusing her mana, Aria then infused the dark red fireball with her divine aura, the dark red fireball rapidly expanded and it’s color now had turned into orange, now it’s size had reached about 16 meters. <br><br>“Ting!”<br><br>You learned “Divine Magic Mastery” and “Divine Fireball”<br><br>Do you want to save them?<br>Yes/No<br><br>“Yes”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Divine Magic Mastery (Passive) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ Increases the effect of divine magic by 900 %.<br>+ Increases speed of chanting a spell by 450 %. <br>+ Can cast 26 different divine magic at once.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Divine Fireball (Active) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">You create a divine fireball that can purify any evil to attack your enemy.<br><br>Mana cost : 2000/fireball. <br>Cool down : 0,5s.<br>Max fireball : 26.<br>Divine Magic Tier : 1.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>When Nedia saw the orange fireball, she transformed herself into a dark green dragon, it’s size was about 350m long, she then fly away into the sky, Aria threw the orange fireball at Nedis who was now flying in the sky, but Nedia easily avoided it by turning her body to the left, Aria then casted the maximum divine fireball she could make and threw them all at Nedia, 26 divine fireball were flying towards Nedia, this time she didn’t avoid it, she cast a large scale thunder magic at the divine fireball, chain of explosions like fireworks filled the sky.<br><br>When Nedia saw the explosions, she casted another large scale thunder magic, this time her target was Aria, with her True Eyes Aria could see that there were large amount of mana that gathered on top of her, and her True Eyes also identified it as a magic attack from Nedia, it seemed that Nedia didn’t know that magic couldn't do any damage to Aria, Aria would just absorb the magic, a large scale thunder were storming down at Aria, Nedia eyes were widen when she saw that Aria was standing inside thunderstorm with ease.<br><br>Their magic battle had last for an hour, Nedia had tried all of her magic but none of them could do any damage to Aria, and Aria had threw more than 10.000 divine fireball at Nedia , but Nedia evaded her magic or counter it with another magic <br><br>“As expected from a goddess, this is the first time that someone could fight this long against me. As a respect for you. I will show you my most powerful magic <br><span style="font-style: italic;">Eternal Darkness</span>." <br><br>Nedia fly higher to the sky, she was looking at Aria and began chanting, the sky became darker and darker and a dark green magic circle which size was as big as her dragon form appeared in front of her. <br><br>With her True Eyes Aria was able to see the detail explanation of that dark green magic circle. <br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Eternal Darknesss (Active) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">The forgotten ultimate darkness magic that was created by the Origin of Darkness, This magic will summon a black hole that will suck anything and imprison them into an Eternal Darkness forever..<br><br>Mana cost : 300.000. <br>Cool down : 30 days.<br>Max range : Unknown..<br>Origin of Darkness Magic Tier : Ultimate.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Aria was speechless when she read the description of Eternal Darkness magic, even though she could absorb any magic attack, this one was a different case, this magic didn’t meant for attacking her health, but it was used for imprisoning her inside a black hole, it was also impossible for her to evade it, it’s renge was too wide even her True Eyes couldn’t measure it, and she didn’t have any barrier or protection magic to block it. the only way left was to counter it with another magic.<br><br>A magic that could counter darkness magic was a holy/divine or a fire based magic, fortunately she had learned divine fireball, but there was a problem, the divine fireball was too small to counter that kind of magic, the divine fireball maximum size was only 16m, even if she infused her mana and divine power into it, it would just make it unstable and explode, then she got a crazy idea. <br><br>She cast Divine Fireball and made it fly higher to the sky till it reached stratosphere, she infused her divine aura and mana as much as possible, when the divine fireball was about to explode, she began manipulating her divine aura to create a more big fireball, she imagined a big, bright fireball, yes, she wanted to create a sun, it was the only way she could think to counter Eternal Darkness.<br><br>She never actually saw the sun from up close so she didn’t know how it was really looked like, but she had read the description of it and it’s photo inside the encyclopedia, so she just had to use her imagination to made it.<br><br>Up in the stratosphere a mini-size of sun was created, it was about 500 meters in diameters and shining brightly.<br><br>“Ting!”<br><br>You have created new divine magic, Do you want to save it?<br>Yes/No<br><br>“Yes.”<br><br>Please name your new magic.<br><br>“Amaterasu.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Amaterasu (Active) (True Master)</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Goddes Aria created this magic to counter Eternal Darkness magic that was created by the Origin of Darkness, You create a sun in the stratosphere to attack your enemies, this magic is the most powerful ultimate divine magic that can even burn the entire continent to nothing.<br><br>Mana cost : 100.000/100meters . <br>Cool down : 30 days.<br>Max range : Unknown.<br>Divine Magic Tier : Unknown.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Nedia was starting to get panic when she saw a mini-size of sun in the stratosphere, her instinct told her that she must finished her magic as quickly as possible if she didn’t want to die. <br><br>Aria didn’t wait for Nedia to finished her magic and threw Amaterasu at her, when Amaterasu about half way to hit her, Nedia finished her magic and shot a deep black sphere about 300m, her target wasn’t Aria, she had changed her target to a mini-size sun that was flying towards her. <br><br>Two ultimate class magic were colliding in the sky, an unimaginable explosion occurred, all the players who were login into Royal Road on that day could feel the entire continent were shaking and a very loud explosion could be heard wherever you were. <br><br>Aria was blown away by the shockwave, even though she had a Divine Body skill and protected her body with divine aura, the impact still took a quarter of her health, she stood up and looked around her, trees were blown away, large cracks were created on the ground, and no clouds could be seen in the sky, she couldn’t find Nedia, the last time she saw Nedia was when Nedia was trying to get away from the explosion. <br><br>Nedia was now lying down on the ground in her human form, she couldn’t get away from that explosion and because of that her health now was in a critical condition, it was a good thing that the explosion occurred in the sky, that amount of energy could destroy the entire Etna forest and it’s surrounding area to nothing, it was her first time seeing a magic collision of that magnitude, she was so happy that she could fight with someone whom she could fight with all of her might.<br><br>About an hour later Nedia had recovered 10% of her health, it was a slow recovery, it seemed that the effect of divine magic was slowing down her recovery, she stood up and walked to her lair, in the distance she could see Aria was sitting on top of fallen tree near the entrance to her lair. <br><br>Aria was looking at Nedia who was walking towards her and asked “Are you alright?”<br><br>“Not really, I need more time to recover because of the effect of your divine magic hasn’t weared off yet.” <br><br>Nedia walked to the grass area near the entrance to her lair at the opposite sidewhere Aria was sitting and then sat down. <br><br>“So, continue?”<br><br>Aria hadn’t get any notification of quest complete, so the quest hadn’t finished yet, that was why she asked Nedia if she wanted to continue fighting or not.<br><br>“No, it’s your win, as promised I will hand over my title to you, and also I will follow you from now on ”<br><br>“Ting!”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Quest : Challange of The Strongest</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">.<br>You have been challenged for the title of The Master of Etna Forest by Nedia. Challenge cannot be refused.<br><br>Quest Status : Complete <br>Quest Rewards<br>Title : The Master of Etna Forest.<br>Nediabecome your servant.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Title : The Master of Etna Forest</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">+ All monster respect you<br>+ Can command any monster from your territory<br>+ Familiarity with all monster increased to friendly<br>+ 1500 all stats.<br>+ 1000 Leadership and Charisma.<br>+ 1200 Fighting Spirit.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You gained a servant</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Total servant : 2<br><br>+ Nedia Status Window now available.<br>+ Nedia Skill/Magic Window now available.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br>Open Nedia Status Window?<br>Yes/No<br><br>“No”<br><br>Open Nedia Skil/Magic Window?<br>Yes/No<br><br>“No.”<br><br>You Leveled up 447 times<br>+ 76.500 Fame<br><br>You have fight a very strong opponent<br>+ 150 Str<br>+ 5.800 Fame<br>+ 300 Divinity<br>+ Generete Leadership, Charisma, and fighting spirit.<br>+ 400 Leadership<br>+ 375 Charm<br>+ 440 Fighting Spirit<br><br>From exp and fame she got, Aria guessed that this quest was equal to a level SS quest, usually level SS quest was given to a player with level 900, and she completed it when she was still level 1, so no wonder that she leveled up 447 times, she only defeated Nedia and not killed her, so she only got the quest reward and ezp, if she killed Nedia maybe she would level up more.<br><br>What Aria didn’t expect was that Nedia became her servant. Dragon race was a proud race, they won’t bow to anyone even if that person was a god, moreover Nedia wasn’t a normal dragon, she was an ancient dragon. <br><br>Ancient dragon was a dragon that born in the ancient time, they were much more stronger than normal dragon, the stronger a dragon was the more pride they had, <br><br>“Why did you want to become my servant?”<br><br>”Of course to fight strong opponents.” Said Nrdia with a grin on her face.<br><br>Nedia thought that there must be a big reason why a goddess who was forbidden to came to Mortal World realm, right now appeared in the Mortal World realm, and she thought that if she became Aria servant, she could fight another strong opponent like Aria or maybe she could fight with another gods. <br><br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Upperworld Realm<br><br>In the white room somewhere in the Upperworld Realm, an old man with white long beard, a handsome young man, a little girl with long blond hair and a beautiful women with long black hair were sitting on the chairs which were surrounding a large round table at the center of the room. <br><br>“Did you feel it?”Asked the old man.<br>“Don’t be silly, that amount of divine power, there is no way that all of us don’t feel it.”Said the girl.<br>“But, how can she be in there?”Asked the young man.<br>“She is governing over knowledge and wisdom, she must have found a way to go there without losing her divine power.”Replied the old man.<br>“What should we do now?”Asked the girl.<br>“let’s locate her first, I will order my follower to search for her.”Said the young man.<br>“Even if they find her, we still cannot go there to catch her. Ah how about you send that mortal who made a contract with you to catch her?.”Asked the girl to the young man.<br>“Even if I lend him my power, it’s still impossible for him to even touch her.”Replied the young man.<br>“Any other idea?” Asked the girl to the beautiful woman.<br>“....”The women shook her head. <br>“What is Odin doing now?”Asked the girl to the old man..<br>“He is in the hidden dungeon, visiting Loki.”Replied the old man. <br><br>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br>Underworld Realm<br><br>A large black wolf and a dark skinned beautiful women were talking on top of a cliff somewhere in the Underworld.<br><br>“Sis.”Said the wolf.<br>“Yes I know, I will send my contractor to investigate it.”Said the woman.<br>“Have any guess.”Asked the wolf.<br>“Probably her.”Replied the women.<br>“Then it’s almost the time.”Said the wolf.<br>“Yes, tell the other too.”Said the woman.<br>“How about that guy?”Asked the wolf.<br>“.... I will talk to him myself.”Replied the woman.<br>“Alright.”Said the wolf. </div>

Chapter 3 : The Master of Etna Forest Unicorn Corp. Headquarters was located at the edge of the city, it was in a huge skyscrapers with a small square in front of the building, many foreigners were taking a break at the square while talking merrily with each other, Erica was sitting on one of the beautiful ornaments benches while holding a lunch box, she just finished her work and about to ate her lunch when a man walked towards her. “Miss Erica, its rare to see you at the main office, are you here for work or to see your mother.”Said the man smiled at her. The man was around his fourty, wearing an expensive suit, a sharp black eyes, short black hair, white skin. “Director Han Seo Kim, I just finished my work, are you on break too?” It was also rare for Erica to saw director Han Seo Kim, usually she came to main office just to finished some documents and then went straight back home, she only saw director Han Seo Kim at annual shareholders meeting or at a party. “Just call me director Kim, I am here because I heard that you were eating lunch here from your mother.” “Then?” Erica thought that there must be a reason why director Kim came to see her. “Well, I heard that you have been playing Royal Road since the official release, I just want to hear your opinion about it.” It had been two months since the official release of Royal Road, everywhere people were talking about Royal Road, news, magazine, newspaper, talk show`s everyday they were talking about Royal Road, now there was no one who didn’t know about Royal Road “I think, its fine.”She said it plainly. Director Kim frowned and said “Is that all, I mean how about the quest, hunting monsters, and others, what do you think about then.” Erica didn’t know what to say about that, for 2 months or 8 months game time, she only read books in the Babel tower, to begin with she didn’t have any interest in quest, hunting, or anything in particular, she played Royal Road because she had nothing to do in the real world. And thanks to Babel Tower she had a lot of books to read. “.... It have a lot of books to read.” Director Kim didn’t know how to react to her answer, usually people would feel excited when they played Royal Road and began talking about their adventures. He knew that some genius people were usually had a difficult personality, they tend to do something that the normal people thought as an abnormal behavior or strange thing, but he never thought that Erica was one of them. “So... how about you tell what did you do for this 2 months?” “Reading.” “Is that all, nothing else?” “Yes.”She nodded He couldn’t believe that she spent her 8 months game time for only reading, Ah, so this is her difficult personality, the only thing she have interest is in books. (Haa ....well I guess it’s better than that guy personality.) “Miss Erica, may I ask something strange.” He was actually reluctant to ask this, but it was for her sake. “Did you have any friends?”He asked with a serious face. Erica thought about it for a bit, someone she could call a friend... , no, there was no one she could call a friend, since she was little she never really talked or played with the other kids or her classmates, she spent all of her time to read, but that was only till recently, till she met a girl on her way to school. Anna Wintersand that was the girl name that Erica met, since that day whenever she went to school Anna always asked her to ate lunch together, she also exchanged her cell phone number with her, so yes she had a friend or so she thought, she didn’t really know if Anna could be categorize as friend or not, because she never had any friends before. “I guess.” “She plays Royal Road right?” Anna told her that she had gotten her own capsule last month, so yes she played Royal Road. “Yes.” “Good, then asked her if you can join her party, if you join her maybe you can find something that more interesting than reading a book. Ah I should go now, the break time is almost over, I will ask you again about your opinion, have a good day.”He walked into the building. After eating her lunch, Erica didn’t go back to her office but went straight home, on her way back she thought about her conversation with director Kim, to find something that more interesting than reading a book, she thought it might be interesting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connect to Royal Road. Yes/No “Welcome back my lady.” When Aria appeared Babel had flying near the location where she had logout before, it seemed that he had been waiting for her “What’s wrong?”She asked. “I just want to inform you that the barrier magic had been casted over the tower.” A few days ago Babel told Aria that he had been preparing a large magic circle that would be used as a barrier to conceal the tower, it seemed that he had finished the magic circle. “Is that all?” She didn’t believe that he was waiting for her just for that, the barrier wasn’t an immediate need, because of the nature of the forest and the monsters there shouldn’t be anyone that dared to go into the forest, at least for now, so there must be something else that he hadn’t told her. “Yes my lady, the master of the Etna forest want to have an audience with you.” The master of the Etna forest was a title that was given to the strongest monster in the Etna forest, because of it’s strength, it was became the ruler of the forest. Not only in Erna forest, in various place in the continent, there were many masters that rule over the mountains, forests, seas, deserts, and many other place, they weren’t a boss monsters, they stood above them, basically they were the boss of boss monsters. Aria never thought that the master would want an audience with her, since she had come to this forest, she never went outside the tower, she always read books, so she had no idea why the master which she had never met want an audience. “Where is it?” “She is waiting for you in the throne room.” Aria was about to teleport herself into her chamber when Babel asked her if he could follow her because he had a bad feeling about this, she nodded and the familiar sound like a bell rang. “Ting!” Babel has joined your party “Ting” | You gained a servant | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Total servant : 1+ Babel Status Window now available.+ Babel.Skill/Magic Window now available.+ New servant skills available+ New skills available. | | | | Open Babel Status Window? Yes/No “Yes.” | Status Window | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Name | Babel | Title | N/A | | Race | Ancient Book | Alignement | Neutral | | Main Class | Book of Knowledge and Wisdom | | | | Level | 1 | Fame | 65.600 | | Health | 140 | Mana | 117.200 | | Health Regeneration/Sec | 0,2/Sec | Mana Regeneration/Sec | 17,8/Sec | | Strength | 4 | Agility | 55 | | Wisdom | 780 | Intelligence | 780 | | Stamina | 15 | Vitality | 12 | | Luck | 40 | | | | Unused SP | 0 | | | | Magic Resistance | | | | | Fire | 80% | Water | 80% | | Wind | 80% | Earth | 80% | | Lightning | 80% | Neutral | 80% | | Holy | 80% | Dark | 80% | | Race : Ancient Book | | | | | * +5000 Mana. * + 200 Int and Wis. * +30% All Magic Resistances. * Unable to use any combat related skills. * Unable to use any equipment. * Enables to learn and use ancient magic. | | | | | Main Class : Book of Knowledge and Wisdom | | | | | * + 500% mana and mana Regeneration. * + 300% Int and Wis. * + 50% All Magic Resistancea.. * - 50% mana cost for magic skill. * - 75% spell casting. * - 75% skills and magics cool down. * All magics mastery can reach to Grand Master level. * All skills s mastery started at Master level. * + 5 Additional stats to Int and Wis every level up. * Enable to learn unlimited number of magics * Enable you to learn any magics of any classes. * Soul bind to Goddess Aria. * Enables to equip a certain accessories specialized for the class. * Enables to learn secret skills based on the class. | | | | Show Babel Skill/Magic Window? Yes/No ‘Yes.” | Babel Connection (Passive) (Special Skill) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Babel can change it’s contents into the contents of another book, as long as that book was stored inside Babel Tower. | | | | | Magic Mastery (Passive) (Master : 0%) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + Increases the effect of magic by 360 %.+ Increases speed of chanting a spell by 150 %. + Can cast 9 different magic at once. | | | | | Flying Magic (Active) (Master : 0%) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You can fly by manipulate wind element around your body, you can fly as long as you want till you cancel the spell or run out of mana.Mana cost : 260/40 minutes. Cool down : 8s/cancel.Tier : 4 | | | | | Fireball (Active) (Master : 0%) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You create a ball of fire to attack your enemy (Inflict burn status).Mana cost : 20/fireball. Cool down : 3s.Max fireball : 9.Tier : 1 | | | | | Soul Connection (Passive) (Special Skill) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You can communicate with your master and her/his other servants and familiars, and can know their location through the soul bind thet connect your soul together.Max range : Unlimited | | | | “Ting!” | You learned 2 new skills | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + Soul Connection.+ Life Fusion. | | | | | Soul Connection (Passive) (Special Skill) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You cas communicate with your servants and familiars, and can know their location trough the soul bind that connect your soul together.Max range : Unlimited | | | | | Life Fusion (Passive) (Special Skill) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You will automatically combine and share the same health and mana with Babel if he is near you. Max range : 500m | | | | Aria was puzzled with Babel status and skills, why his level was only level one and he only had a few skills and magics, wasn’t he supposed to be much more powerful than this, he had lived for more than a millennia, how could his level was one. Babel was apologizing to Aria because he didn’t report his condition, he explained that all of his power and skills/magics was gone after he used that magic that move her realm (I will name this magic Dimension Teleportation, so from now on I will use that name), as a side effect he lost all of his power and most of his skills and magics were gone. Aria nodded her head as a sign of understanding, she thought that there was no way that he would be fine after using a magic which even goddess Aria must pay a price for using it for the second time. Aria walked through the teleportation circle and appeared in her chamber, she walked through the hallway that connected her chamber and the throne room, inside the throne room a woman about 20 years old, she had a beautiful face with a dark green long hair, dark green eyes and white skin, she was also wearing dark green robe, everything about this woman were dark greens except her white skin. Aria sat down on the throne and asked “You are the master of Etna forest?” “My name is Nedia, I am the master of the Etna forest.” Replied the women “So Nedia, What can I do for you today?” “Today I am here to welcome you as on of the forest dwellers of Etna forest... and to challange you.” Nedia tone wasn’t that of mocking or taunting Aria, her eyes were filled with fighting spirit, and was ready to fight anytime, Aria could tell from her expression that she was purely just want to fight with Aria. “Why did you want to challange me?” Aria didn’t understand why Nedia who was obviously stronger than her, want to fight with her who was a level 1 player. “To decide who was the master of the Etna forest, I know who you are since the day you came to this forest, I had felt your aura from my lair, we the masters are the strongest being on their respective territory, if there was someone stronger than us lived in the same territory, we must decide who is the strongest. You have lived in this forest for 8 months now, so you are now officially one of the forest dwellers, and now we must fight to decide who was the master of Etna forest.” A fighting spirit which was emitting from her body was insanely strong, a fighting spirit usually couldn’t be seen by naked eyes, but right now Erica could see it clearly, a dark green aura was coming out of her body, and it was even getting stronger and stronger, if it wasn’t for her divinity stats that was very high, she would have died hundreds of times already. “Ting!” | Quest : Challange of the strongest | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You have been challenged for the title of The Master of Etna Forest by Nedia. Challenge cannot be refused.Difficulty Level : UnknownQuest Requirements :Nedia acknowledge you are on par or stronger than her.Quest Status : OngoingFailure : Lose your region.Banned from entering Etna Forest forever.Quest RewardsTitle : The Master of Etna Forest.??? | | | | Aria actually wanted to refuse this quest immediately, she didn’t care who was the strongest or who would become ruler of Etna forest, but when she read that she couldn’t refuse it, she couldn’t do anything about it but to accept the quest. (Haa... my first quest was also an insane just like my class, how can I fight a master class monster on level 1, maybe I should really consider to delete this character and make a new one.) “Well then, we can’t fight here, let’s go to my lair, there were a lot of space there.” Nedia created a teleportation circle on the floor and stepped inside it, Aria followed her and stepped inside the circle. Aria now was in a dark room, her eyes couldn’t see well in this dark room so she activate her True Eyes skill, whenever she activate this skill her eyes turned to golden, now she could see clearly, this roon seemed to be a room in a cave, the wall was a dark brown stone cave, there were not to many objects in here, only a simple wooden table and a chair with a few shelves of book on the corner of the room, there was no lamp or candle in here, she wonder how could Nedia lived in a dark place like this. She walked toward the exit and found Nedia was waiting for her at the open plain about 300m from the enterance to the cave, she walke towards the center of the plain where Nedia was waiting. With her True Eyes skill was still active, she now could see clearly Nedia stats. | Nedia | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Level : 980Race : True Ancient Dragon.Aligment : Origin of Darkness.Hp : 1.156.445.Mana : 1.275.337.Strong : + 50% All Magic Resistance, + Infinite stamina, + immune to all negative stats. Weakness : + Divine related combat skills + Divine based magics,Abilities/Skills/Magics : + Transformation. + True Ancient Dragon type combat skills and magics.+ Can use all elemental magic+ Special skills of Origin of Darkness + Special magics of Origin of Darkness | | | | Aria stopped walking, her couldn’t move a muscle when she saw Nedia stats, she had read that a master class monster strength was depend on their territory, a boss monster class strength was usually about twice the strength of a normal monster in their territory, so a master class boss monster strength was also usually twice the strength of the boss monster class, if the average normal monsters in Etna forest were around level 550, the boss level should be also around level 740-750, so a master class boss monster in Etna forest was supposed to be around level 920-930, but it seemed Nedia was an exception. “My lady, it seems that you must release your seal to defeat her, her power could be said rivalling to that of a god.” Aria didn’t really sure that she could defeat Nedia even if she unseal the power of Goddess Aria, she never fought against monsters before and this one was not a normal monster, it was a dragon. After she calmed down, she started walking towards Nedia. “Are you ready?”Nedia asked with a bright smile on her face. It seemed that she was really happy to fight against Aria. “Can I ask you for your real reason why do you want to fight with me?” Aria had been thinking about this since Nedia challenge her, no matter what she thought, there must be another reason why Nedia challenged her, she already had a guess why Nedia wanted to challenge her, but Aria wanted to hear the real reason from herself. “You know, I have been living for about a millennia now, I have been fighting many people and races, including the dragon race, but nobody could defeat me, I have been searching for someone that could defeat me, I searched for a long time till I got tired of it, I then made a liar and settled down in this forest while waiting for someone that could defeat me, and now I have found that person. But don’t misunderstand this, I didn’t lie to you about the reason of challenging you, I just have my own reason why I want to fight you.” Aria shook her head in disbelief, her guessed was right on the mark, she had guessed this when she heard that Nedia said that she felt her aura since the day she came to this forest, the only thing that she did on that day was making equipments using her Divine Aura skill, so Nedia must had sensed that aura, and when she saw Nedia abnormal levels and weakness, she was sure that no one could defeat her and Nedia was looking for someone with a divine power to had a fight. “Are you ready now?” She looked impatient. Well Aria didn’t have any choice but to fight. “Unseal.”Aria said with a low tone. Suddenly her silver hair changed to golden hair, and her body now surrounded by a golden aura, Nedia who was seeing this smiled even brighter than before. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time, she actually had gave up looking for someone with a divine power a long time ago, but 8 months ago, she felt it, a divine power and even more it was on her territory, she never thought that her old wish for a battle with someone with divine power could be fulfill. “Well then I will go first.” Suddenly a punch appeared in front Aria face, but before the punch could touch Aria, Nedia was already fall to the ground even though Aria didn’t move an inch from her place. “How did you do that? I only know that you controlled your divine aura to block my punch, but I didn’t know how did you throw me so easily like that.” Nedia was surprised when she found herself on the ground, sbe had fought many races with their unique combat techniques, but she never saw this one before, she thought that she had seen every combat technique that was existing in this world. But it seemed she was wrong. “....” Well, what Aria did wasn’t really a combat technique from this Royal Road, she was using Jujitsu and Aikido to throw Nedia, using a small movement and a little strength as much as possible to deflect or nullified her opponent attack, and used that attack power and speed to amplified her own attack power, Aria used this technique and her Divine Aura manipulation to manipulate the punch power and speed to throw Nedia. When she was in her second year in middle school there was a class of self-defense where martial arts instructor came to teach the girls how to protect themselves, using Jujitsu and Aikido the girls could fight with an opponent that was much more stronger or bigger than themselves, the girls learned about it for a year, and in that one year she managed to master both of it. Nedia stood up and started to attack again, this time it was more powerful and faster than the first attack, but no matter how powerful and faster Nedia punch was, with True Eyes skill Aria could see clearly Nedia movement, Aria could predict where Nedia punch would hit her, and use her divine aura to nullified the punch and throw her, Nedia tried to punch Aria for a few more time, but the result was the same as before, she then stood up again, but this time she didn’t attack Aria, it seemed that she understood that attacking her with hand to hand combat was a useless thing. This time Nedia summoned a dark green sword that emitting a dark aura, and slashed at Aria, but too bad it was the same as before, Aria didn’t move from her spot and Nedia was thrown away into the air. Nedia was amazed by Aria technique, she never thought that even using a weapon the result would be the same, she laughed and looked very happy, it had been a very long time since she fought with an opponent that she couldn’t defeat so easily. “Now then, let’s fight seriously from now on.” Nedia eyes started to change into an eyes that only a predator could have, an eyes filled with bloodlust and fighting spirit, the dark green aura that was surrounding her body began to increased it’s intensity and moved violently. She took a stance, ready to attack anytime. Aria who saw her change, got more serious, she make her divine aura more stronger. Nedia moved instantly to Aria left side, and slashed at Aria left upper body, this time Aria concentrated more divine aura at her left hand and deflect Nedia sword, she almost failed to deflect the sword because Nedia attack power and speed were on a completely different dimension than her previous attack, Aria couldn’t handle the impact and was backing away a few steps, Nedia who saw an opening started to slashed at her again, this time Aria used her right hand to deflect Nedia sword, but because she was still in an awkward position after backing away, she couldn’t deflect the sword properly and it hit her right hand directly, she was blown away by the impact, thanks to her divine aura that coated her entire body, she only lost half of her health, if she didn’t coat her entire body with divine aura, then she would have been died by now, Aria tried to stand up, but her body wouldn’t listen to her. (Ugh... what an insane power and speed, my right hand is broken and my body won’t move, I guess I don’t have much choice now, lets try that.) Aria infused her own body with a divine aura and began imagining her body structures. veins, flesh, blood, muscles, bones and every inch of her body, and she infused her entire body structure with her divine aura, then she manipulated and recreated her own body structures with the divine aura which was now inside her body. “Ting!” | You infused and recreated your entire body with Divine Aura | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + 300 All stats. + 5.000 Divinity+ You learned a new skill “Divine Body”. | | | | | Divine Body (Passive) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You body have become a divine body that will make your entire body much more stronger and faster, no ordinary weapon can hurt you and you have full contol over your body. + Infinite Stamina+ Instant Restoration. (Restore any part of body that was broken, destroyed, etc, but didn’t recover any health. + Full Body Control (Can change your appearance, weight body structure) + Auto Divine Protection.+ Auto Divine Barrier + Auto Revive (Can revive 7 times in a week). + No Iron based wepon can hurt you.+ You can Generate Unlimited stats. | | | | After she got the skill, her body could move again and her right hand had returned to normal, she then stood up and looked at Nedia, she wondered why Nedia didn’t attack her, Nedia just stayed there without moving, she looked at Aria and then said. “Now its your turn to attack.” Aria know that she won’t be able to defeat Negia if she didn’t attack back, but Jujitsu and Aikido only had a few techniques to attack, most of the techniques were for self-defense without to much harming the opponent, even if her attack was a success, she didn’t think that she could do much damage to Nedia, their difference in level was too high. The only way was to use divine magic, she now understood how to use divine magic after infusing her divine aura into her body, to use a divine magic first she must used a basic magic, but the problem was she never learned any kind of magic, when she was in Babel tower she only read normal books, and she never read any skill books or magic books, (What should I do now?) Wben she was thinking about what to do she saw Babel was flying around her. then remembered that Babel had a useful skill at a time like this. She grabbed Babel which was flying near her and said “Babel Connection, connect to basic fire magic skill book.” “As your wish my lady.” The bright golden color which was usually on the cover now had turned into red. Aria wasn’t planning to read the entire book, she only needed one basic magic as a catalyst to use divine magic, and with True Eyes ability to read 100 time faster than normal reading speed, she only needed to open the book for a second to learned one basic magic. “Ting!” | Magic Mastery (Passive) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + Increases the effect of magic by 700 %.+ Increases speed of chanting a spell by 350 %. + Can cast 20 different magic at once. | | | | | Fireball (Active) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You create a ball of fire to attack your enemy (Inflict burn status).Mana cost : 2/fireball. Cool down : 0,5s.Max fireball : 20.Tier : 1. | | | | Aria instantly casted a fireball on her right hand, she began infusing her mana as much as possible till the firebsll resched it’s limit, the fireball size had reached over 12m in diameter, she then compressed it’s size until it was only about 20cm, and the fireball color had turned into a dark red ball. “Ting!” You learned a magic “Dark Red Fireball” Do you want to save it? Yes/No “Yes” | Dark Red Fireball (Active) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | This magic was the commpression of a fireball which had been infused with a large amount of mana. It’s an advance type of fireball.Mana cost : 200/fireball. Cool down : 0,5s.Max fireball : 20 .Tier : 7. | | | | After infusing her mana, Aria then infused the dark red fireball with her divine aura, the dark red fireball rapidly expanded and it’s color now had turned into orange, now it’s size had reached about 16 meters. “Ting!” You learned “Divine Magic Mastery” and “Divine Fireball” Do you want to save them? Yes/No “Yes” | Divine Magic Mastery (Passive) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + Increases the effect of divine magic by 900 %.+ Increases speed of chanting a spell by 450 %. + Can cast 26 different divine magic at once. | | | | | Divine Fireball (Active) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | You create a divine fireball that can purify any evil to attack your enemy.Mana cost : 2000/fireball. Cool down : 0,5s.Max fireball : 26.Divine Magic Tier : 1. | | | | When Nedia saw the orange fireball, she transformed herself into a dark green dragon, it’s size was about 350m long, she then fly away into the sky, Aria threw the orange fireball at Nedis who was now flying in the sky, but Nedia easily avoided it by turning her body to the left, Aria then casted the maximum divine fireball she could make and threw them all at Nedia, 26 divine fireball were flying towards Nedia, this time she didn’t avoid it, she cast a large scale thunder magic at the divine fireball, chain of explosions like fireworks filled the sky. When Nedia saw the explosions, she casted another large scale thunder magic, this time her target was Aria, with her True Eyes Aria could see that there were large amount of mana that gathered on top of her, and her True Eyes also identified it as a magic attack from Nedia, it seemed that Nedia didn’t know that magic couldn't do any damage to Aria, Aria would just absorb the magic, a large scale thunder were storming down at Aria, Nedia eyes were widen when she saw that Aria was standing inside thunderstorm with ease. Their magic battle had last for an hour, Nedia had tried all of her magic but none of them could do any damage to Aria, and Aria had threw more than 10.000 divine fireball at Nedia , but Nedia evaded her magic or counter it with another magic “As expected from a goddess, this is the first time that someone could fight this long against me. As a respect for you. I will show you my most powerful magic Eternal Darkness." Nedia fly higher to the sky, she was looking at Aria and began chanting, the sky became darker and darker and a dark green magic circle which size was as big as her dragon form appeared in front of her. With her True Eyes Aria was able to see the detail explanation of that dark green magic circle. | Eternal Darknesss (Active) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | The forgotten ultimate darkness magic that was created by the Origin of Darkness, This magic will summon a black hole that will suck anything and imprison them into an Eternal Darkness forever..Mana cost : 300.000. Cool down : 30 days.Max range : Unknown..Origin of Darkness Magic Tier : Ultimate. | | | | Aria was speechless when she read the description of Eternal Darkness magic, even though she could absorb any magic attack, this one was a different case, this magic didn’t meant for attacking her health, but it was used for imprisoning her inside a black hole, it was also impossible for her to evade it, it’s renge was too wide even her True Eyes couldn’t measure it, and she didn’t have any barrier or protection magic to block it. the only way left was to counter it with another magic. A magic that could counter darkness magic was a holy/divine or a fire based magic, fortunately she had learned divine fireball, but there was a problem, the divine fireball was too small to counter that kind of magic, the divine fireball maximum size was only 16m, even if she infused her mana and divine power into it, it would just make it unstable and explode, then she got a crazy idea. She cast Divine Fireball and made it fly higher to the sky till it reached stratosphere, she infused her divine aura and mana as much as possible, when the divine fireball was about to explode, she began manipulating her divine aura to create a more big fireball, she imagined a big, bright fireball, yes, she wanted to create a sun, it was the only way she could think to counter Eternal Darkness. She never actually saw the sun from up close so she didn’t know how it was really looked like, but she had read the description of it and it’s photo inside the encyclopedia, so she just had to use her imagination to made it. Up in the stratosphere a mini-size of sun was created, it was about 500 meters in diameters and shining brightly. “Ting!” You have created new divine magic, Do you want to save it? Yes/No “Yes.” Please name your new magic. “Amaterasu.” | Amaterasu (Active) (True Master) | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Goddes Aria created this magic to counter Eternal Darkness magic that was created by the Origin of Darkness, You create a sun in the stratosphere to attack your enemies, this magic is the most powerful ultimate divine magic that can even burn the entire continent to nothing.Mana cost : 100.000/100meters . Cool down : 30 days.Max range : Unknown.Divine Magic Tier : Unknown. | | | | Nedia was starting to get panic when she saw a mini-size of sun in the stratosphere, her instinct told her that she must finished her magic as quickly as possible if she didn’t want to die. Aria didn’t wait for Nedia to finished her magic and threw Amaterasu at her, when Amaterasu about half way to hit her, Nedia finished her magic and shot a deep black sphere about 300m, her target wasn’t Aria, she had changed her target to a mini-size sun that was flying towards her. Two ultimate class magic were colliding in the sky, an unimaginable explosion occurred, all the players who were login into Royal Road on that day could feel the entire continent were shaking and a very loud explosion could be heard wherever you were. Aria was blown away by the shockwave, even though she had a Divine Body skill and protected her body with divine aura, the impact still took a quarter of her health, she stood up and looked around her, trees were blown away, large cracks were created on the ground, and no clouds could be seen in the sky, she couldn’t find Nedia, the last time she saw Nedia was when Nedia was trying to get away from the explosion. Nedia was now lying down on the ground in her human form, she couldn’t get away from that explosion and because of that her health now was in a critical condition, it was a good thing that the explosion occurred in the sky, that amount of energy could destroy the entire Etna forest and it’s surrounding area to nothing, it was her first time seeing a magic collision of that magnitude, she was so happy that she could fight with someone whom she could fight with all of her might. About an hour later Nedia had recovered 10% of her health, it was a slow recovery, it seemed that the effect of divine magic was slowing down her recovery, she stood up and walked to her lair, in the distance she could see Aria was sitting on top of fallen tree near the entrance to her lair. Aria was looking at Nedia who was walking towards her and asked “Are you alright?” “Not really, I need more time to recover because of the effect of your divine magic hasn’t weared off yet.” Nedia walked to the grass area near the entrance to her lair at the opposite sidewhere Aria was sitting and then sat down. “So, continue?” Aria hadn’t get any notification of quest complete, so the quest hadn’t finished yet, that was why she asked Nedia if she wanted to continue fighting or not. “No, it’s your win, as promised I will hand over my title to you, and also I will follow you from now on ” “Ting!” | Quest : Challange of The Strongest | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | .You have been challenged for the title of The Master of Etna Forest by Nedia. Challenge cannot be refused.Quest Status : Complete Quest RewardsTitle : The Master of Etna Forest.Nediabecome your servant. | | | | | Title : The Master of Etna Forest | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | + All monster respect you+ Can command any monster from your territory+ Familiarity with all monster increased to friendly+ 1500 all stats.+ 1000 Leadership and Charisma.+ 1200 Fighting Spirit. | | | | | You gained a servant | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Total servant : 2+ Nedia Status Window now available.+ Nedia Skill/Magic Window now available. | | | | Open Nedia Status Window? Yes/No “No” Open Nedia Skil/Magic Window? Yes/No “No.” You Leveled up 447 times + 76.500 Fame You have fight a very strong opponent + 150 Str + 5.800 Fame + 300 Divinity + Generete Leadership, Charisma, and fighting spirit. + 400 Leadership + 375 Charm + 440 Fighting Spirit From exp and fame she got, Aria guessed that this quest was equal to a level SS quest, usually level SS quest was given to a player with level 900, and she completed it when she was still level 1, so no wonder that she leveled up 447 times, she only defeated Nedia and not killed her, so she only got the quest reward and ezp, if she killed Nedia maybe she would level up more. What Aria didn’t expect was that Nedia became her servant. Dragon race was a proud race, they won’t bow to anyone even if that person was a god, moreover Nedia wasn’t a normal dragon, she was an ancient dragon. Ancient dragon was a dragon that born in the ancient time, they were much more stronger than normal dragon, the stronger a dragon was the more pride they had, “Why did you want to become my servant?” ”Of course to fight strong opponents.” Said Nrdia with a grin on her face. Nedia thought that there must be a big reason why a goddess who was forbidden to came to Mortal World realm, right now appeared in the Mortal World realm, and she thought that if she became Aria servant, she could fight another strong opponent like Aria or maybe she could fight with another gods. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Upperworld Realm In the white room somewhere in the Upperworld Realm, an old man with white long beard, a handsome young man, a little girl with long blond hair and a beautiful women with long black hair were sitting on the chairs which were surrounding a large round table at the center of the room. “Did you feel it?”Asked the old man. “Don’t be silly, that amount of divine power, there is no way that all of us don’t feel it.”Said the girl. “But, how can she be in there?”Asked the young man. “She is governing over knowledge and wisdom, she must have found a way to go there without losing her divine power.”Replied the old man. “What should we do now?”Asked the girl. “let’s locate her first, I will order my follower to search for her.”Said the young man. “Even if they find her, we still cannot go there to catch her. Ah how about you send that mortal who made a contract with you to catch her?.”Asked the girl to the young man. “Even if I lend him my power, it’s still impossible for him to even touch her.”Replied the young man. “Any other idea?” Asked the girl to the beautiful woman. “....”The women shook her head. “What is Odin doing now?”Asked the girl to the old man.. “He is in the hidden dungeon, visiting Loki.”Replied the old man. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Underworld Realm A large black wolf and a dark skinned beautiful women were talking on top of a cliff somewhere in the Underworld. “Sis.”Said the wolf. “Yes I know, I will send my contractor to investigate it.”Said the woman. “Have any guess.”Asked the wolf. “Probably her.”Replied the women. “Then it’s almost the time.”Said the wolf. “Yes, tell the other too.”Said the woman. “How about that guy?”Asked the wolf. “.... I will talk to him myself.”Replied the woman. “Alright.”Said the wolf.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Chapter 3.5 Zed's Journal vol.2 ( Part 1 )<br><br><br>Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. <br><br><br>Date Feb 12 , 20XX<br><br>Dear Diary,<br><br> This week was AWESOME!, I had gotten a secret class job at royal road. I had prepared a secret party to congratulate myself the other day, I think I overstuffed myself because a had a bad case of diarrhea the next day. Let's not describe the gruesome details about that and move on to greener pastures. Anyway I had gotten a mail from Unicorn Corp the next day. Exitingly I opened the box, it contained a letter and another wrapped box. I opened the letter from Unicorn Corp. that was addressed to me congratulating me in finding a hidden class that was part of an Easter egg hunt. They explained that these were items,quests, or classes that are carefully hidden throughout the game. They also sent an exact replica of said items to me pertaining to my Easter egg hidden class equipment."Yay Coslay" I happily thought, and began to store them for Halloween or a Cosplay convention event. There was a separate later though , it only said "Good Luck from H.J.P". I laughed for around 5 minutes to the thoughtful employees who developed Royal Road, I mean they even made a letter complimenting about the story of the boy wizard I read in that book into Royal Road, I mean it's the exact initials of [ Harry James Potter ].<br><br> What?, you think I'm babbling some RL stuff too much?, Sure sure always a critic, fine I'll go to the details on how I got the secret class. It all started when I was heading out to explore. I walked for hours and didn't see anything worth mentioning. I stumbled upon a valley filled with what looks like blobs of gelatinous goo. The slimelike creatures had cute baby faces. They totally looked cute and I was tempted to sit at them, oh how wonderfull it would be to have a cushion/pillow or a beanie bag to sit on but alas it was a monster."Maybe if I can find someone with a taming skill I can get one of these monsters to be my sweet pillow." while I was thinking this That Orange blob of goo looked at me funny! taking offense I said "take this Soul Strike!", the offending monster called drops exploded into pieces like a gelatinous filled balloon that popped. It dropped some items but the other gelatinous slimelike things had a sudden glint in their eyes and was racing at the dropped items, they look like there was a sale of 50% on meat at the store. They were stealing my loot! I quickly cast another soul strike spell some more and was feeling dejected as time went by. There seems to an endless amount to them, with a sigh, I decided to move on, I did get to see something strange though, At the end of the hill I saw a medium size type of those monsters with a halo and white feathery wings, it was followed with many types of those blob collored monsters like a pope on parade. I secretly laughed for 3 minutes while muttering "crazy game developers". <br><br> A couple of hours passed, I came across a forested zone. The trees were luscious and vivid green and very tall. After scanning my surroundings I managed to find a nice shade and cooked for myself. "Ahh what a nice view, so peaceful so....." Zed was cut off in his train of thoughts when he heard sounds of fighting in vicinity. Finishing up my lunch, I packed up my things and headed to the sound of fighting. I saw a player who was hunting wolf puppies with so much zeal and concentration, Captured by his graceful movements I stood the and watched. He was a very beautiful elf that seemed to be glowing in the sunlight, the only thing I noticed is that he seems to enjoy blood to much as his elegant ways of killing his prey seemed to involve lots of blood. <br><br><br> The elf finally seemed to notice me and headed on my direction. I decided to introduce myself and he did the same. He was called prince , I decide to make small talk and asked direction for the nearest town, he replied that it was in the north direction of the forest. Feeling awkward I asked him why he was hunting those innocent wolf puppies. He seemed to respond rather violently and said that they were pure evil and shouted the word Evil! some more. After calming himself down he was mumbling about some stupid wolf, some stupid werewolf and I heard him mumble some name over and over again. Curiosity came over me and I decided to focus on that name who seemed to cause the elf Prince with grief. I finally heard it...it was something something dragon. I didn't get to hear it all the way through, I decided to go closer to satisfy my curiosity, After walking a few meters I finally heard it. It was lolididragon, Prince suddenly noticed me and I prefusely apologize saying that I was curious about the name he was mumbling. I thanked him for the information and Walked north hurriedly. While walking I was thinking how he must think how crazy I am. I quickly rebutted that the elf was crazy too, I mean he was smiling while hunting those cute puppies and was covered in blood .. a blood elf. Damn his craziness must be infectious.<br><br> I restocked my supplies in the nearby town the elf pointed me too and finally headed to the other direction where I met that elf.<br><br><br> Hmmmm I'm very sorry my dear Diary but I'm very hungry at the moment, I'll tell you about the rest of my adventures later. </div>

Chapter 3.5 Zed's Journal vol.2 ( Part 1 ) Disclaimer: I own nothing , this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment. Cross-over from various games , books and anime. Date Feb 12 , 20XX Dear Diary, This week was AWESOME!, I had gotten a secret class job at royal road. I had prepared a secret party to congratulate myself the other day, I think I overstuffed myself because a had a bad case of diarrhea the next day. Let's not describe the gruesome details about that and move on to greener pastures. Anyway I had gotten a mail from Unicorn Corp the next day. Exitingly I opened the box, it contained a letter and another wrapped box. I opened the letter from Unicorn Corp. that was addressed to me congratulating me in finding a hidden class that was part of an Easter egg hunt. They explained that these were items,quests, or classes that are carefully hidden throughout the game. They also sent an exact replica of said items to me pertaining to my Easter egg hidden class equipment."Yay Coslay" I happily thought, and began to store them for Halloween or a Cosplay convention event. There was a separate later though , it only said "Good Luck from H.J.P". I laughed for around 5 minutes to the thoughtful employees who developed Royal Road, I mean they even made a letter complimenting about the story of the boy wizard I read in that book into Royal Road, I mean it's the exact initials of [ Harry James Potter ]. What?, you think I'm babbling some RL stuff too much?, Sure sure always a critic, fine I'll go to the details on how I got the secret class. It all started when I was heading out to explore. I walked for hours and didn't see anything worth mentioning. I stumbled upon a valley filled with what looks like blobs of gelatinous goo. The slimelike creatures had cute baby faces. They totally looked cute and I was tempted to sit at them, oh how wonderfull it would be to have a cushion/pillow or a beanie bag to sit on but alas it was a monster."Maybe if I can find someone with a taming skill I can get one of these monsters to be my sweet pillow." while I was thinking this That Orange blob of goo looked at me funny! taking offense I said "take this Soul Strike!", the offending monster called drops exploded into pieces like a gelatinous filled balloon that popped. It dropped some items but the other gelatinous slimelike things had a sudden glint in their eyes and was racing at the dropped items, they look like there was a sale of 50% on meat at the store. They were stealing my loot! I quickly cast another soul strike spell some more and was feeling dejected as time went by. There seems to an endless amount to them, with a sigh, I decided to move on, I did get to see something strange though, At the end of the hill I saw a medium size type of those monsters with a halo and white feathery wings, it was followed with many types of those blob collored monsters like a pope on parade. I secretly laughed for 3 minutes while muttering "crazy game developers". A couple of hours passed, I came across a forested zone. The trees were luscious and vivid green and very tall. After scanning my surroundings I managed to find a nice shade and cooked for myself. "Ahh what a nice view, so peaceful so....." Zed was cut off in his train of thoughts when he heard sounds of fighting in vicinity. Finishing up my lunch, I packed up my things and headed to the sound of fighting. I saw a player who was hunting wolf puppies with so much zeal and concentration, Captured by his graceful movements I stood the and watched. He was a very beautiful elf that seemed to be glowing in the sunlight, the only thing I noticed is that he seems to enjoy blood to much as his elegant ways of killing his prey seemed to involve lots of blood. The elf finally seemed to notice me and headed on my direction. I decided to introduce myself and he did the same. He was called prince , I decide to make small talk and asked direction for the nearest town, he replied that it was in the north direction of the forest. Feeling awkward I asked him why he was hunting those innocent wolf puppies. He seemed to respond rather violently and said that they were pure evil and shouted the word Evil! some more. After calming himself down he was mumbling about some stupid wolf, some stupid werewolf and I heard him mumble some name over and over again. Curiosity came over me and I decided to focus on that name who seemed to cause the elf Prince with grief. I finally heard it...it was something something dragon. I didn't get to hear it all the way through, I decided to go closer to satisfy my curiosity, After walking a few meters I finally heard it. It was lolididragon, Prince suddenly noticed me and I prefusely apologize saying that I was curious about the name he was mumbling. I thanked him for the information and Walked north hurriedly. While walking I was thinking how he must think how crazy I am. I quickly rebutted that the elf was crazy too, I mean he was smiling while hunting those cute puppies and was covered in blood .. a blood elf. Damn his craziness must be infectious. I restocked my supplies in the nearby town the elf pointed me too and finally headed to the other direction where I met that elf. Hmmmm I'm very sorry my dear Diary but I'm very hungry at the moment, I'll tell you about the rest of my adventures later.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Mutated Lord Captain Ravion Orpheous Laetares was bored, or so he told himself. He had thought his greed limitless, but now he controlled three star systems and because of the quality of his underlings had nothing to buy, he literally had a pile of power swords lying in his closet even with most of the weapons he found as loot going to the Orks or V'ger as pay. <br><br>Now he was going to the west end of the Koronus Expanse to explore "Pulsar 484 Scran" deep in the Rifts of Hecaton.<br><br>Technically dangerous but who cared.<br><br>11 the techpriest was happy because you never knew where a NOVA CANNON might be hiding.<br><br>V'ger a heretical AI and effectively now a ship was happy because last time they'd explored he'd found (alien) nuclear weapons and he wanted to test them more. <br><br>Buzz(ork) was happy because there's always lots of fighting when exploring<br><br>"Into the warp we go" intoned Ravion from the helm of V'ger, a heavily modified Frigate.<br><br>"We follow" echoed the Fuzzy Duck of the raider class.<br><br>"Ere we go" echoed The Slamblasta, an Ork ship that had grown to the size of a battleship.<br><br>Upon entering the warp V'ger quickly took on the familiar uncomfortable feel of warpspace.<br><br>Quickly retreating to The Cat Palace to sit back and relax with his few remaining cats. Ravion Kicked back in a worn velveteen chair and stroked his chin tentacles as he pondered whether the natives of Ora tasted better than the natives of burnscour.<br><br>It was 11's fault the cats were dead. He'd hijacked the Fuzzy duck and forcibly jumped through an alien warp gate. It was only natural that Ravion had to follow not to lose his ship. It had not been a pleasant journey.<br><br>A blind gray tabby approached and lept up into his chair staring with his lifeless eyes into Ravion's.<br><br>Eating is my only pleasure now stated Ravion simply as he stroked the cat.<br><br>*12 weeks later*<br><br>The warp trip was taking longer than it should have. <br><br>Again.<br><br>I need a better navigator thought Ravion to himself. The first time he'd thought so had been years ago, sadly good navigators were not common. <br><br>*Shake* *Shake*<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; speaks over the loudspeaker. "Captain we seem to be hitting a swarm of some sort of warp insects, we're going to have to leave warp in order to clean the warpshield."<br><br>"Is it really necessary?"<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "I don't like being dirty."<br><br>*SHalunk* sounded the ship as it left warp.<br><br>Oddly instead of leaving warp in deep space they were near a solar system of some sort.<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Passive Scans indicate 4 terrestrial planets, 4 Jovian planets and some other small hunks of rock we probably don't care about."<br><br>"Suppose we might as well see if there is anything we can loot while you clean off the windshield." Responded Ravion.<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Detecting radio waves from 3rd planet, I think they have internet access."<br><br>"How foolish they must be, Demons can possess and spread easily through networks, they should probably be cleansed but I don't really care, let's see if they have anything worth looting."<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "We could test the nuclear weapons I found."<br><br>"If they're Eldar. If they're human I might be able to make money off them."<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Since there weren't any survivors of the last nuclear test when I purposefully shot the nuclear device multiple VU's away from the enemy ship I was considering simply doubling the VU's from planet earth when I fired."<br><br>"I thought I gave you plenty of test subjects from Ora."<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Results are inconclusive with small sample sizes. <br><br><br><br> I ran out."<br><br>"Fine if they're human you can kidnap some if you can do it discretely."<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "That sounds logical. Oh hey there's a large rock here, I'm surprised to find this considering how far outside the system we are."<br><br>This earth never had a chance to discover their fourth dwarf planet<br><br>*Fade to scene of a giant Frigate class ship floating over planet earth.*<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Internet signals seem to flowing most strongly from the approximately 700 mile penninsula on the eastern side of the largest continent on the northern hemisphere. We should investigate the source? I've found a cabin on top of a mountain.<br><br>It seems to be connected to the network.<br><br>It isn't particularily secluded.<br><br>Would you like to take an unarmed shuttle that has no defense at all and risk getting shot down by primative missiles?"<br><br>"Sounds dandy. I'll wear my Space Marine armor and pack a parachute." replied Ravion<br><br>Skipping through the silvery, polished, somewhat creepy hallways Ravion passed numberous Servitors as he made his way to the hanger where his unpolished and still ugly red shuttle lay unmolested by V'ger's hands. His space marine armor was rough and dented and his helmet was unusual, sporting elephant tusks. He took a single power sword and a boltpistol figuring that would probably be enough, a bit less than his usual loadup.<br><br>Slamming the door the the shuttle shut he went up, took control of the grips, and hovered to the launcher where he settled into position.<br><br>"Ready for launch V'ger"<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Launching"<br><br>He zipped out at the speed of plot moving quickly to the earths surface.<br><br>It was a bountiful planet perfect for converting to the glory of the imperium of man and growing food on to sell. Pity that the warp in this area was so inconsistent. It wouldn't be worth converting a planet so apt to be cut off from the warp at any time.<br><br>When he reached about 30,000 ft. 10 missiles came at him from the northern end of the penninsula. At 20,000 ft. 30 more missiles had come from the southern hemisphere. He'd probably have to abandon ship in 20 seconds or something he mused.<br><br>By 7,000 ft. the missiles from the southern end had intercepted some of the northern missiles and blown them up. That was weird. However 3 of the northern missiles still remained. 14 or so of the southern missiles following them in tow as the edge closer to killing him. He decided this was a good time to jump, so he did.<br><br>His Augers indicated he was going to hit a missile head on but he ended up passing it with a 10 ft. gap between him and the missile. Perception is hard when your traveling 800 ft/sec.<br><br>3,000 ft. now, the atmosphere had slowed him down considerably, somehow when he fell through a flock of geese one had gotten stuck in his armpit. Probably a good time to deploy his parachute. So he deployed it.<br><br>Yep this goose definitely had a broken neck. Opening his helmet a crack his long mutant tongue lashed out grabbing the bird and pulling it down his gullet. He prefered food cooked but he'd settle for raw as his first taste of the native animal.<br><br>It tasted better than many things he'd eaten but definitely would have tasted better cooked. The feathers in particular were annoying.<br><br>{North Korea}<br>&lt;NK Underling&gt; "What did we just fire at?"<br>&lt;NK Officer&gt; "I don't know either, let's just say our system got hacked, I don't want responsibility for this. Let's blame America, their departments are bad at sharing information so most of them will never figure out that we just made it up."<br>&lt;NK Underling&gt; "And those that do figure it out?"<br>&lt;NK Officer&gt; "Look. Do you think that I'd have this position if I was smart enough to figure out the political results of saying our system got hacked. I'd have a better position ok? We're blaming America because "Blame America" is practically a buzzword here so even if it works out poorly we probably won't be punished."<br>&lt;NK Underling&gt; "I'm looking through our plan files. 146 of our plans have blame America in their title line. If I search by the whole documents it's hard to find a plan that doesn't have that somewhere as part of the strategy."<br>&lt;NK Officer&gt; "Use plan #46643."<br><br>&lt;Pentagon&gt;<br>&lt;P Underling&gt; "North Korea just fired over South Korean territory. They're claiming they saw something suspicious and fired on it fearing attack but after looking into their computer systems suspect sabotage by us. More importantly our missile defense system was completely successful, blocking 7 of 10 missiles with only 30 missiles."<br>&lt;P Officer&gt; "That doesn't sound very successful"<br>&lt;P Underling&gt; "It's election year"<br>&lt;P Officer&gt; "Let's just say it was successful without mentioning how many missiles then."<br>[Number of missiles information Redacted ]<br><br>&lt;Britain&gt;<br>"Will fighting North Korea help make British Natural Gas cheaper? No? Then we don't care"<br><br>&lt;South Korea&gt;<br>"So if they're claiming America hacked them that means they don't want to attack us right now right? Whatever then we always have to keep our guard up anyway. Besides they didn't actually blow anything up, The American Defense missiles did more damage after they ran out of gas and fell to the ground randomly then their missiles did."<br>&lt;China&gt;<br>"Yeah they tried to hack us too. Which is amusing because they build tons of their military equipment here. Don't take it too seriously."<br><br>*TOP OF OFFICE BUILDING*<br><br>Instead of a not particularily secluded spot on top of a mountain with a cabin nearby Ravion landed on top of a 16 story tall office building.<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "I've landed V'ger."<br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Good for you. I'm looking through your feed."<br><br>Looking over the edge Ravion sees humans on the ground.<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt;"More Species 5618 then? I suppose I'll grab some discretely for radiation testing."<br><br>A woman in a blue security outfit approached.<br>&lt;Security&gt; "Hey your not allowed to be up here and what the hell are you wearing?" (In korean)<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "What say you." (Low gothic)<br><br>&lt;Security&gt; "Your english sounds terrible, but that explains what your doing here come down customers aren't allowed on this level."<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "Your low gothic is piss."<br><br>Ravion walked from the roof following the security.<br><br>&lt;Security&gt; "Nice costume by the way, your gun looks real but no-one makes a pistols that large in that design so I know it's fake, and that sword hilt is far to decorated to belong to a real sword."<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "Erm.."<br><br>Ravion wisely kept his mouth shut as he was led to an elevator.<br><br>&lt;Security&gt; "The cosplay meetup is primarily on the main floor and in the basement so please try to stick to those areas. There should be a booth with maps."<br><br>As Ravion descended the elevator which was surprisingly written in familiar syllables crappy music played from a speaker above.<br><br>Then the door opened.<br><br>&lt;Random nekomimi&gt; "Nice costume man." (Korean)<br><br>*Ugh I can't understand anything* thought Ravion to himself. Wait a minute are those terminals?<br><br>Behind a booth with what was clearly a cash holding device and a terminal sat a man guarding the enterance to a room full of terminals some with people sitting down and typing upon them.<br><br>Ravion approached.<br><br>&lt;Cashier guy&gt; "Hey man want to read up some on royalroad right? It's free for the first 15 minutes courtesy of the cosplay group but if you want to stay longer than that you'll have to pay."<br><br>Ravion didn't understand anything the guy said so he just stood there.<br><br>Cashier guy waved.<br><br>Ravion walked in.<br><br>Hmm I'd better find a far terminal.<br><br>But naturally they were already filled up so instead he took the most obvious terminal.<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Hook up your cable and I'll be able to hack in."<br><br>Ravion searched over the computer for a human interface link cable but there wasn't the proper input for one. Looking over the back of the computer he saw numerous ports though.<br><br>Pulling out his multitool he pushed it on a usb input and it whirred as it changed it's shape automatically to fit. Plugging his cable into the side of it.<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "I'm in. Give me a few minutes."<br><br>*Ten minutes later*<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "I'm gonna need a couple hours but I think I'll be able to get you a credit card. The language seems to be an archaic form of low gothic so I don't think it'll take long to create a translating device since they have built in dictionaries and I knew half the words already. As of now I know approximately 60% of the 20,000 most commonly used terms. Also there seems to be a game that would be interesting to run experiments in, because it's virtual you could eat as much as you wanted there all day long and never run out of space in your stomach."<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "That sounds worth experiencing."<br><br>Ravion closed his eyes to nap...<br><br>*Two hours later*<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "Alright preparations are complete. When the employee asks about paying just tell him that you had him bill to room 219 as you came in and keep insisting he check it."<br><br>&lt;Cashier guy&gt; Hey man time to pay man.<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "I had you bill to room 219 as I came in."<br><br>&lt;Cashier guy&gt; "No way man I would remember that."<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; "Just check it."<br><br>&lt;Cashier guy&gt; "Oh wow man I'm sorry your right I guess I must have. I don't make mistakes like this often but every few months or so."<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt;"Go to room 219"<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt;"Why?"<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt;"There's a pod there for the Royal Road game. I want you to patch the Vox-Caster into it, and I suppose you can play if you want."<br><br>Ravion pondered being able to eat as much as he wanted.<br><br>"Sounds good."<br><br>Ravion went ot his room with gusto, climbing over the sprawled out masses of costumed 9 through 30ish year old women and men that had come. Mostly teens. The women seemed more dresed up in costume on average than the men but there were more men than women. <br><br>Stopping before room 219 it occurred to Ravion he didn't have a key. Card locks are pretty common though so he had no trouble using his multitool to break in. The interior was white, and clean, and tiny for Ravion who was used to living on kilometer long spaceships and palaces and always monopolizing the best of places, the tallest of spires, the largest of tents. It was better than some of the places he'd lived in his accidental 10 year exile though.<br><br>The metal healing chamber, well that's what first came to Ravions mind, was sitting off to the side of the TV.<br><br>&lt;V'ger &gt; "Take off your helmet. Since it has the long range vox in it, connect it using the coord and multitool making sure you attach you attach your battery supply pack, unlike your suit the vox isn't a huge energy hog so it will probably last a few months.<br><br>&lt;Ravion&gt; Couldn't I hook up to the planetary power supply?<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; "With more tools sure, with the tools you have not really."<br><br>Ravion took off his suit and started hooking things up, since he was passingly familiar with electronics he eventually managed though it took him three hours of working and numerous instances of being yelled at.<br><br>&lt;V'ger&gt; Not like that you miserable excuse for species 5618.<br><br>Crawling into the pod Ravion was looking forward to eating whatever he wanted.<br><br>The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account??<br><br>"Yes"<br><br>— Select the name of your avatar­—<br><br>"My name is Ravion Orpheous Yorke."<br><br>— Select your gender from male, female or neutral—<br><br>Ravion paused here.<br><br>"Is it true that women have more taste buds than boys?"<br><br> —In real life women tend to be better at tasting specific bitter substances but in royalroad tastes are gender neutral although personal brain chemistry may have some effect.—<br><br>"Might as well be male then."<br><br><br>— Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine, Given your physiology we would recommend Octopus man. You sure are ugly women must hate you.­—<br><br>Ravion smiled to himself as he imagined the forty-nine flavors that forty-nine races must possess, some would taste bad, like the alien tentacle that mutated him, but some. Some might taste heavenly.<br><br>"I've had prolbems, I won't deny it. Is one of the races eldar?<br><br>—There is no race of that name.­—<br><br>"Are you sure? Pointy ears, stuck ups, ancient technology, like to pretend they're better than everyone else. ­"<br><br>— Replace ancient technology with ancient magic and that sounds similar to elves and dark elves. Replaces ancient technology with ancient tendencies toward bloodsucking and that sounds like vampires. Replaces ancient technology with ancient civilization and minus pointy ears and that sounds like most of the other races.­—<br><br>"Show these elves, dark elves and vampires."<br><br>—Now showing elves, dark elves and vampires­—<br><br>"I knew it.. Eldar, they even have dark eldar."<br><br>—Octopus men normally get a hatred bonus vs a race of their choice if you like I can set that to elves.—<br><br>"I hate Eldar."<br><br>—Most set their hatred to fishmen since there tend to be many racial missions against fishmen as the two races compete for territory.—<br><br>"I hate Eldar."<br><br>—Elves it is then.—<br><br>—Due to your unique appearance you may play as yourself however your mechanical left hand will have to be redesigned for use in aquatic environments and built to be powered by magic rather than electricity due to the nature of the versailles continent, it's ability will level with your character and will largely be cosmetic, is this acceptable?—<br><br>"Do octopus men have good taste buds?"<br><br>—They have one of the best senses of taste among the races of versaillles.—<br><br>"Then yes an octopusman sounds most acceptable."<br><br>—Octopusmen must start off the coast of the British Confederacy in the city of Aqua—<br><br>—Welcome to Royalroad would you like to take the tutorial?—<br><br>"Yes." </div>

Mutated Lord Captain Ravion Orpheous Laetares was bored, or so he told himself. He had thought his greed limitless, but now he controlled three star systems and because of the quality of his underlings had nothing to buy, he literally had a pile of power swords lying in his closet even with most of the weapons he found as loot going to the Orks or V'ger as pay. Now he was going to the west end of the Koronus Expanse to explore "Pulsar 484 Scran" deep in the Rifts of Hecaton. Technically dangerous but who cared. 11 the techpriest was happy because you never knew where a NOVA CANNON might be hiding. V'ger a heretical AI and effectively now a ship was happy because last time they'd explored he'd found (alien) nuclear weapons and he wanted to test them more. Buzz(ork) was happy because there's always lots of fighting when exploring "Into the warp we go" intoned Ravion from the helm of V'ger, a heavily modified Frigate. "We follow" echoed the Fuzzy Duck of the raider class. "Ere we go" echoed The Slamblasta, an Ork ship that had grown to the size of a battleship. Upon entering the warp V'ger quickly took on the familiar uncomfortable feel of warpspace. Quickly retreating to The Cat Palace to sit back and relax with his few remaining cats. Ravion Kicked back in a worn velveteen chair and stroked his chin tentacles as he pondered whether the natives of Ora tasted better than the natives of burnscour. It was 11's fault the cats were dead. He'd hijacked the Fuzzy duck and forcibly jumped through an alien warp gate. It was only natural that Ravion had to follow not to lose his ship. It had not been a pleasant journey. A blind gray tabby approached and lept up into his chair staring with his lifeless eyes into Ravion's. Eating is my only pleasure now stated Ravion simply as he stroked the cat. *12 weeks later* The warp trip was taking longer than it should have. Again. I need a better navigator thought Ravion to himself. The first time he'd thought so had been years ago, sadly good navigators were not common. *Shake* *Shake* <V'ger> speaks over the loudspeaker. "Captain we seem to be hitting a swarm of some sort of warp insects, we're going to have to leave warp in order to clean the warpshield." "Is it really necessary?" <V'ger> "I don't like being dirty." *SHalunk* sounded the ship as it left warp. Oddly instead of leaving warp in deep space they were near a solar system of some sort. <V'ger> "Passive Scans indicate 4 terrestrial planets, 4 Jovian planets and some other small hunks of rock we probably don't care about." "Suppose we might as well see if there is anything we can loot while you clean off the windshield." Responded Ravion. <V'ger> "Detecting radio waves from 3rd planet, I think they have internet access." "How foolish they must be, Demons can possess and spread easily through networks, they should probably be cleansed but I don't really care, let's see if they have anything worth looting." <V'ger> "We could test the nuclear weapons I found." "If they're Eldar. If they're human I might be able to make money off them." <V'ger> "Since there weren't any survivors of the last nuclear test when I purposefully shot the nuclear device multiple VU's away from the enemy ship I was considering simply doubling the VU's from planet earth when I fired." "I thought I gave you plenty of test subjects from Ora." <V'ger> "Results are inconclusive with small sample sizes. I ran out." "Fine if they're human you can kidnap some if you can do it discretely." <V'ger> "That sounds logical. Oh hey there's a large rock here, I'm surprised to find this considering how far outside the system we are." This earth never had a chance to discover their fourth dwarf planet *Fade to scene of a giant Frigate class ship floating over planet earth.* <V'ger> "Internet signals seem to flowing most strongly from the approximately 700 mile penninsula on the eastern side of the largest continent on the northern hemisphere. We should investigate the source? I've found a cabin on top of a mountain. It seems to be connected to the network. It isn't particularily secluded. Would you like to take an unarmed shuttle that has no defense at all and risk getting shot down by primative missiles?" "Sounds dandy. I'll wear my Space Marine armor and pack a parachute." replied Ravion Skipping through the silvery, polished, somewhat creepy hallways Ravion passed numberous Servitors as he made his way to the hanger where his unpolished and still ugly red shuttle lay unmolested by V'ger's hands. His space marine armor was rough and dented and his helmet was unusual, sporting elephant tusks. He took a single power sword and a boltpistol figuring that would probably be enough, a bit less than his usual loadup. Slamming the door the the shuttle shut he went up, took control of the grips, and hovered to the launcher where he settled into position. "Ready for launch V'ger" <V'ger> "Launching" He zipped out at the speed of plot moving quickly to the earths surface. It was a bountiful planet perfect for converting to the glory of the imperium of man and growing food on to sell. Pity that the warp in this area was so inconsistent. It wouldn't be worth converting a planet so apt to be cut off from the warp at any time. When he reached about 30,000 ft. 10 missiles came at him from the northern end of the penninsula. At 20,000 ft. 30 more missiles had come from the southern hemisphere. He'd probably have to abandon ship in 20 seconds or something he mused. By 7,000 ft. the missiles from the southern end had intercepted some of the northern missiles and blown them up. That was weird. However 3 of the northern missiles still remained. 14 or so of the southern missiles following them in tow as the edge closer to killing him. He decided this was a good time to jump, so he did. His Augers indicated he was going to hit a missile head on but he ended up passing it with a 10 ft. gap between him and the missile. Perception is hard when your traveling 800 ft/sec. 3,000 ft. now, the atmosphere had slowed him down considerably, somehow when he fell through a flock of geese one had gotten stuck in his armpit. Probably a good time to deploy his parachute. So he deployed it. Yep this goose definitely had a broken neck. Opening his helmet a crack his long mutant tongue lashed out grabbing the bird and pulling it down his gullet. He prefered food cooked but he'd settle for raw as his first taste of the native animal. It tasted better than many things he'd eaten but definitely would have tasted better cooked. The feathers in particular were annoying. {North Korea} <NK Underling> "What did we just fire at?" <NK Officer> "I don't know either, let's just say our system got hacked, I don't want responsibility for this. Let's blame America, their departments are bad at sharing information so most of them will never figure out that we just made it up." <NK Underling> "And those that do figure it out?" <NK Officer> "Look. Do you think that I'd have this position if I was smart enough to figure out the political results of saying our system got hacked. I'd have a better position ok? We're blaming America because "Blame America" is practically a buzzword here so even if it works out poorly we probably won't be punished." <NK Underling> "I'm looking through our plan files. 146 of our plans have blame America in their title line. If I search by the whole documents it's hard to find a plan that doesn't have that somewhere as part of the strategy." <NK Officer> "Use plan #46643." <Pentagon> <P Underling> "North Korea just fired over South Korean territory. They're claiming they saw something suspicious and fired on it fearing attack but after looking into their computer systems suspect sabotage by us. More importantly our missile defense system was completely successful, blocking 7 of 10 missiles with only 30 missiles." <P Officer> "That doesn't sound very successful" <P Underling> "It's election year" <P Officer> "Let's just say it was successful without mentioning how many missiles then." [Number of missiles information Redacted ] <Britain> "Will fighting North Korea help make British Natural Gas cheaper? No? Then we don't care" <South Korea> "So if they're claiming America hacked them that means they don't want to attack us right now right? Whatever then we always have to keep our guard up anyway. Besides they didn't actually blow anything up, The American Defense missiles did more damage after they ran out of gas and fell to the ground randomly then their missiles did." <China> "Yeah they tried to hack us too. Which is amusing because they build tons of their military equipment here. Don't take it too seriously." *TOP OF OFFICE BUILDING* Instead of a not particularily secluded spot on top of a mountain with a cabin nearby Ravion landed on top of a 16 story tall office building. <Ravion> "I've landed V'ger." <V'ger> "Good for you. I'm looking through your feed." Looking over the edge Ravion sees humans on the ground. <V'ger>"More Species 5618 then? I suppose I'll grab some discretely for radiation testing." A woman in a blue security outfit approached. <Security> "Hey your not allowed to be up here and what the hell are you wearing?" (In korean) <Ravion> "What say you." (Low gothic) <Security> "Your english sounds terrible, but that explains what your doing here come down customers aren't allowed on this level." <Ravion> "Your low gothic is piss." Ravion walked from the roof following the security. <Security> "Nice costume by the way, your gun looks real but no-one makes a pistols that large in that design so I know it's fake, and that sword hilt is far to decorated to belong to a real sword." <Ravion> "Erm.." Ravion wisely kept his mouth shut as he was led to an elevator. <Security> "The cosplay meetup is primarily on the main floor and in the basement so please try to stick to those areas. There should be a booth with maps." As Ravion descended the elevator which was surprisingly written in familiar syllables crappy music played from a speaker above. Then the door opened. <Random nekomimi> "Nice costume man." (Korean) *Ugh I can't understand anything* thought Ravion to himself. Wait a minute are those terminals? Behind a booth with what was clearly a cash holding device and a terminal sat a man guarding the enterance to a room full of terminals some with people sitting down and typing upon them. Ravion approached. <Cashier guy> "Hey man want to read up some on royalroad right? It's free for the first 15 minutes courtesy of the cosplay group but if you want to stay longer than that you'll have to pay." Ravion didn't understand anything the guy said so he just stood there. Cashier guy waved. Ravion walked in. Hmm I'd better find a far terminal. But naturally they were already filled up so instead he took the most obvious terminal. <V'ger> "Hook up your cable and I'll be able to hack in." Ravion searched over the computer for a human interface link cable but there wasn't the proper input for one. Looking over the back of the computer he saw numerous ports though. Pulling out his multitool he pushed it on a usb input and it whirred as it changed it's shape automatically to fit. Plugging his cable into the side of it. <V'ger> "I'm in. Give me a few minutes." *Ten minutes later* <V'ger> "I'm gonna need a couple hours but I think I'll be able to get you a credit card. The language seems to be an archaic form of low gothic so I don't think it'll take long to create a translating device since they have built in dictionaries and I knew half the words already. As of now I know approximately 60% of the 20,000 most commonly used terms. Also there seems to be a game that would be interesting to run experiments in, because it's virtual you could eat as much as you wanted there all day long and never run out of space in your stomach." <Ravion> "That sounds worth experiencing." Ravion closed his eyes to nap... *Two hours later* <V'ger> "Alright preparations are complete. When the employee asks about paying just tell him that you had him bill to room 219 as you came in and keep insisting he check it." <Cashier guy> Hey man time to pay man. <Ravion> "I had you bill to room 219 as I came in." <Cashier guy> "No way man I would remember that." <Ravion> "Just check it." <Cashier guy> "Oh wow man I'm sorry your right I guess I must have. I don't make mistakes like this often but every few months or so." <V'ger>"Go to room 219" <Ravion>"Why?" <V'ger>"There's a pod there for the Royal Road game. I want you to patch the Vox-Caster into it, and I suppose you can play if you want." Ravion pondered being able to eat as much as he wanted. "Sounds good." Ravion went ot his room with gusto, climbing over the sprawled out masses of costumed 9 through 30ish year old women and men that had come. Mostly teens. The women seemed more dresed up in costume on average than the men but there were more men than women. Stopping before room 219 it occurred to Ravion he didn't have a key. Card locks are pretty common though so he had no trouble using his multitool to break in. The interior was white, and clean, and tiny for Ravion who was used to living on kilometer long spaceships and palaces and always monopolizing the best of places, the tallest of spires, the largest of tents. It was better than some of the places he'd lived in his accidental 10 year exile though. The metal healing chamber, well that's what first came to Ravions mind, was sitting off to the side of the TV. <V'ger > "Take off your helmet. Since it has the long range vox in it, connect it using the coord and multitool making sure you attach you attach your battery supply pack, unlike your suit the vox isn't a huge energy hog so it will probably last a few months. <Ravion> Couldn't I hook up to the planetary power supply? <V'ger> "With more tools sure, with the tools you have not really." Ravion took off his suit and started hooking things up, since he was passingly familiar with electronics he eventually managed though it took him three hours of working and numerous instances of being yelled at. <V'ger> Not like that you miserable excuse for species 5618. Crawling into the pod Ravion was looking forward to eating whatever he wanted. The scan on your iris and vein has determined that you are an unregistered user. Do you want to create a new account?? "Yes" — Select the name of your avatar­— "My name is Ravion Orpheous Yorke." — Select your gender from male, female or neutral— Ravion paused here. "Is it true that women have more taste buds than boys?" —In real life women tend to be better at tasting specific bitter substances but in royalroad tastes are gender neutral although personal brain chemistry may have some effect.— "Might as well be male then." — Royal Road has forty-nine races. You may select your race from the primary twenty-nine, Given your physiology we would recommend Octopus man. You sure are ugly women must hate you.­— Ravion smiled to himself as he imagined the forty-nine flavors that forty-nine races must possess, some would taste bad, like the alien tentacle that mutated him, but some. Some might taste heavenly. "I've had prolbems, I won't deny it. Is one of the races eldar? —There is no race of that name.­— "Are you sure? Pointy ears, stuck ups, ancient technology, like to pretend they're better than everyone else. ­" — Replace ancient technology with ancient magic and that sounds similar to elves and dark elves. Replaces ancient technology with ancient tendencies toward bloodsucking and that sounds like vampires. Replaces ancient technology with ancient civilization and minus pointy ears and that sounds like most of the other races.­— "Show these elves, dark elves and vampires." —Now showing elves, dark elves and vampires­— "I knew it.. Eldar, they even have dark eldar." —Octopus men normally get a hatred bonus vs a race of their choice if you like I can set that to elves.— "I hate Eldar." —Most set their hatred to fishmen since there tend to be many racial missions against fishmen as the two races compete for territory.— "I hate Eldar." —Elves it is then.— —Due to your unique appearance you may play as yourself however your mechanical left hand will have to be redesigned for use in aquatic environments and built to be powered by magic rather than electricity due to the nature of the versailles continent, it's ability will level with your character and will largely be cosmetic, is this acceptable?— "Do octopus men have good taste buds?" —They have one of the best senses of taste among the races of versaillles.— "Then yes an octopusman sounds most acceptable." —Octopusmen must start off the coast of the British Confederacy in the city of Aqua— —Welcome to Royalroad would you like to take the tutorial?— "Yes."

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> -Sorry for the late release. Been busy with real world stuff. Should be able to make a few chapters this week unless something comes up.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You are the first player to discover Niflhel<br>You get the +100 Fame!!!<br>You also get a 10% bonus towards relations with villagers and a 10% discount on items purchased.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>I appear in a flash of light and the first thought I have is that is absolutely f****** freezing. I begin to wonder if Alfred was tricking me into becoming the mentor of the North. I also begin to get murderous thoughts about how I am going to kill him when I get out of this thing.<br><br>I look around and see a few NPC's walking around. They also appear to be wearing warm furs and seem to be in a hurry. I make a mental note that after I finish experimenting with this body to visit the tailoring guild. After I walk around and try to get used to my body in this freezing weather a message suddenly appeared.<br><br>Trring<br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">You have caught a cold!!!<br>You have a reduction of 10% of your stats and skills<br>The only way to get better is to warm up or get some soup<br>If left untreated it can lead to death</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>Ah s***. Now I have to find a place to warm up and continue my agenda. I first look around see the closest person and go up and ask them where the tailors guild is located.<br><br>The person I chose to go to is a girl who looks to be about 17-18. She has long black hair and hazel eyes. If I had to guess I would say that she is about 5"8 and the normal build for a teenager.<br><br>"Miss do you know where the Tailors guild is located? Achoo."<br><br>"Yes I do and I must say you need to dress warmer in the weather or you will surely die of cold. Why don't you come to my place first and enjoy some soup with a hot bath before you go to the tailors guild."<br><br>Should I mention that I am male now? Also why am I getting a feeling of danger from what she said? Oh well I will wait till after I get the soup.<br><br>"Almost forgot to ask miss what is your name?"<br><br>"My name is Jill. What is your name?"<br><br>"My name is Dusk"<br><br>We begin walking towards Jill's place which is surprisingly close to the square. Her house is a one story place with a 4 small rooms, 1 living room, kitchen, and out back is the outhouse with the bath connected to it. There is also a fireplace in the living room and a small closet in each room.<br><br>I don't believe I have described Niflhel yet so it looks to be a medieval city that is stuck in an ice age. There is snow everywhere. Looking around there is a castle in the distance, a tall building that looks like a cathedral, and a building that should be the library by its design. There are also plenty of ice sculptors around but they are all mostly broken or covered in snow. A truly sad sight to see all these people freezing.<br><br>Getting back to the present Jill and I are warming up by the fireplace and she is about to show me around the place after she just described the place for me. I already lost my cold after warming up by the fireplace and she shows me around the house.<br>The living room has a nice cabin feel to it and I see a small dining table that could hold at most 8 people. There is also a fireplace with chairs littered all over the area by the fire (have a feeling it will turn into a fight for the chairs later). In the first room it looks like a study with bookshelves, pens, and papers all over the place. In the second room it looked like a girls room with a bed and blankets with a few cute stuff animals in the corner. The third room looked like a guest room but there were a few instruments in the corner and a few wood carvings that look like a kid made them. In the last room is the room I assume is the master bedroom because the bed is noticeably bigger than the others and the closet was a little bigger. Lastly the kitchen was your average kitchen with a pot, pan, and other kitchen equipment you can think of.<br><br>Now going into the backyard I saw that the outhouse and the bath. Jill said that she would get some water warmed up if I get started preparing dinner. Now at this point I completely forgot about having skills and what not because it was something I did every day in the real world.<br><br>So skipping ahead a bit I prepared a pretty decent meal with the fox meat, carrots, and lettuce.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="4">Skill Has Been Developed By A Special Action!!!</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Cooking Beginner Level 4 15%<br>restores satiety, increases life, and restores stamina when eaten<br>also helps create better tasting food</td></tr><tr><td colspan="4">Handicraft Beginner Level 5 47.78%<br>increases the effect of craft skills by 25%<br>increases the damage done by fists by 25%<br>increases the damage done by melee or ranged weapons by 15%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br>I stare in shock for a few moments then I remember that skills can be generated by doing special actions. But why did it jump up so many levels? I think this through again and come to the realization that the game takes your actions like they would real experience. I must of just done what I usually would have done and it skipped up some levels.<br><br>I begin pondering the implications this could possibly have since there are a bunch of skills that I can normally do that I already have completely mastered in the real world and wonder if I can switch it into experience here. Seems like I will have a busy first few weeks in game.<br><br>Tell me anything you think I can improve or suggestions. If anyone wants to use the Assassin's Creed story for there story just try to keep it accurate with the story I am trying to write and the games if at all possible. The order will even accept rabbits if anyone wants to use the actual Assassin's Order when it has been established and in case people haven't noticed yet but this is taking place before the Serbian Witch Beads were removed from the north. I intend to while my Assassin is getting used to the North to have it set before the ice melts and then once used to it have the ice melt. </div>

-Sorry for the late release. Been busy with real world stuff. Should be able to make a few chapters this week unless something comes up. | You are the first player to discover NiflhelYou get the +100 Fame!!!You also get a 10% bonus towards relations with villagers and a 10% discount on items purchased. | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | I appear in a flash of light and the first thought I have is that is absolutely f****** freezing. I begin to wonder if Alfred was tricking me into becoming the mentor of the North. I also begin to get murderous thoughts about how I am going to kill him when I get out of this thing. I look around and see a few NPC's walking around. They also appear to be wearing warm furs and seem to be in a hurry. I make a mental note that after I finish experimenting with this body to visit the tailoring guild. After I walk around and try to get used to my body in this freezing weather a message suddenly appeared. Trring | You have caught a cold!!!You have a reduction of 10% of your stats and skillsThe only way to get better is to warm up or get some soupIf left untreated it can lead to death | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | Ah s***. Now I have to find a place to warm up and continue my agenda. I first look around see the closest person and go up and ask them where the tailors guild is located. The person I chose to go to is a girl who looks to be about 17-18. She has long black hair and hazel eyes. If I had to guess I would say that she is about 5"8 and the normal build for a teenager. "Miss do you know where the Tailors guild is located? Achoo." "Yes I do and I must say you need to dress warmer in the weather or you will surely die of cold. Why don't you come to my place first and enjoy some soup with a hot bath before you go to the tailors guild." Should I mention that I am male now? Also why am I getting a feeling of danger from what she said? Oh well I will wait till after I get the soup. "Almost forgot to ask miss what is your name?" "My name is Jill. What is your name?" "My name is Dusk" We begin walking towards Jill's place which is surprisingly close to the square. Her house is a one story place with a 4 small rooms, 1 living room, kitchen, and out back is the outhouse with the bath connected to it. There is also a fireplace in the living room and a small closet in each room. I don't believe I have described Niflhel yet so it looks to be a medieval city that is stuck in an ice age. There is snow everywhere. Looking around there is a castle in the distance, a tall building that looks like a cathedral, and a building that should be the library by its design. There are also plenty of ice sculptors around but they are all mostly broken or covered in snow. A truly sad sight to see all these people freezing. Getting back to the present Jill and I are warming up by the fireplace and she is about to show me around the place after she just described the place for me. I already lost my cold after warming up by the fireplace and she shows me around the house. The living room has a nice cabin feel to it and I see a small dining table that could hold at most 8 people. There is also a fireplace with chairs littered all over the area by the fire (have a feeling it will turn into a fight for the chairs later). In the first room it looks like a study with bookshelves, pens, and papers all over the place. In the second room it looked like a girls room with a bed and blankets with a few cute stuff animals in the corner. The third room looked like a guest room but there were a few instruments in the corner and a few wood carvings that look like a kid made them. In the last room is the room I assume is the master bedroom because the bed is noticeably bigger than the others and the closet was a little bigger. Lastly the kitchen was your average kitchen with a pot, pan, and other kitchen equipment you can think of. Now going into the backyard I saw that the outhouse and the bath. Jill said that she would get some water warmed up if I get started preparing dinner. Now at this point I completely forgot about having skills and what not because it was something I did every day in the real world. So skipping ahead a bit I prepared a pretty decent meal with the fox meat, carrots, and lettuce. | Skill Has Been Developed By A Special Action!!! | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Cooking Beginner Level 4 15%restores satiety, increases life, and restores stamina when eatenalso helps create better tasting food | | | | | Handicraft Beginner Level 5 47.78%increases the effect of craft skills by 25%increases the damage done by fists by 25%increases the damage done by melee or ranged weapons by 15% | | | | I stare in shock for a few moments then I remember that skills can be generated by doing special actions. But why did it jump up so many levels? I think this through again and come to the realization that the game takes your actions like they would real experience. I must of just done what I usually would have done and it skipped up some levels. I begin pondering the implications this could possibly have since there are a bunch of skills that I can normally do that I already have completely mastered in the real world and wonder if I can switch it into experience here. Seems like I will have a busy first few weeks in game. Tell me anything you think I can improve or suggestions. If anyone wants to use the Assassin's Creed story for there story just try to keep it accurate with the story I am trying to write and the games if at all possible. The order will even accept rabbits if anyone wants to use the actual Assassin's Order when it has been established and in case people haven't noticed yet but this is taking place before the Serbian Witch Beads were removed from the north. I intend to while my Assassin is getting used to the North to have it set before the ice melts and then once used to it have the ice melt.

<div class="chapter-inner chapter-content"> Necromancer<br>A Royal Road Fan Fiction<br>By: Halosty<br>Chapter 28<br><br> Angela was in a bad mood the next day. Mortimer thought he understood, because although he had never been killed by party members, he knew dying to a player wasn’t fun. Of course, one reason Mortimer had never been killed by party members is that he had never been in a party with someone who was a player killer. In fact, he just hadn’t been in a party.<br><br> Mortimer avoided Angela for the rest of the day. She seemed to be doing perfectly fine brooding on her own. In class, Mortimer just actually paid attention to the teacher, and at lunchtime he made himself scarce.<br><br> Finally, when they were at home, Angela suddenly cried out, “I’ve got it!”<br><br> Mortimer figured he was supposed to ask, so he did, “Got what?”<br><br> “The premise for my guild! Now I just have to gather some more people… and get the fee for creating a guild.”<br><br> “That’s great,” said Mortimer. He figured she could use some encouragement.<br><br> “You’ll join right?”<br><br> “...Sure.”<br><br> “Good, good. I have some planning to do. I’ll see you later!”<br><br> Mortimer was happy that she was out of her bad mood, but he wasn’t exactly sure why. For some reason, he got a bad feeling.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Mortimer spent more time training with Master Valarao. It was intense, painful, and technically deadly, but he felt that he learned some. He wasn’t really sure if he really had, but he would try some things out in Royal Road, to see if he could really do them. Even though Master Valarao was apparently at the same physical level as him here, Mortimer couldn’t keep up with his movements, and his attacks were full of power. Mortimer was glad to have someone strong to learn from, although he almost wished Master Valarao were a little bit weaker so he could feel he had a chance of even scratching him.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus logged on well before Angelo and the rest would be able to log back on. He had some things he needed to do beforehand.<br><br> First, he went to get things identified. Of the things the boss dropped, there was only one thing immediately useful to him. Interestingly enough, he had trouble getting it identified. Not because it was hard to identify, but because he couldn’t get it out of his bag. This was the floating translucent ring, and he couldn’t touch it. He had to use soul bind on it again, since it appeared to have worn off. Once identified, it had some interesting properties.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Spirit ring<br><br>Durability: N/A <br><br>This ring has no physical form. It is full of the lingering memories of The Angry Foreman and his workers. He and his men were killed when the mine collapsed and trapped them inside. Now, they are trapped in this ring.<br><br>Equip:<br>+10% damage (and pain) to those who have injured the wearer of the ring, or their friends. Effect stacks for each member affected.<br>+40 Sadism<br><br>Special: Cannot be equipped, unless manifested into physical form<br><br>Requirements:<br>Must have the Sadism stat.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> This ring seemed like it would be pretty useful… although it seemed likely he would have to use Soul Bind to activate it.<br><br> As he was about to leave, he remembered one more thing. His dagger. After it was finally identified, he looked at its stats.<br><br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Sacrificial Dagger of the Apprentice<br><br>Durability: 20/100<br><br>Damage: 45-64<br><br>Rumors have it that this dagger was given to the apprentice of a powerful necromancer. However, the apprentice died before gaining enough power to be as strong as his master.<br><br>This dagger contains some of his lingering magic. It allows the weapon to repair its own durability when soaked in blood. It can also increase in strength when bathed in the blood of strong enemies.<br><br>Special: Causes bleeding damage with every hit, based on the damage dealt.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus now understood why his dagger had still been useful even as he increased in level. More so, he understood why it had not needed repairs before. It did now, however, since he had mostly been fighting ghosts. A dagger that got stronger would always be useful… as long as he used it. Plus, the bleeding damage worked well with his sadism stat.<br><br> Next Quietus went to the town hall. He went up to a person who looked like a receptionist. “Hello, I’ve cleared the Moaning Mines. I’m here to collect my reward.”<br><br> “Ha! That’s a good one. What did you do, kill everything once? It’ll never be clear. What are you actually here for?”<br><br> “I’ve cleared it. The ghosts won’t be coming back.”<br><br> The receptionist looked at him. “Seriously? That’s… but you don’t seem to be lying. Let me send you to the mayor. He’ll need to know.”<br><br> In the mayor’s office, Quietus was also met by some skepticism. “Many people have claimed to clear the mine before, only to have the ghosts return the next day. Why should you be any different?”<br><br> Quietus thought about this. He assumed he was obviously different because he’d gotten a quest saying he cleared the mines. “What would prove to you that the ghosts are gone for good?”<br><br> “The ghosts had some unsolved lingering anguish. They could not be set free until their hatred was quenched. Tell me, what held them to this world?”<br> Quietus shifted a bit awkwardly. Technically, the ghosts still hadn’t been set free. “Well, they were afraid of being trapped in the mine collapse. They couldn’t fight it, so they couldn’t be at peace.”<br><br> “Oh? Nobody else had heard about the mine collapse. It just so happens that I do believe you, though, because the mine has been clear and stayed that way. We received reports that it appeared to be clear three days ago.”<br><br> “Yes, that about the time that I finished.”<br><br> “Hmm, good. We do actually have a reward prepared.” He pulled a sheet of paper out of his desk. “It’s not worth much now, but once we get the mines up and running again, with better safety precautions, it should be worth quite a bit.”<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>You have completed a quest!<br><br>Level up!<br><br>Fame +100<br><br>Public Service in Twinsburg Heights is now 1st</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> Quietus took the piece of paper.<br><br><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="max-width: 100%; overflow:auto"><table><tbody><tr><td>Partial Stake in the Twinsburg Heights Mines<br><br>5% of the proceeds from the Twinsburg Heights Mines shall go to the owner of this stake. It is possible to set up a deposit of funds into an account so that the stakeholder need not collect the proceeds in person.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><br><br> “Thank you very much.”<br><br> “No, thank you. Our best source of prosperity has been regained, so our city can now grow again. Perhaps we will even be able to fill up all the empty houses we have.”<br><br> Quietus hadn’t noticed a lack of people… but he also hadn’t noticed an abundance. The places he had visited, the Assassin’s guild and the morgue, seemed prosperous enough, but they weren’t really a good judge of the overall state of the city.<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus was waiting. He could be pretty patient if he needed to. This time, he was waiting in a tree. Then, he heard someone talk.<br><br> “What? Where am I?”<br><br> Quietus had been disappointed that he couldn’t restrain Abaddon during his death. Still, Abaddon shouldn’t be trouble for Quietus if he played his cards right.<br><br> This time, he summoned two spectral hands on either side of Abaddon. They took turns firing at him, and it was disorienting enough after just logging in that he wasn’t prepared for it. When he was just below half health, Quietus went in and fought him using his dagger and some of Master Valarao’s techniques.<br><br> Although he had to dodge some fireballs, Quietus still managed to break Abaddon’s wrist with his left hand, and stab him with the right. Then he disabled Abaddon’s limbs one by one, until he couldn’t move around or cast spells properly. Quietus would have probably done some more, but Abaddon bled to death fairly quickly after that. Not before being Soul Bound again, of course.<br><br> Quietus was okay with that, because he had something else he had to do. Of course, not before he looted Abaddon again. This time he got a ring with 5% mana regeneration increase. Not bad. He would use that.<br><br> He sent a message. “Hey, meet me in the town square. I found some stuff you can have.”<br><br>--------------------------<br><br> Quietus dumped all of his loot into Angelo’s arms. “I found this stuff and I don’t like talking to people and selling stuff. Some of it looked like you might be able to use it. So, take it. Also,” he pulled out the paper he had received earlier, “I do kind of want this, but you should take it to help your guild.”<br><br> “You’re joining the guild, too, you know.” Angelo looked at the paper. “Err…”<br><br> “The mines are clear so they’re going to start mining again.”<br><br> “Oh! Thanks, this is probably worth a lot. I’m not going to ask if you’re sure you want to give it to me, because then you might change your mind.”<br><br> “Good choice.”<br><br> “So… where’d you find all this other stuff? Some of it looks… familiar.”<br><br> “I found all of that on the ground.”<br><br> “On something… or someone… you killed?”<br><br> “Nope, it was all just lying there.” Quietus could say that, because Abaddon hadn’t managed to pick up any of the items Angelo and the others had dropped. Technically he hadn’t killed The Forsaken Foreman either. Abaddon’s stuff he had kept- just a robe he wasn’t sure if he would ever use, and the ring he had just gotten.<br><br> “Interesting… I didn’t tell you what happened, but my party and I were killed by the magician who had been in our group. I think some of this stuff was ours.”<br><br> “Well, maybe he didn’t want it. Some people are crazy.”<br><br> “... Right. I somehow doubt he didn’t want it though.”<br><br> “Well, I’ve gotta go turn in a quest I have. I’ll see you later, cousin.”<br><br> “Bye! Thanks for the pile of stuff!”<br><br> Quietus then left the conversation that had been becoming more awkward behind. He still had his actual quest to turn in… and he needed to buy a big bag. Maybe he should visit the guild again...<br><br>End Chapter 28<br><br>Previous Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1303&amp;p=7688#p7688"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1303&amp;p=7688#p7688&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt;<br>Next Chapter: &lt;!-- l --&gt;&lt;a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1338"&gt;viewtopic.php?f=47&amp;t=1338&lt;/a&gt;&lt;!-- l --&gt; </div>

Necromancer A Royal Road Fan Fiction By: Halosty Chapter 28 Angela was in a bad mood the next day. Mortimer thought he understood, because although he had never been killed by party members, he knew dying to a player wasn’t fun. Of course, one reason Mortimer had never been killed by party members is that he had never been in a party with someone who was a player killer. In fact, he just hadn’t been in a party. Mortimer avoided Angela for the rest of the day. She seemed to be doing perfectly fine brooding on her own. In class, Mortimer just actually paid attention to the teacher, and at lunchtime he made himself scarce. Finally, when they were at home, Angela suddenly cried out, “I’ve got it!” Mortimer figured he was supposed to ask, so he did, “Got what?” “The premise for my guild! Now I just have to gather some more people… and get the fee for creating a guild.” “That’s great,” said Mortimer. He figured she could use some encouragement. “You’ll join right?” “...Sure.” “Good, good. I have some planning to do. I’ll see you later!” Mortimer was happy that she was out of her bad mood, but he wasn’t exactly sure why. For some reason, he got a bad feeling. -------------------------- Mortimer spent more time training with Master Valarao. It was intense, painful, and technically deadly, but he felt that he learned some. He wasn’t really sure if he really had, but he would try some things out in Royal Road, to see if he could really do them. Even though Master Valarao was apparently at the same physical level as him here, Mortimer couldn’t keep up with his movements, and his attacks were full of power. Mortimer was glad to have someone strong to learn from, although he almost wished Master Valarao were a little bit weaker so he could feel he had a chance of even scratching him. -------------------------- Quietus logged on well before Angelo and the rest would be able to log back on. He had some things he needed to do beforehand. First, he went to get things identified. Of the things the boss dropped, there was only one thing immediately useful to him. Interestingly enough, he had trouble getting it identified. Not because it was hard to identify, but because he couldn’t get it out of his bag. This was the floating translucent ring, and he couldn’t touch it. He had to use soul bind on it again, since it appeared to have worn off. Once identified, it had some interesting properties. | Spirit ringDurability: N/A This ring has no physical form. It is full of the lingering memories of The Angry Foreman and his workers. He and his men were killed when the mine collapsed and trapped them inside. Now, they are trapped in this ring.Equip:+10% damage (and pain) to those who have injured the wearer of the ring, or their friends. Effect stacks for each member affected.+40 SadismSpecial: Cannot be equipped, unless manifested into physical formRequirements:Must have the Sadism stat. | | --- | This ring seemed like it would be pretty useful… although it seemed likely he would have to use Soul Bind to activate it. As he was about to leave, he remembered one more thing. His dagger. After it was finally identified, he looked at its stats. | Sacrificial Dagger of the ApprenticeDurability: 20/100Damage: 45-64Rumors have it that this dagger was given to the apprentice of a powerful necromancer. However, the apprentice died before gaining enough power to be as strong as his master.This dagger contains some of his lingering magic. It allows the weapon to repair its own durability when soaked in blood. It can also increase in strength when bathed in the blood of strong enemies.Special: Causes bleeding damage with every hit, based on the damage dealt. | | --- | Quietus now understood why his dagger had still been useful even as he increased in level. More so, he understood why it had not needed repairs before. It did now, however, since he had mostly been fighting ghosts. A dagger that got stronger would always be useful… as long as he used it. Plus, the bleeding damage worked well with his sadism stat. Next Quietus went to the town hall. He went up to a person who looked like a receptionist. “Hello, I’ve cleared the Moaning Mines. I’m here to collect my reward.” “Ha! That’s a good one. What did you do, kill everything once? It’ll never be clear. What are you actually here for?” “I’ve cleared it. The ghosts won’t be coming back.” The receptionist looked at him. “Seriously? That’s… but you don’t seem to be lying. Let me send you to the mayor. He’ll need to know.” In the mayor’s office, Quietus was also met by some skepticism. “Many people have claimed to clear the mine before, only to have the ghosts return the next day. Why should you be any different?” Quietus thought about this. He assumed he was obviously different because he’d gotten a quest saying he cleared the mines. “What would prove to you that the ghosts are gone for good?” “The ghosts had some unsolved lingering anguish. They could not be set free until their hatred was quenched. Tell me, what held them to this world?” Quietus shifted a bit awkwardly. Technically, the ghosts still hadn’t been set free. “Well, they were afraid of being trapped in the mine collapse. They couldn’t fight it, so they couldn’t be at peace.” “Oh? Nobody else had heard about the mine collapse. It just so happens that I do believe you, though, because the mine has been clear and stayed that way. We received reports that it appeared to be clear three days ago.” “Yes, that about the time that I finished.” “Hmm, good. We do actually have a reward prepared.” He pulled a sheet of paper out of his desk. “It’s not worth much now, but once we get the mines up and running again, with better safety precautions, it should be worth quite a bit.” | You have completed a quest!Level up!Fame +100Public Service in Twinsburg Heights is now 1st | | --- | Quietus took the piece of paper. | Partial Stake in the Twinsburg Heights Mines5% of the proceeds from the Twinsburg Heights Mines shall go to the owner of this stake. It is possible to set up a deposit of funds into an account so that the stakeholder need not collect the proceeds in person. | | --- | “Thank you very much.” “No, thank you. Our best source of prosperity has been regained, so our city can now grow again. Perhaps we will even be able to fill up all the empty houses we have.” Quietus hadn’t noticed a lack of people… but he also hadn’t noticed an abundance. The places he had visited, the Assassin’s guild and the morgue, seemed prosperous enough, but they weren’t really a good judge of the overall state of the city. -------------------------- Quietus was waiting. He could be pretty patient if he needed to. This time, he was waiting in a tree. Then, he heard someone talk. “What? Where am I?” Quietus had been disappointed that he couldn’t restrain Abaddon during his death. Still, Abaddon shouldn’t be trouble for Quietus if he played his cards right. This time, he summoned two spectral hands on either side of Abaddon. They took turns firing at him, and it was disorienting enough after just logging in that he wasn’t prepared for it. When he was just below half health, Quietus went in and fought him using his dagger and some of Master Valarao’s techniques. Although he had to dodge some fireballs, Quietus still managed to break Abaddon’s wrist with his left hand, and stab him with the right. Then he disabled Abaddon’s limbs one by one, until he couldn’t move around or cast spells properly. Quietus would have probably done some more, but Abaddon bled to death fairly quickly after that. Not before being Soul Bound again, of course. Quietus was okay with that, because he had something else he had to do. Of course, not before he looted Abaddon again. This time he got a ring with 5% mana regeneration increase. Not bad. He would use that. He sent a message. “Hey, meet me in the town square. I found some stuff you can have.” -------------------------- Quietus dumped all of his loot into Angelo’s arms. “I found this stuff and I don’t like talking to people and selling stuff. Some of it looked like you might be able to use it. So, take it. Also,” he pulled out the paper he had received earlier, “I do kind of want this, but you should take it to help your guild.” “You’re joining the guild, too, you know.” Angelo looked at the paper. “Err…” “The mines are clear so they’re going to start mining again.” “Oh! Thanks, this is probably worth a lot. I’m not going to ask if you’re sure you want to give it to me, because then you might change your mind.” “Good choice.” “So… where’d you find all this other stuff? Some of it looks… familiar.” “I found all of that on the ground.” “On something… or someone… you killed?” “Nope, it was all just lying there.” Quietus could say that, because Abaddon hadn’t managed to pick up any of the items Angelo and the others had dropped. Technically he hadn’t killed The Forsaken Foreman either. Abaddon’s stuff he had kept- just a robe he wasn’t sure if he would ever use, and the ring he had just gotten. “Interesting… I didn’t tell you what happened, but my party and I were killed by the magician who had been in our group. I think some of this stuff was ours.” “Well, maybe he didn’t want it. Some people are crazy.” “... Right. I somehow doubt he didn’t want it though.” “Well, I’ve gotta go turn in a quest I have. I’ll see you later, cousin.” “Bye! Thanks for the pile of stuff!” Quietus then left the conversation that had been becoming more awkward behind. He still had his actual quest to turn in… and he needed to buy a big bag. Maybe he should visit the guild again... End Chapter 28 Previous Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1303&p=7688#p7688">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1303&p=7688#p7688</a><!-- l --> Next Chapter: <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.royalroadl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1338">viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1338</a><!-- l -->